Question: Ever wonder who watches over the worshippers at Senso-ji Temple? It’s not just the Kannon. It is also the deities enshrined right here at Asakusa Shrine.
Let’s step back in time. Asakusa Shrine is also known as Sanja-sama. It means Shrine of the Three Gods. It is one of Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrines. Asakusa Shrine honors the three men who founded the neighboring Senso-ji Temple.
Legend says two fisherman brothers found a Kannon statuette. Their names were Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari. It was May 17th, 628. The brothers found it in their fishing net in the Sumida River. Haji no Matsuchi was a wealthy landlord. He heard about their discovery. He delivered an impassioned sermon about the Buddha. The brothers were very impressed. They converted to Buddhism. The Kannon statue was consecrated. It was placed in a small temple. The landlord and brothers devoted their lives to Buddhism. That small temple is now the Senso-ji. Asakusa Shrine was built to worship these three men as deities.
Tokugawa Iemitsu commissioned Asakusa Shrine. It was built in 1649 during Japan’s Edo period. The shrine is an example of the gongen-zukuri style of architecture.
For centuries, Asakusa Shrine has hosted many Shinto and Buddhist festivals. Sanja Matsuri is the most famous. It is held in late May.
Here is a surprising fact. Asakusa Shrine survived the Tokyo air raids of 1945. The nearby Nitenmon gate to Senso-ji also survived. Many other structures did not including the Sensō-ji. In 1951, Asakusa Shrine was designated an Important Cultural Property. This was because of its rich history.
Besides the main shrine, there is more to see. Explore the kagura-den. This is a kagura dance hall. Do not miss the Hikan Inari Shrine too.
Once there was a Nishinomiya Inari shrine. It was near the Hōzōmon gate to Senso-ji. In 1868, the Meiji government ordered the separation of Shinto and Buddhism. The Nishinomiya shrine became part of Asakusa Shrine. It was located near the kagura-den. Sadly, it was destroyed in the March 10, 1945 firebombing.
Komainu guard the shrine. These are stone guardian sculptures. They are half-lion and half-dog. They protect the shrine from evil.
Remember to be respectful during your visit. Tourists can enter the shrine. However, photos are only allowed from the front. Consider visiting at dusk. The shrine is beautifully lit at night offering a great photo opportunity.
Asakusa Shrine stands as a testament. It shows resilience and spiritual devotion. It connects us to the story of three men. Their chance discovery shaped Asakusa’s destiny. Take a moment to reflect on their legacy. Their story lives on in every corner of this sacred space.