The History of Senso-Ji Temple in Tokyo, Japan

When you think of Tokyo, what comes to mind? For us, it’s ultra-modern skyscrapers, fantastic public transport services, Harajuku Girls, and of course, fascinating historical features. The blend of these features and many, many more is what makes Tokyo such a fascinating city to visit—as contemporary and culture stand together harmoniously, creating a unique experience for visitors from all over the world. One of the many famous historic buildings in this city is the Senso-Ji Temple. Read on to discover the rich history that this temple holds.

The Legend of Senso-Ji

After you’ve settled into one of the 5-star hotels in Tokyo Japan, you should head to the Asakusa District. Here, you will find the Senso-Ji Temple. The legend tied to this historic and deeply cultural landmark dates back to the year 628. According to the tale, the Temple was established after two brothers fished in a nearby river and pulled out a statue of Kannon – Goddess of Mercy. Although the brothers placed the statue back in the water, it kept returning to them, so Senso-Ji was then built nearby in honor of the Goddess. The Sumida River runs through Tokyo today and offers cruises for visitors to enjoy the vast cityscape.

The Oldest Temple in Tokyo

Although we are sure you will want to explore the ultra-modern buildings that lie across the city, such as the 5-star hotels in Tokyo Japan, you should take time to visit the historic ones. Senso-Ji is the oldest temple in the city. Despite the legend dating back to 628, the Temple itself was in-fact completed in 645. The town that surrounds the temple today was not present back 1,500 years ago Senso-Ji was built on grassland.

Around The Temple

When you reach Senso-Ji, you will enter through Kaminarimon, (the thunder gate). Before you do, however, we recommend that you explore the surrounding area of Asakusa, which has an interesting history in its own right. Dating back several centuries, these streets used to be known as the “pleasure district”, and held many a Geisha-House. In their place, you will find a plethora of fantastic shops to explore, which sells anything from Yukata, folding fans along with various traditional local snacks and tasty street food stalls. A trip to this area of Tokyo is a must if you wish to truly immerse yourself in Japanese History.

Events and Festivals

Thanks to this area’s rich cultural heritage, you will often find that events and festivals are taking place during your visit. The biggest of these is Sanja Matsuri, the annual festival of the Asakusa Shrine that takes place in May. If you’re visiting slightly later, you may be there in time for the August Asakusa Samba Carnival. If you’re staying at one of the hotels from Prince Hotels & Resorts in Japan, you will be able to simply ask at the desk for details about significant events across the city.

If you have any questions on visiting Senso-Ji in Tokyo, Japan, leave a comment below.