Senso-ji

By: Austin and Jessica

Senso-ji ia an ancient Buddhist temple that is located Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo, Japan. The temple is the oldest in Tokyo. It was founded in 628, by Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Nakamoto. The temple was dedicated for the Japanese Goddess of Mercy, Kannon. After World War ll, it became a symbol of rebirth after it was bombed and recreated.

According to legend, two fishermen in 628 discovered a statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy by the Sumida River. They showed their chief leader the statue, and he decided to build a small temple. The temple was founded off the Chief's own home, so everyone in the village could worship the statue. That temple became to be known as Senso-ji. Years later, the actual construction of the temple began.

Each year, Senso-Ji has a festival along with temples all along the area. However, each has their own, and Senso-Ji's is known as Sanja Matsuri, the most popular of them all. It is celebrated in May, and during the festival, the streets of Asakusa become an exciting experience with traditional music and women dancing in various costumes. Coming to the temple requires a walk through Nakamise-dori, a street that is crowded with shops on either side. The street was founded in the early 18th century, however it was closed down by the government in 1885. Its closing did not last long as it was reopened later that year. It has been destroyed twice: one by an earthquake, the other in the bombing of World War II.

On the temple grounds, there is a gate know as the "Thunder Gate" that hangs over the entrance of the grounds. Its paper lanterns are painted with thunderclouds and lightning bolts. Inside the temple, there lies oracles that for 100 yen will answer any question your heart desires.