Today, let’s begin with blessings at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples.
✨ Legend of its origin
In 628, two fishermen brothers discovered a statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, in the Sumida River. No matter how many times they returned it, the statue reappeared. Their village chief, Haji no Nakatomo, built a temple to enshrine it—thus, Senso-ji was born.
✨ Growth and importance
During the Edo period (1603–1868), Senso-ji thrived under the patronage of the Tokugawa shogunate. The temple became a center of faith and culture, surrounded by bustling markets and theaters. Today, it welcomes tens of millions of visitors every year.
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What you will see and do at Senso-ji
📍 Kaminarimon Gate
The famous Thunder Gate with its giant red lantern, guarded by the gods of wind and thunder.
🍡 Nakamise-dori Street
A 250-year-old shopping street filled with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and colorful energy.
💧 Temizuya Purification
Purify hands and mouth with ladles of water before entering the sacred grounds.
🪔 Incense Burner (Jokoro)
Light incense and waft the smoke toward yourself for health, luck, and protection.
🙏 Main Hall
Enshrining Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Worshippers follow the ritual: toss a 5-yen coin, bow twice, clap twice, make a wish, and bow once more.
🎐 Omikuji Fortune Slips
Draw a fortune—keep the lucky ones, tie the unlucky ones to racks to leave bad luck behind.
🌸 Five-storied Pagoda
Standing 53 meters tall, rebuilt in 1973 after WWII. Inside are Buddha relics gifted from Thailand, symbolizing a deep spiritual connection between the two nations. Illuminated at night, it is a breathtaking sight of peace and faith.