Sensoji in Asakusa (the old Edo downtown area that’s situated beside the`Sumida River) is also known as Asakusa Kannon temple, and is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo (7th century) It is extremely popular as can be seen by the number of visitors that Sensoji is estimated to host being put at some 35 million a year. They go there to pray and wave smoke from the burning incense urn onto their head and body – which is believed to have healing powers.
The temple is best approached via Nakamise dori which is a walkway lined on both sides by many small shops which sell numerous traditional Japanese souvenirs. You enter Nakamise dori under a large archway gate – Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) which bears a magnificent lantern and is no doubt one of the most photographed mon in Japan.
Before you go into the temple grounds you pass under another gate arch -Hozomon, which contains some famous ancient sultras, and to your left is a five-story pagoda which is said to house some bones of Buddha in its top section.
Sensoji holds many festivals throughout the year which obviously accounts for the high visitor count. In fact there is at least one festival each month except for the months of June and September.
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