Sensō-ji

The Sensō-ji temple is the most visited religious site in the world with a mind boggling 30 million visitors a year. What makes this site even more interesting is it’s historical significance as the oldest temple in Tokyo. Whether you are on a spiritual journey or simply wish to enjoy the local culture and traditional architecture the Sensō-ji temple is an amazing place to visit in Tokyo. The temple is dedicated to the buddhist goddess of mercy

Leading up to the temple you have to pass the impressive thunder gate Kaminarimon with statues of the wind and thunder god watching over it and a giant 700kg red and black lantern hanging below it. As you pass the gate you will end up in the Nakamise Dori street, where you will find rows of souvenir and gift shop vendors offering neat little memorabilia to take home. It’s a good idea to taste some typically Japanese sweets here.

At the end of the street is the Treasure-House Gate, known as Hōzōmon, on which you will find two statues of giant guardians protecting the complex. Once you pass through this gate you enter the sacred temple complex grounds. From here you will have an unique view of several landmarks of Tokyo. To your right you can view the Tokyo Skytree, in front of you is the picturesque main hall of the Sensō-ji temple, also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple, and on your left hand is a 5 storey tall pagoda reaching for the sky.

Throughout the complex you will find several buddhist temples with classic white and red architecture and golden finishings. You will notice locals cleansing themselves with water, burning ritual incenses and trying to peer into the future with O-mikuji fortune lots. It’s an enjoyable religious and cultural experience to visit the temple and a trip to Tokyo is not complete without it.