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Top 10 Amazing Facts about Senso-Ji

Hōzōmon and pagoda, Sensoji temple, Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan.

The Senso-Ji is an ancient Buddhist temple that is located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan.

It is the oldest temple found in Tokyo and one of the most significant national heritage sites in the country. It was formerly associated with the Tendai Sect of Buddhism.

The Senso-Ji temple became independent after world war 2. It is located adjacent to a five-storey pagoda, the Asakusa Shinto shrine and several shops that vend traditional goods.

This temple is dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva compassion. It is among the most visited sites in Tokyo City and Japan. Here are the top ten amazing facts about the Senso-Ji temple;

1. Most Widely Visited Spiritual Site in the World

Incense smoke at Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan.

Senso-Ji temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo that is visited by several people from across the world.

Most people who visit this major monument are spiritual people who come to pay their respects. Senso-Ji temple is the most visited spiritual site in the world.

Over thirty million visitors visit the Senso-Ji temple annually.

2. Oldest Temple in Tokyo

It is believed that the temple was first founded in 645 AD, making it the oldest temple found in Tokyo.

A legend indicated that a statue of Kannon was found in the Sumida River by two brothers in 628 AD. The two were ordered to place it at a small temple where villagers worshipped Kannon from.

It was later on transformed into the Senso-Ji temple which is one of the most visited and oldest temples.

3. The Temple was Bombed and Destroyed during World War 2

The second world war brought about major losses in Tokyo and Japan as a whole. Several national heritage centres were destroyed among them being the Senso-Ji temple.

On 10th March, there was an air raid on Tokyo. This raid led to the bombing and destruction of the Senso-Ji temple.

However, not everything in the temple was brought down. A tree in the courtyard was brought down but it regrew from the husk of the old tree and is a symbol of the temple.

The Senso-Ji temple was later on rebuilt. The rebuild was a symbol of the rebirth and peace that was regained by the people of Japan.

4. Senso-Ji Holds Largest and Most Popular Festival

Senso-ji_Gate_and_Lantern.

Being the largest and oldest temples in Tokyo, several functions and festivals usually take place here.

One of the most popular and largest festivals in Tokyo to be held at the Senso-Ji temple is the Sanja Matsuri festival.

This major festival usually takes place over three to four days in late spring. During this period, three streets are closed.

The closure of the three surrounding streets close to the Senso-Ji temple is to hold ease traffic from dawn until late evening.

5. Dominating Entrance to the Temple

从浅草文化观光大楼拍摄的浅草寺夜景. PHOTO BY; Promise

A Senso-Ji temple is a magnificent place built to attract visitors. At the entrance of the temple, there is a dominant figure which has gained the name ‘thunder gate’.

There is an imposing Buddhist structure which features a massive paper lantern painted in vivid red and black tone that suggests thunderclouds and lighting.

Next to the thunder gate is Nakamisedori which has shops within. Then it is followed by the Hozomon commonly known as ‘Treasure House Gate’ which provides entrance to the main inner complex.

6. Senso-Ji has Popular Gate that Attracts Tourists

A picture of the Senso-Ji gate and lantern. PHOTO BY; Calvinkulit.

The dominant thunder gate paves the way to the two large entrance gates which lead to the Senso-Ji temple

This popular gate has lantern and statues which attracts tourists who frequent the area. The gate stands at 11.7 metres tall, and 11.4 metres wide and also covers an area of 69.3 square metres.

This gate was previously built in 941 AD. However, the previous gate was destroyed by a fire in 1865 but was rebuilt in 1960.

7. The Senso-Ji Temple Gate Destroyed Many Times

Several incidents of fire led to the destruction of the Kaminarimon gate throughout all the ages.

The first time the gate to get destroyed was four years after it was relocated. The first fire brought it down, but in 1649, the gate alongside other structures was rebuilt by Tokugawa Limits.

In 1757, the Senso-Ji gate was burnt to the ground. The fire burnt the gate again in 1865. After ninety-five years since the last fire, the current gate was rebuilt by the founder of Matsushita Electrical Industrial Company, which is currently Panasonic.

8. Famous Street Across Senso-Ji Temple

As visitors approach Senso-Ji, there is a famous street that paves the way to the doors of the temple. It was built in the early 18th century when neighbours of the temple were allowed to build shops.

The government of Tokyo ordered the shop owners to vacate the area. But in the same area, the shops were reconstructed in Western-style brick. The shops in the street were destroyed twice by the Great Kanto earthquake and during World War 2.

The street is approximated to be 250 metres in length and contains around 89 shops.

9. Several Statues Located within Senso-Ji Temple

浅草寺?本堂の前にある御宝前と鱼がしの天水桶.

The Senso-Ji temple is home to several statues. The two gates of Senso-Ji temple, Kaminarimon and Hozomon house major statues that attract tourists.

At the Kaminarimon, there are four statues; two in the front alcoves and two on the other side. The statues of Shinto gods Fujin and Raijin are displayed here.

At the Hozomon, two Guardian statues are Located on either side of the gate’s South face.

They are 5.45 metres tall statues that represent Nio, the guardian deities of the Buddha.

10. Senso-Ji Temple has Titanium Tiled Roof

The Senso-Ji temple underwent various phases of rebuilding and renovations. The destruction from fire, earthquakes and world war two gave the Senso-Ji temple a new look.

The roof of the Senso-Ji temple is one of the most attractive. It is built with titanium tiles that maintain the historic image of the monument.

The titanium roof gives the Senso-Ji temple a stronger outlook, but it is also very light.

Senso-Ji temple has been praised as one of the most magnificent areas of worship and attraction site that everyone across the globe might wish to visit and have a nice experience within.