Page 16 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Tokyo

14 ❯❯ Top 10 Tokyo Highlights

Senso-ji Temple

Rebuilt countless times since its founding in 628, Senso-ji is the
oldest temple site in Tokyo and the capital’s spiritual epicenter.
The current temple, dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy,
is a fireproof replica of an earlier version built in 1692. One of the
liveliest spots in the city, its grounds attract throngs of visitors,
who come to pray inside its cavernous main hall with its opulent,
golden altar and priceless collection of 18th- and 19th-century
votive paintings. This religious sanctuary lies at the heart of a
busy commercial and entertainment district.

Kaminari-mon
Niten-mon
1 3
Gate
Gate
The “Thunder Gate” is The 1618 ox-blood-colored
flanked by two gods: gate on the east side is a
Fujin and Raijin. A red designated an Important
paper lantern with the Cultural Treasure. Its
character for “thunder” pillars and walls are
emblazoned on it hangs covered with votive papers
within (above). stuck there by the faithful.
Giant Straw
4 Nakamise-
Sandals
dori
Two large straw sandals 5
hang on the Hozomon The main avenue to the
Treasury Gate. Made for city’s holiest sanctuary is
deities with feet of mythic packed with more than
size, they sym bolize the 150 stalls and booths
traditional footwear of selling traditional goods
the Buddhist pilgrim. and souvenirs.
NEED TO KNOW • Combine a trip to
Incense
2 MAP R2 • 2-3-1 Asakusa, the temple with a
Sumida River cruise
Burner
Taito-ku • 3842-0181
A giant bronze incense • www.senso-ji.jp from Azuma Bridge.
burner (above) stands in Open 24 hrs daily • Grab an outside table
front of the main hall. at one of the many local
The faithful burn pink • The temple grounds backstreet restau rants to
sticks of incense, wafting get crowded, so make an the west of the temple
the smoke over their early start on the sights. for an early lunch.
clothes for good luck.

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