Drawn by the rhythmic chiming, do you feel transported back to ancient Tokyo standing before this \u4ecf\u50cf? Temples and shrines are spiritual retreats. They display gorgeous architecture and design. Tokyo is in many ways the capital of temples and shrines in Japan. They stand on almost every street corner.
Let’s explore some of Tokyo’s most important temples. We will discover the stories woven into their very foundations.
Consider Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. It is the oldest temple in Tokyo and among the most visited. Sensoji Temple features unique architecture. Shops and stalls surround it. This Buddhist temple houses Tanuki Temple. Raccoon-dog spirits protect homes and businesses. They also bring good luck. Sensoji Temple was built in 628. It is known for its imposing red gate and five-story pagoda. It provides a feel of old Tokyo.
Imagine Hinokuma Hamanari and his brother Takenari. They were fishing in the Sumida River early one morning in 628. They found a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva in their net. Haji no Nakatomo, the village headman, recognized the statue. He devoted himself to Buddhism. Haji no Nakatomo turned his house into a temple. He spent his life worshipping Kannon.
Buddhist priest Shokai built a hall for Kannon in 645. Following a dream, Shokai hid the statue. It has remained never unveiled. Asakusa was a small fishing village. It grew as people came to worship.
Ennin, head priest of Enryaku-ji, visited Senso-ji in the mid-ninth century. He created a statue identical to the main image. It could be shown rarely to the public. The Shoguns showed great devotion to Senso-ji during the Kamakura Period. Military leaders and literati followed their example. The temple’s importance increased.
Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Senso-ji as the temple for shogunate prayers in 1590. Successive Tokugawa Shoguns often visited Senso-ji. Belief in Kannon spread among common people during the Edo Period. As Edo became the world’s largest city, Asakusa became its cultural center. Today, Asakusa is a pop culture center for theater, movies, music, and vaudeville. Senso-ji is also called Asakusa Kannon.
Consider Meiji Jingu Shrine. It is among the most visited Shinto shrines in Japan. It offers 170 acres of evergreen forest and monuments to past royalty. The temple was built in 1920. It is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It plays a vital role in local public life. A New Year festival brings over 3 million visitors. Weddings, celebrations, festivals and rituals are also held here.
Then there is Tennoji Temple. It offers a scenic location among a wooded cemetery. Cherry trees line the path. This temple is over 800 years old. Landscaped gardens surround it. There are concrete structures and a giant gate. A huge bronze Buddha is at prayer. This was once the site of Tokyo’s biggest lottery. Today, it is a place of natural tranquillity.
Or Toshogu Shrine in Ueno Park. It dates back to 1627. It enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu. This temple is richly decorated with gold. It is called the “Shrine of Gold”. Peonies and cherry blossoms surround it. It is said to bring luck or academic achievement.
For a taste of sumo history, visit Tomioka Hachiman Shrine. This massive shrine has 17 smaller shrines. They are dedicated to Shinto principles including the founder of sumo wrestling. Many sumo wrestlers have their names inscribed here. It is also the home of the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival.
Another is Hie Shrine. It has a traditional torii gate at the top of a stone staircase. The shrine dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. It is said to grant wishes for relationships and family prosperity. Every June, the shrine hosts the Sanno Festival.
Shinagawa Shrine is a 12th-century shrine. It was originally dedicated to the Shinto god of food. Dragon carvings adorn its torii gate. It is among ten shrines surrounding the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Outside of festival season, it is a place of meditative peace.
Or Kanda Shrine. It is a historical shrine built to honor the regional Shinto deity of Edo. It is said to bestow prosperity and luck. It is in the heart of Tokyo’s pop-culture hub. You can even purchase talismans to bless your electronics.
Fukagawa Fudoson Temple is a mix of ancient and modern. The main worship hall was relocated in the 19th century. It stands next to a new hall in cubist style. Rituals include cedar stick burning, drumming and dance.
Lastly, Nezu Shrine has a history stretching back nearly 2,000 years. It offers one of the more complete ancient temples in Japan. A 6,600 square-metre azalea garden has 100 flower varieties. Traditional tea houses sell Amazake.
As you leave this \u4ecf\u50cf, remember the stories. Remember the dedication and the history. These temples and shrines are the heart of Tokyo. They stand as testaments to faith and culture.