Japan : Senso-ji Temple

credits to: Daderot

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I personally want to go to Japan (or Nihon) and visit the oldest temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan, the Senso-ji Temple. It is also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple. The Senso-ji Temple is the most popular and well visited temple in Tokyo, and it is known as the oldest living temple in Tokyo. Asakusa is the center of Tokyo's lower city. Asakusa was known as the entertainment district before the bombing during World War II

Legend has it that two fishermen at the Sumida river in the year 628, found a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, in the river and even if they put it back into the river, it always comes back to them. The temple was built in honor of the goddess Kannon. The Senso-ji Temple was destroyed during the war (World War II). In the courtyard of the temple is a tree that was hit by a bomb, the tree grew new branches from the stump and was regrown, the recovery of the temple and that tree represented the recovery of Japan from this devastating attack.


 

credits to: TXCoyote from dA

When approaching the temple, you first enter the Thunder Gate or the Kaminarimon, it has a very large red lantern, that is one of the largest in all of Japan. As you walk through the gate, you can see the god of wind, Fujin and the god of thunder, Raijin. 

credits to: K-Tak from dA

After going through the Kaminarimon you can go shopping in the shopping district called Nakamise that sells a variety of snacks and souvenirs a tourist could  ever want! After shopping, you pass through the Hozomon Gate which leads you to Hondo, the main hall of the temple and a gorgeous five-storey pagoda. 

credits to: Kikadai

You can also visit the Asakusa Shrine, a Shinto shrine next to the Sensoji Temple. This shrine is dedicated to the two fishermen who found the statue of the goddess Kannon and the head of the village, Haji No Nakatomo. 

credits to: Alueta

To the left of the main hall, you can find small waterfalls and beautiful gardens. You can find your inner peace in the temple's peaceful gardens. There are a lot more places to visit like the Awashimado Hall, Chingodo, Yogodo Hall and much much more. Other halls are smaller than the exquisite main hall, but are also very beautiful. Many people visit the Senso-ji Temple, from tourists from around the world to the locals and students from different parts of Japan. 

With all the history behind it, and with all the beauty and glory it has,  Senso-ji Temple is definitely a place worth going to. 

Thanks for reading! Hoped you liked it :)) 

credits to: efcooper from dA

Contributed by: Kiara F. Sonza