Kanonji

About

Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is a prominent Buddhist temple situated in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. In 628, two brothers discovered a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, in the Sumida River, which kept reappearing despite their attempts to return it. In honor of the goddess, Sensoji Temple was constructed and completed in 645, earning it the distinction of being Tokyo’s oldest temple. Visitors to Sensoji are greeted by the imposing Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate, which serves as the outer gateway to the temple and an iconic symbol of both Asakusa and Tokyo itself. Beyond the gate, visitors encounter the temple's main hall and a five-story pagoda. Though these structures were lost during the war, they have since been faithfully reconstructed. Adjacent to the main building lies the Asakusa Shrine, constructed in 1649 by Tokugawa Iemitsu. Throughout the year, Sensoji Temple hosts a variety of events. The Sanja Matsuri, celebrated in May, stands as the grandest of them all, drawing crowds from far and wide to honor the Asakusa Shrine.