Sensoji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple, with a history of nearly 1,400 years. Its principal image, Sho-Kannon (Avalokiteshvara), is traditionally said to have been found in a fishing net in the Sumida River. The iconic entrance is Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), a major symbol of Tokyo. Beyond it spreads Nakamise-dori, one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets, packed with shops selling folk crafts and traditional goods; it’s fun just to browse, and it’s also a popular spot for souvenirs and street snacks. Walking about 250 meters along Nakamise brings you to Hozomon Gate, flanked by powerful Nio guardian statues. Past Hozomon lies the Main Hall. Because the main Kannon statue is a hibutsu (hidden Buddha), it cannot be viewed, but substitute images such as the “Gozendachi Honzon” and a Kannon statue once treasured by Tokugawa Ieyasu are enshrined. Access: about 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, or Tsukuba Express.