Travelogue Tokyo Oldest Temple | Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Kannon) - Kaminari Mon (Thunder Gate)

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Tokyo Oldest Temple | Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Kannon) - Kaminari Mon (Thunder Gate)
Written by Shirley T   
Monday, 29 March 2010 12:52
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Temple of Senso or Sensō-ji is an ancient temple in Tokyo. Located a stone throw away from Asakusa subway station, Sensoji Temple was completed in 645. Also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, it is a Buddhist temple that houses a golden statue of Bodhisattva Kannon - Goddess of Mercy or Guan Yin.
Sensoji or Asakusa Kannon - The oldest temple in Tokyo
A masterpiece
According to the sign post that stands at Thunder Gate, history was created when one day in year 628, a statue of Kannon was fished out from Sumida River by two brothers, Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari. The headman of their village, Haji Nakatomo later decided to enshrine it and took a vow as a Buddhist priest, which remade his home into a temple to practise Buddhism.
Two characters on the lantern read (from top to bottom) as Thunder Gate
The temple precinct is accessible from a few gates. Yet the best spot to reach Sensoji Temple is from Kaminari-Mon
(Gate). From Asakusa subway station, one is standing at the intersection of Edo Street and Kaminari Mon Street. Walk along Kaminari Mon Street towards west (opposite of river side) and Kaminari Mon or Thunder Gate will appear on your right after about 100 m. The giant red lantern is the landmark.
Admired by many from all around the world
Trust me, this spot is very crowded. I was surrounded by sea of people and practically impossible to find a nick of time to snap "I was there" kind of picture.

Nevertheless, do take a few moments to appreciate the architecture of this majestic gate. Do not miss two important figures that are guarding the gate.
Icon of Kaminari Mon (Thunder Gate)
The most popular and crowded gate to get into Sensoji Temple
A pair of wooden statues that protect the Buddhist deities are Fujin (Wind God) and Raijin (Thunder God) from which the gate gains its name. This gate was originally built in 942 but get burned down several times over the centuries. The current standing date was donated by a Japanese entrepreneur Konosuke Matshusita and constructed in 1960.
One of the wooden statues overlooking Nakamise Street
Getting there?
Sensoji Temple - Kaminari Mon (Thunder Gate)
Get off at Asakusa subway station (Ginza Line or Tobu Line), 100 m walk towards west along Kaminari Mon Street.


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