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 Tokyo’s
oldest and most revered Buddhist temple and site of many pilgrimages and
tourist visits for many centuries, the Sensoji Tample, also known as the
Asakusa Kannon, was built in 628AD to house the golden statuette of the
Kannon Boddhisattva (Goddess of Mercy.)
According to popular lore, two brothers fishing in the nearby Sumida
River caught the surprise of their lives when they drew in tangled in
their nets -- a tiny golden statue of Kannon. It is believed that Kannon,
the Buddhist goddess of mercy and happiness, is empowered with the
ability to release humans from all suffering. To this day, people flock
in front if the huge incense burner in front of the temple which is
believed to release smoke with healing powers.
Though the statue itself is not actually shown to the public,
worshippers have continued to flock here seeking favors of Kannon; and
when Sensoji Temple burned down during a 1945 bombing raid, the present
structure was rebuilt with donations by the Japanese people.
 The
temple and its five-storey pagoda are concrete re-constructions, but the
temple precincts are nevertheless always filled with faithful
worshippers and curious tourists.
The very colorful Nakamise Dori, a pedestrian lane leading to the
shrine, is lined with traditional shops and souvenir stands hawking
different kinds of tourist keepsakes. The nearby Demboin Garden remains
an insider's favorite as a peaceful oasis away from the bustling crowds.
Another very impressive part of the Temple complex is the Kaminarimon
(Thunder Gate) which is known for its enormous red paper lantern and
fierce looking guardian statues.
This area was the center of Shitamachi (downtown) during the Edo period,
and the streets, shops and restaurants surrounding the temple still
preserve something of the flavor and atmosphere of old Edo. The great
Sanja festival takes place annually in Asakusa on the third weekend in
May. Over one hundred mikoshi (portable shrines) are paraded through the
streets, accompanied by great celebration and huge crowds.
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