Sensoji

Senso-ji, also known as Sensō-ji, is a Buddhist temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of the city’s most visited religious sites, drawing both worshippers and tourists. The temple is dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. According to legend, two fishermen found a statue of Kannon in the Sumida River, and a local landowner established a temple to enshrine it in 628 CE. The complex has been rebuilt many times after fires and war, with the surviving structures largely reflecting postwar reconstruction.

The temple complex centers on Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate, famous for its large red lantern. Beyond Kaminarimon lies Nakamise-dori, a bustling street lined with shops selling traditional snacks, crafts, and souvenirs, leading to the main hall (Hondō) where the Kannon statue is enshrined. The site also includes a five-story pagoda and the nearby Shinto Asakusa Shrine, which sits within the same precinct and plays a central role in local festival culture.

An annual highlight is the Sanja Matsuri festival in May, organized by Asakusa Shrine and drawing large crowds from across Japan. Senso-ji remains a major cultural and tourist landmark, offering insights into Edo-period architecture, religious practice, and modern Tokyo life. The temple is a short walk from the Sumida River and is adjacent to the lively streets of Asakusa, near the Tokyo Skytree, situating it at the heart of a historic and contemporary urban landscape.