“I place my trust in Bodhisattva Kannon.” This chant echoes in my mind as we approach Senso-ji. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple. It’s dedicated to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. She embodies the mercy of all Buddhas.
Legend says that in 628 AD two brothers found a Kannon statue in the Sumida River. They returned it to the river, but it always came back. Thus, Senso-ji was built nearby to honor Kannon. Construction finished in 645 AD. This makes it Tokyo’s oldest temple.
Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Senso-ji as the temple for shogunate prayers in 1590. The belief in Kannon spread among common people during the Edo Period. Asakusa became Edo’s cultural center. Today, Senso-ji draws 30 million worshippers yearly.
The Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate dominates the entrance. This gate features a massive paper lantern painted with thunderclouds and lightning. The first gate was built in 941 AD. Taira no Kinmasa built it. Konosuke Matsushita rebuilt the current gate in 1960 after a fire.
Four statues reside in the Kaminarimon. Fūjin the wind god is on the east. Raijin the thunder god is on the west. Tenryū a Buddhist god is on the east. Kinryū a goddess is on the west. A giant red lantern hangs in the gate’s center. It displays the name Kaminarimon.
Beyond the Kaminarimon is Nakamise-dori. This street leads to the Hōzōmon or Treasure House Gate. Nakamise-dori has many shops. They sell traditional goods. Nakamise-dori came about in the early 12th century. Neighbors were granted permission to set up shops.
The Hōzōmon is a two-story gate. The second story houses many of Senso-ji’s treasures. The first story has statues lanterns and sandals. Taira no Kinmasa first built the Hōzōmon in 942 AD. Tokugawa Iemitsu rebuilt it in 1636. Yonetarō Motoya rebuilt it in 1964 with flame-resistant materials.
Two guardian statues of Niō stand on either side of the gate’s south face. A red chōchin hangs under the gate’s center. It displays the town name Kobunachō. Two straw sandals called waraji are on the gate’s east face.
The Main Hall is devoted to Kannon. Shokai decided to hide the Kannon statue from view in 645. It has been stored in a miniature temple with multiple locks since then.
The Five-Storied Pagoda was first built in 942. Taira no Kinmasa originally built it. It was rebuilt in 1973 with donations. Busshari or Buddha’s ashes were gifted from Sri Lanka.
Sanja Matsuri is Tokyo’s largest festival. It takes place in late spring. Streets close to traffic.
As you explore Senso-ji remember its history. Two fishermen found a statue. Now, millions visit this temple each year. Senso-ji stands as a symbol of rebirth and peace.