A temple in the heart of a busy entertainment district of Tokyo, Asakusa is depicted as being a peaceful retreat away from the busy city, but when our group traveled there it was far from peaceful. The large temple is dedicated to the Buddhist bodhisattva of Mercy, Kannon. The large main entry gate was full of other boddhisattvas and guardians that protected the practitioners and believers in Buddhism that were coming into the temple. Alongside the main gate to the temple is a five-story pagoda that one could not miss seeing. These structures stand tall and beautiful, but the peaceful retreat from the city described in books was missing. All along the side of the main walkway to the main temple were many stalls and vendors peddling out goods to the many people passing by.
Sadly, during the time of our trip, the main temple building was blocked from view by a giant dragon-painted shroud covering the building. Construction work had begun on restoring the temple and we could not see very much of the main building. When you enter the gates of Senso-ji, you pass under an amazing large red lantern with the words 電門 (electric gate) written on it. On either side of you are different Bodhisattvas. You pass through this gate, and in front of you is a long, long row of stands and shops along with a mass of people. You have to push yourself through a number of tourists, locals, and others visiting the location. The shops are selling many trinkets, traditional Japanese items, masks, kimono, yukata, toys, and not to mention the food. The whole location is permeated with the delicious scent of food being grilled. Once you find your way through the mass of people, you finally pass through yet another gate and lantern which takes you to the temple itself. |
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