Here is Sensoji Temple. Famous traveler’s destination in Tokyo and near from Sumida River.
Here is lit up during Sakura season. So I went there.
Here is famous Kaminarimon. Its name means Gate of Thunder. Always crowded!!
Here is Nakamise Shotengai (Nakamise Shopping Street). So many souvenir shops and food shops.
At the end of Nakamise Shotengai, Hozomon Gate appears. Sakura is on the left.
There are many food stalls in front of Hozomon Gate.
Hozomon Gate with Five – storied pagoda.
Closer. It has dignity!
Huge lantern.
Powerful statues of Kongorikishi(Nio). They are often located at gate of buddhism temple as guardian.
This is “Un-gyou” type. He is closing his mouth.
This is “A-gyou” type. He is opening his mouth.
Main temple of Sensoji.
I wrote about Sensoji.
On March 3rd in 623 A.C,(Asuka period during Emperor Suiko), fisherman brothers Hinokumano Hamanari, Takenari discovered Holy Kannon Bosatsu during fishing at Edoura(now Sumida River).
In 645 A.C, St.Shokai came here and built Kannondo temple. Then,during sleeping, St.Shokai got annunciation to designate Kannon Bosatsu as seacret buddha. Since then, Kannon Bosatsu at Sensoji temple has been secret buddha. It has never shown.
Sensoji temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and about 30 million people visit in a year.
During worship, please pray your hands with Gassho(uniting hands palm) in silent and chant 南無観世音菩薩 (namukanzeon bosatsu). It means “I believe Knnon Bosatu”. ＊Please do not clap your hands. Because clapping is Shinto way. Here is buddhism temple.
Kannon Bosatsu is the most merciful buddha. Kannon Bosatsu gets rid of suffering from people and grants their hope.
Sakura and Tokyo Skytree. But this Sakura is fake.
After dark.
Tokyo Skytree was lit up. Collaboration of tradition and technology.
Hozomon Gate and Five – storied pagoda from back. Can you see large waraji (Japanese traditional sandal made with straw) put on gate?? Size is length 4.5ｍ,width 1.5m, 400kg. It is for talisman. Devils think “Is here huge parson who wear large waraji like this?? Here is dangerous!”. And they leave here. This waraji was dedicate by Murayama City, Yamagata Prefecture.
There is birth place of Kongorikishi un-gyo creator Kyusaku Muraoka. Here is opposite side of Kongorikishi un-gyo.
Nakamise again. Many people take photos here.
Close up of Hozomon gate.
After closing Nakamise, shutter arts are appeared. Please check it too!
During daytime, Asakusa is crazy crowded.
But at night, there are few people even though Sakura period.
To visit at evening or night is one of good way to enjoy Sensoji temple freely.
*Shops and main temple closes at 5:00 PM.
Information
Tripod is not prohibited. But it should be used with maximum attention. Daytime is dangerous,so I think it should be restricted during night.
Location:2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
Nearest Station: Asakusa Station / Tobu Isesaki Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line
Open: April to December 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, January to March 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee : Free
URL : Sensoji (English, Chinese, Korean)
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Sakura 2016, Sumida River
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