Asakusa...

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An absolutely sweltering day today, decided to wander up the road to Asakusa again to have a proper look, and find out about Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest established temple.

The origins of Asakusa Kannon and Senso-ji Temple...

According to the legend about the origin of Senso-ji Temple, two fishermen, Hinokuma Hamanari and his brother Takenari, discovered an image of Kannon (the Buddhist goddess of mercy) in the Sumida River in 628, and together with the headman of their village Haji-no-Nakatomo, built a hall to worship the image. Twenty years later, the Buddhist priest Shokai erected a Kannon temple at this spot. In March 1945, during World War II, the temple was burned down in an air raid and then reconstructed in 1958. Formally named Kinryuzan Senso-ji, but better known as Asakusa Kannon, it is the oldest established temple in the Tokyo area.

The Asakusa district has flourished, with the temple as its focal point, since the Edo period. The town is still visited by crowds of worshippers 365 days a year, who come to pay their respects at the popular Asakusa Kannon.

The Komagata-do Hall marks the exact spot where the Kannon image was discovered, according to the temple's legend. Beside the hall is the Asakusa Kannon Kaisatsu Monument, with an engraved message asking people to refrain from killing animals or fishing in the vicinity to honour the appearance of Kannon.

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Photos

"Golden Flame"
The 'Asahi Breweries' building

Kaminarimon Gate
The main gate of Senso-ji Temple. The deity on the right is Fujin, the god of wind, and the one on the left is Raijin, the god of thunder. It is formally called the Furaijinnmon. The year in which it was built is unknown.

Street between Kaminarimon and Hozomon
The street between the two, massive gates is lined with market stalls.

Street between Kaminarimon and Hozomon
The street is completely straight, and you can just see Kannon-do Hall from Kaminarimon Gate.

Street between Kaminarimon and Hozomon
This is a really busy place, any time of the week. Popular with tourists too.

Street between Kaminarimon and Hozomon
Towards Kannon-do Hall, at this end you can see Hozomon Gate at the end a bit clearer.

Hozomon Gate
The two-storied gate to Senso-ji Temple. The original gate called the Niomon, erected in 942, was lost in a fire, but re-erected as the Hozomon in 1964.

Five-storied Pagoda at Senso-ji Temple
The original pagoda was erected by Taira-no-Kinmasa in 942. It was subsequently destroyed by fire, and was reconstructed in 1648 by Lemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun. The temple suffered more damage in another fire in 1945 during World War II. In 1973 it was reconstructed, using new technology which uses reinforced concrete and steel frames.

Kannon-do Hall (main building of Senso-ji)
The current building has the same shape as the old one which was lost in a fire in World War II. The Kannon image is enshrined at the centre.

Kannon-do Hall (main building of Senso-ji)
Senso-ji is famous for the giant lantern, approximately thirty feet high, that hangs above the entrance.

Kannon-do Hall (main building of Senso-ji)
That is a big lantern !!!

Kannon-do Hall (main building of Senso-ji)
The view back from under the giant lantern to Hozomon Gate.

Kannon-do Hall (main building of Senso-ji)
Looking back from under the lantern, you can just see through Hozomon Gate, down the street of market stalls, and back to Kaminarimon Gate.

Market stalls
Paper lanterns and keyrings with good luck symbols.

Market stalls
Paper lanterns and keyrings with good luck symbols.

Market stalls
Samurai swords and flintlock pistols make great souvenirs, but try taking them through customs...

Market stalls
Japanes name tags, painted or carved onto wood.

Senso-ji Temple
Buddha statue.

Senso-ji Temple
Waterfall in gardens.

Senso-ji Temple
Some massive Coy Carp in the waters of the gardens...

Yogo-do Hall
Just next to Kannon-do Hall at Senso-ji.

Comments

[ian]

t-shirt
If you get down to kamakura pick up a t-shirt for me - mine got worn out and I don't think I'll get back again in the near future - it's a long way from Pill

[Pat tichborne]

Photos
Adam Love all your photos must be a wonderful experience. Kind Regards..........Pat ( Reception )