temple (Buddhist)Asakusa (department store)
Sensoji Temple（Sensoji-Temple)
first shrine visit of New Yearstrolling on the street
It is the head temple of the Sho-Kannon sect, and its mountain name is Kinryuzan. The temple is also known as Asakusa Kannon (Goddess of Mercy). 628 (36th year of Emperor Suiko’s reign), brothers Hamanari and Takenari Hinokuma, who were fishing in the Miyatogawa River (downstream of the Sumida River), obtained a statue of Kannon from the water, which was then enshrined in the Kusa Hall. When the Tokugawa Shogunate was established in Edo (present-day Tokyo), the temple became a place of prayer for the Tokugawa Shogunate and flourished, attracting the faith of the general public. Many buildings were destroyed by fire in air raids during World War II, but were rebuilt after the war, including the Kaminarimon Gate and the five-story pagoda, making it one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions. Along the approach from Kaminarimon to Hozomon is the famous Nakamise, where many stores line the street, creating the “Monzenmachi” (gate town).
Spot OutlineOutline
| address (e.g. of house) | 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo |
|---|---|
| Access | 5 minutes from Tobu Line, Tsukuba Express and Asakusa Subway Station |
| phone | 03-3842-0181 |
| Business Hours | 6:00 – 17:00 (opening hours/opening at 6:30 from October to March) |
| regular closing day | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| External Links | |
| Founding and opening of business | 628 (36th year of Emperor Suiko’s reign) |
