Times Of TIU

Writer: Natsumi K.

Editor: Leoni A.

Translator: Momoka T.

I. Introduction to Sensoji Temple

What is Sensoji?
Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded in 645 AD after fishermen discovered a notable statue in the Sumida River. Over time, it gained importance and attracted attention from historical figures like the Tokugawa Shoguns. Today, it draws 30 million visitors annually and is a major cultural landmark.

(https://www.senso-ji.jp/english/)

The Dragon Statue

Sakara is a mythological being inspired by Nagaraja, the Indian king of the nāgas, and is part of Kofukuji’s Eight Kinds of Mythological Beings. Depicted as a youthful warrior in armor with a snake coiled around his head and chest, the snake deity legend came to Japan through China, where snakes were seen as dragons like the Dragon King, a prominent water god. This 734 work, created using the hollow-core dry-lacquer sculpting technique, is located near the hand washing area.

(https://www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db/en/R1-00221.html)

Importance of Sensoji

Senso-ji is a cultural hub for locals and tourists and symbolizes resilience, having been rebuilt after the WWII bombing. It hosts major events like the Sanja Matsuri, highlighting its significance in the local community.

Location

Sensoji Temple is located in Asakusa, Tokyo. The nearest station would be Asakusa Station and you can go there by using the Ginza Line or Asakusa Line. 

Google Map: Sensō-ji, 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032

II. Things to Do at Sensoji Temple

• Enter through the Kaminari Gate
  Known for its iconic red gate and huge lantern. Don’t forget to take a picture as a remembrance!
• Walk through Hozomon Gate to the Main Hall
  Admire the rich architectural details and the huge incense burner.
• Draw an Omikuji (Fortune Paper)

For a ¥100 donation, shake the box, and match the number to a drawer. If you get good fortune, keep it; if you get bad fortune, tie it to the designated racks.

• Offer Prayers & Incense
  Waving incense smoke toward yourself for blessings, as the Japanese believe it can bring health and good fortune. It is not really necessary to try this, but it can complete the whole experience, right? 
• Visit the Five-Story Pagoda

This five-storied pagoda, about 53.32 meters tall (roughly the height of an 18-story building), is one of Japan’s most famous. Originally built in 942 A.D., it was considered one of the “Four Edo Pagodas” during the Edo period. Destroyed in a World War II air raid, it was later rebuilt at a new location, with a stone monument marking the original site.

• Explore the Temple Garden

It might not be as beautiful as the other gardens there are in Tokyo but it is worth it to stroll along peaceful paths, enjoy the koi pond, and appreciate the seasonal flowers while you are at Sensoji Temple.

III. Things to Do on Nakamise Street

Nakamise Street is one of the oldest shopping streets in Tokyo, with over 200 years of history, stretching 250 meters from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate. It offers everything from traditional snacks to souvenirs! There are many beautiful and amazing stalls in Nakamise, but if you only have a day to explore the streets, here are the places I recommend visiting.

• Ningyo-yaki is a doll-shaped sponge cake that is a popular treat sold at many temples, but the ones at Senso-ji Temple are especially worth trying. These soft, sweet cakes are often filled with red bean paste and make both delicious and charming souvenirs.
• Agemanju is deep-fried sweet buns and a must-try if you have a sweet tooth! Senso-ji’s Agemanju are crispy on the outside and filled with sweet red bean paste on the inside, making them a warm and satisfying treat as you explore the area.
• Melonpan is a sweet bread with a cookie-like crust, and the shop near Senso-ji is quite popular. It often has long lines, but the wait is worth it. The bun is crispy on the outside, and when paired with soft cream, it has just the right amount of sweetness, even for those who don’t usually enjoy very sweet treats. Even without the cream, the melonpan itself is delicious.
• Matcha ice cream or traditional soft serve in Senso-ji Temple is a must-try. The matcha flavor here has just the right amount of sweetness and is much milder than people might expect, making it enjoyable even for those who aren’t usually fans of green tea.
• Unagi Onigiri is a rare find, even for someone who has lived in Japan for years. While onigiri is a common and beloved snack, the version with unagi (Japanese eel) is less typical. If you enjoy unagi or seafood in general, this is definitely a must-try.
• Kaminari Okoshi is a signature snack from Senso-ji Temple and a traditional sweet sold along Nakamise Street. Made from puffed rice and sugar, it has a crunchy texture and a sweet, caramelized flavor. This treat is closely associated with Asakusa and takes its name from “Kaminari”, which means thunder, in Kaminarimon, symbolizing the area’s strong and vibrant spirit.