Senso-ji Temple

     I'm sure this will be the first of many visits to the Senso-ji Temple. It is one of the most visited in Tokyo. It's super easy to get to and is right outside the subway exit of Asakusa Station. This is the fam in front of the Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate). There is some really fun shopping to be had in the Nakamise-dori (the street connecting the Gate to the temple grounds). Lots of traditional treasures and wares to be found and enjoyed. I plan on going back when it's not pouring rain to enjoy a bit more.

   Here is the short version of the history of how this temple came to be. Sometime around 628, two fishermen fishing in Sumida River found a golden statue of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) when they pulled up their net. The leader of the village saw this as an omen, took vows to be a Buddhist priest, and made his home a temple for the golden statue.

     Twenty some odd years later an important Buddhis priest visited and decided the image was too sacred for human eyes and thought it should be hidden from human view. So, regardless of your Where's Waldo prowess there will be no statue spotting here. They were having a very noisy ceremony of some sort during our visit.

 
     There are a few of these ginormous incense burners on the temple grounds. This one in particular is always kept burning. By wafting the smoke over your head it is meant to bring you good health. I believe just the opposite. It was shortly after the massive amount of smoke I inhaled while videoing that my head cold struck.

    This building is Aashima Hall. It was built in late 17th century to worship the God called Sukunahikonano-mikoto, who is a guardian of women. They have needles ceremonies here, where women express their gratitude by bringing in used sewing needles and sticking them into tofu. Kind of different.

     I saw this statue and was surprised to see a swastika on it. Why in the world would they keep a statue around that was defiled by the Nazis? So I did a little research. Apparently, the Swastika has been around for about 5000 years and is used by Hindus and Buddhists. It is a sacred symbol for them. Swastika comes from the Sanskrit word meaning, well being, good luck and good fortune. It has given me a different take on something that usually evokes a sense of irritation in me.





 One of my favorite things about this temple was all of the young women who embraced their heritage and came to worship in traditional clothing. These girls were so flattered we wanted to take their picture. Kimonos are just so breathtakingly beautiful. I definitely see one in my future and one for my little, too.