Japan Travelogue Series: Sensoji and Asakusa

Asakusa is a district in Taitō, Tokyo. It was an entertainment district during the Edo period (1603-1868), stemming from the neighboring district of Kuramae. Rice was used as payment for servants of the feudal government at the time and was kept in storehouses in Kuramae. These storage houses had keepers known as “fudasashi”, who were the main clienteles of the geisha houses and theaters in Asakusa.

Senso-ji

Iconic to Asakusa is Senso-ji for being Tokyo’s oldest and one of the most significant temples. Senso-ji is a popular Buddhist temple built in the early 7th century, and dedicated to Bodhisattva Kannon (Avalokitesvara).  The impressive  Hōzōmon or “Treasure-House Gate” is the inner of two large entrance gates that ultimately lead to the Sensō-ji while the outer being Kaminarimon Gate  which is also the entrance of Nakamise-dori.

Nakamise-dōri

Along the temple walkway, visitors pass by the famous Nakamise, a shopping boulevard where you can find local snacks and souvenir items. Nakamise-dōri is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. A warlord named Tokugawa Ieyasu once ruled over Japan during the Sengoku Period (1493-1590). He was responsible for the creation of the Edo Shogunate that made Edo, now modern-day Tokyo, a thriving and prosperous city.

Hōzōmon Gate

Within the complex lies the Main Hall, devoted to the bodhisattva Kannon, the Asakusa Shrine, which honors the men who founded the Senso-ji, and an imposing five-story pagoda towering at nearly 175  feet.

Sanja Matsuri

Sanja Matsuri is also one of the most anticipated festivals in Asakusa. Sanja Matsuri (三社祭, Three Shrine Festival) is held every third weekend of May in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. It honors the three founders of the Sensō-ji Temple.

Senso-ji and Asakusa embody the rich culture and history of Japan and are popular destinations for many people who visit the country.