Asakusa (浅草), Tokyo (東京)
Kanto, Honshu, Japan
Autumn 2009
Asakusa (浅草) is a part of Tokyo's downtown Taito district best known for its many temples, particularly Sensōji. Sensōji (浅草寺), also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple, is Tokyo's largest Buddhist temple and a major attraction for Japanese and foreigners alike.
Up first is the Kaminarimon (雷門) or "Thunder Gate", featuring a much-photographed giant lantern and statues of guardian gods Raijin (god of thunder) and Fujin (god of wind). First built in 942, the gate has been destroyed numerous times and the current incarnation dates to only 1950. The Nakamise shopping arcade leading up to the temple starts after the gate. At the end of the arcade is the main gate Hōzōmon (宝蔵門), notable for a giant straw sandal (waraji) hung up on one side. This gate too is guarded by ferocious guardian gods.
The perennially busy Kannondō (観音堂, Kannon Hall) is behind the gate, with a steady stream of worshippers wafting incense over themselves and trooping up the steps to pray and donate. According to legend, the hall was originally built in 628 to house a statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, fished out of the Sumida River by two brothers. To the west is the Gojūnoto (五重塔, 5-Story Pagoda), reputedly containing some of the ashes of the Buddha.
Up first is the Kaminarimon (雷門) or "Thunder Gate", featuring a much-photographed giant lantern and statues of guardian gods Raijin (god of thunder) and Fujin (god of wind). First built in 942, the gate has been destroyed numerous times and the current incarnation dates to only 1950. The Nakamise shopping arcade leading up to the temple starts after the gate. At the end of the arcade is the main gate Hōzōmon (宝蔵門), notable for a giant straw sandal (waraji) hung up on one side. This gate too is guarded by ferocious guardian gods.
The perennially busy Kannondō (観音堂, Kannon Hall) is behind the gate, with a steady stream of worshippers wafting incense over themselves and trooping up the steps to pray and donate. According to legend, the hall was originally built in 628 to house a statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, fished out of the Sumida River by two brothers. To the west is the Gojūnoto (五重塔, 5-Story Pagoda), reputedly containing some of the ashes of the Buddha.
The famed red lanterns symbolic of Asakusa...
Aisles filled with colourful sights and delicious smells...
An eye-catching little beauty decked out in new clothes for the 753 Children's Day festival...
A devotee offers incense at the Asakusa Kannon Temple...
An artist stands at the entrance of the temple to complete his drawings...
Delicacies are readily available at every corner to tempt visitors...
Flour balls that look like coloured marble...
Food is made - by hand, by tools and by machines...
There are ninja costumes on sale for kids too...
A departing shot of the Asahi Beer Tower
with its characteristic Flamme d'Or as we walk towards the subway...
The full album is available at:
The Red Lanterned Gates Of Asakusa
