Friday, October 5, 2012

Asakusa Kannon Temple - Tokyo Japan


I got the opportunity of visiting religious place in Japan. It’s the oldest (built more than 1000 years ago) Buddhist temple in Tokyo which is located in Asakusa, Tokyo. As such religious places are rare in Japan. Japanese enjoy the religious freedom and large section of people practice no religion. The religion comes more from birth than by acceptance or practicing it. If you are travelling to Tokyo definitely take some time out to visit this temple. The weather was nice and drizzling comfortably. The light showers were pelting  transparent umbrella. Walking around people whose language you don't understand was real fun. 

The temple is called Sensoji ( ("Senso" is an alternative reading for Asakusa and "ji" means temple), also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest geisha district. 

List of Donors

One of the entrance gate 

Market surrounding Temple
Surprising Its not the deigns or anything to do with god, its the list donors who contributed in building this temple.

Entrance Gate

The Shrine


Temple

All the Donors






Kaminari Gate
Kaminari Gate is one of the two gates approaching the temple. The Nakamise shopping area leads from Kaminarimon to the temple grounds.











A shopping street surrounding the temple called Nakamise. You can get traditional Japanese souvenirs such as yukata, folding fans, kitchenware,cloths and toys. I am sure women would find this market more interesting. Don't forget to buy an colorful umbrella and folding fans :-)







Kaminari Gate: Kaminari Gate is one of the two gates approaching the temple. The Nakamise shopping area leads from Kaminarimon to the temple grounds. 







The Shrine of Three Gods : Indescribable, Magnanimous and opulent. Looks amazingly beautiful with sparkling gold in candle lights and incense fragrance. Asakusa Shrine started as a shrine dedicated to three men - fisherman brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari, who caught the statue of Kannon (the Goddess of Salvation) in their fishing net, and Hajino Nakachi, an acquaintance of them who suggested that the statue be enshrined in a proper way. (from website source)




















Though i count read these Japanese text however liked the similarity between Indian and Japanese culture of listing down the names of donors on the wall in fancy way. This definitely instigated me to donate some Yen in the donation box.