Tokyo Attractions｜Three Visits to Tokyo's Oldest Kannon Temple—Sensoji Temple

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Attractions: Kinryuzan Sensoji Temple 📍Address: No. 3-1, Asakusa 2-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan 🕰️Business hours: Main hall 06:00-17:00 (opening time extended to 06:30 from October to March) 💞Recommended reasons: Sensoji Temple is said to have been founded in 628 AD and has a history of over 1,000 years. It is the oldest temple in Tokyo. It takes about 3 minutes to walk from Asakusa Station to the first gate of Sensoji Temple, which is also a popular check-in spot, the "Kaminarimon". It is a large red lantern that is 3.9 meters high and 3.3 meters in diameter. The "dragon carving" at the bottom of the large lantern is also quite exquisite. Walking inside is Japan's oldest shopping street "Nakamise-dori", with all kinds of Japanese confectionery, desserts, antiques, souvenirs and gifts on both sides. Transportation tips: Get off at Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line; Get off at Asakusa Station on the Toei Subway Asakusa Line; Get off at Asakusa Station on the Tobu Railway Isesaki Line; Get off at Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express Line. Among them, Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line is closest to Kaminarimon. If time permits, don't come on holidays. Crowds of people continued to pour into Sensoji Temple, and long queues formed at popular stores. After passing through the second gate, the Hozomon Gate, you officially enter the worship area of ​​Sensoji Temple. The Hozomon Gate enshrines the Buddhist guardian deity, Nio Kongo. On the inside, there are huge straw sandals, 4.5 meters long, hung on each side. It is said that they were made according to the size of Nio God. As long as they are hung, the invasion of demons and monsters can be avoided, which is meant to "ward off evil spirits." Before entering Sensoji Temple, don't forget to scoop the smoke from the large incense burner (こうろ) onto yourself and pray for good health. The main hall is also called the Guanyin Hall. A large lantern with a diameter of 4.5 meters is hung at the entrance of the main hall, which is larger than the lantern at the "Kaminarimon Gate". The main statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva is solemn and majestic, with a "dragon picture" painted in the center of the ceiling and "celestial maidens scattering flowers" on the left and right sides. The beautiful, magnificent and charming ceiling paintings have extremely high artistic value, but unfortunately photography is prohibited. Another important attraction is the "Five-Storied Pagoda", a Buddhist building found in many Buddhist temples. It is about 53 meters from the ground, equivalent to an 18-story building. It is said that the relics of "Shakyamuni Buddha" are enshrined on the top of the pagoda. There are many famous delicacies around Sensoji Temple, such as Monaka mochi, Kibi dango, fried meat cake, Ningyoyaki, pineapple bread and Dorayaki. There are many delicious restaurants in Denin-in-do and the alleys. The Azuma Bridge, which is within walking distance, is a good place to enjoy the scenery around the Sumida River. It is very suitable for a day trip.