Sensoji Temple / 浅草寺
The oldest temple in Tokyo, said to have been built in the 7th century (628). Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon / 浅草観音, enshrined a statuette of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of mercy. According to some legends, about 1400 years ago some fishermen found a statuette of Kannon, floating in the Sumida River. Sensoji Temple was built for enshrining it.
At the entrance to the temple, it is famous for its Kaminarimon / 雷門, known as Thunder Gate, where a giant red lantern, that weighs 700 kilograms, hangs as landmarks. The god of thunder / 雷神 and the god of wind / 風神 are enshrined in the both sides of the gate.
After passing through the gate, Nakamise Shopping Street / 仲見世通り are stretching over about 250 meters toward the main ground of Sensoji Temple appears in front of you.
Asakusa Shrine / 浅草神社
In the same precinct of Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine is. Asakusa Shrine, also known as Sanja-sama, meaning " Shrine of the three gods ". The three men who found the statuette of Kannon are enshrined here. The shrine's festival, the Sanja Matsuri is one of Tokyo's most spectacular and popular festivals, held every year.
Kappabashi Dogugai Street / かっぱ橋道具街
This shopping street is located precisely between Asakusa and Ueno, which is lined with more than 170 wholesale stores offering anything and everything needed by restaurants. In some stores, plastic and wax food samples can be purchased, miniature food replicas are now popular. These small replicas are inexpensive and ideal for souvenirs.
>> to the top of the page >>
