Asakusa Senso-Ji (浅草寺)

Hey there, let me greet you with a happy new year—this is my introductory blog in 2022. Please keep checking my blog for more Information on Japan Tourist attractions. I’m heading to tackle Senso-Ji, which is very popular during the new year season. Japanese people believe getting on into the temple and buying amulets will give them luck and protection throughout the year.

Senso-Ji 浅草寺 is the oldest temple in Tokyo and so-called Asakusa Kannon because it houses the Kannon; it is acknowledged throughout Japan. It is the temple of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Sho Kanzeon Bosatsu), Who symbolizes the grace of all Buddhas. This vital center of religious faith draws 30 million worshippers every year.

History

Asakusa at the time was a small fishing village located in an estuary of Tokyo Bay in the vast wilderness of the area known as Musashino. It grew and flourished as people arrived in increasing numbers to worship. When Ennin (794-864), head priest of Enryaku-Ji (the main temple of the Tendai school of Buddhism), visited Senso-Ji in the mid-ninth century, he created a statue identical to the main image (absolutely Hibutsu) so that it could be shown rarely to the public.

During the Kamakura Period (1185-1333), the Shoguns demonstrated extraordinary devotion to Senso-Ji. Gradually, other prominent figures, including military leaders and literati, followed their example, and the temple’s importance increased. In 1590 Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa Shogun, designated Senso-Ji as the temple where prayers of the shogunate would be offered. After that, the successive Tokugawa Shoguns had often visited Senso-Ji, and the belief in Kannon of the Senso-jihad spread among ordinary people during the Edo Period(1603-1867).
From the end of the 18th century through the 19th century, Edo city developed into the most significant population city globally, the culture-specific to Edo flowered, and Asakusa had become the cultural center in Edo.

Inside the Temple

The Five-Storied Pagoda was first constructed in 942 by Taira no Kinmasa. Tokugawa Iemitsu had the ancient national treasure rebuilt, but it was burned during the Great Tokyo Air Raid on March 10, 1945. It was renovated in 1973 with donations from devout followers around the nation. Busshari (Buddha’s ashes) were given as a blessing from the royal temple of Sri Lanka.

Nakamise is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. Traditional Japanese toys, cakes, and other souvenirs are all sold here. Including a variety of street foods that I’m sure you will love.

By entering the main hall of the temple, especially during the new year season, was the crowded days, so expected to have more patience of lining up to pray and buying amulets.

*To pray at the main hall, place your hands together in the Buddhist prayer position and chant “Namu Kanzeon Bosatsu, or “I place my trust in Bodhisattva Kannon.”

When to go: Best to visit during the new year season because of the event called hatsumode (To pray for safety, good health, and good harvest throughout the coming year.) January 1- 7, Setsubun (Spring celebration), Hana Matsuri (Celebration of Buddha’s Birthday). Ordinary days for the people who like hustle-free.

where to stay: hotel accommodations in Tokyo Metro on Booking.com

Getting there: 

By Train : 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Toei Asakusa Line / Tobu Skytree Line / Tsukuba Express.

Enjoy your journey to Asakusa, Tokyo hopes you are satisfied with the trip you’ve ever wanted if you enjoyed reading my travel journey. Please comment below or give me a clap to improve my page. You can also book your trip by clicking the banner below.

It would be best if you had nationwide shinkansen bullet train travel. Order Your Ticket on JR Pass & Book Hotel Accommodation on Booking.com

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Source of Article

• Asakusa Kannon Senso- ji Official Website

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