Tokyo vacations. Sensoji temple (aka Asakusa Kannon Temple). Tokyo tour. Japan travel

Sensoji is one of the great cultural and religious icons of Japan. Sensoji's history dates back to 628, when, according to popular legend, two brothers were fishing in the nearby Sumida River and caught the catch of their whole life - the small golden statue of Bodhisattva Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and happiness, able to free people from all suffering.

Sensoji was erected in her honor and the statue is still placed here, but it is never shown to the general public. For centuries, fans and pilgrims (and now tourists) flocked here in search of the favor of the goddess Kannon. US Army aircraft during World War II destroyed the temple. A few years later, the burnt tree in the courtyard started up green sprouts and the temple, as a symbol of rebirth and peace, with the donations of the parishioners rebuilt after the pattern of the last building built in the 17th century.

Sensoji is located in Asakusa, Taito Prefecture, near the Sumida River. Every year more than 30 million visitors visit this sacred place for all Buddhists. This is an extremely large complex with several gates, temples and halls, pagodas and a shopping street. To get to the temple you need to go under the tiled roof of the Thunder Gate - Kaminarimon with a red paper lantern hanging in the span. The lantern was donated to the temple by the head of the company Matsushita (National, Panasonic) Matsushita Konosuke after recovering from knee pain, which no doctor could cure. The main gate is guarded by figures of two guards - the ruler of the winds Fujin and the thunder lord Raidzin. The gate of Kaminari (thunder and lightning) is a symbol of the temple, here the congregation pray for harvest and favorable weather. From here begins the "Golden Dragon Mountain".

Every year, one of the three major Tokyo holidays, the Sandzya Matsuri, the festival of three shrines (the third weekend of May), takes place on the temple grounds. Three sacred palanquins - Mikosi, as well as musicians and dancers participate in the parade on the occasion of the holiday. For three days the festival is visited by one and a half to two million people.

The district of Asakusa has retained a trace of refinement from the times of the Edo period. There is always a lot of people here, but especially in May the guests are attracted by the magnificent Holiday of the Three Temples, in June the salute tournament, and in August the grandiose colorful samba carnival. The symbol of this area is the main gate Kaminarimon of one of the most ancient temples of Tokyo - the temple of Kinryusan Sensoji or Asakusa, the hallmark of which is a tiled roof, whose ridge is covered with red varnish.

The Japanese are proud of their historical heritage and are keen to show it to all guests visiting Japan for the first time. In Japan, Buddhist and Shinto temples are often close by and do not differ much from each other. Nakamise-dori shopping street, which has existed for several centuries, leads to the temple. It has long been the right to trade here enjoyed the inhabitants of adjacent neighborhoods. And today they have reserved this right. These are the long rows of shops; incenses, amulets, as well as a huge number of Japanese souvenirs are sold here. Prices are high.

The land of the rising sun Japan is a storehouse of refined exotics. Super modern Tokyo and the picturesque province, the Fuji snow cap and sakura in bloom, the magnificent beaches of Okinawa and the ancient monuments of Shinto are all Japan. Country of the Rising Sun Japan combines tradition and modernity. Ancient pagodas and gates of spirits coexist here with mirrored skyscrapers, pompous five-star hotels with cozy rykan, untwisted spa centers with ofuro national baths. This almost fantastic mix from the heritage of the East and achievements of the West is the main thing that attracts its guests to the country.

In addition to the incredible atmosphere there is something to enjoy: many are interested in the unique architecture of Japan - the world-famous "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto, the Imperial Palace, a great many ancient temples. For children, the country is represented by the best amusement parks: Disneyland, Disney-Sea, Universal Studio. In general, Japan is visited by a diverse, but consistently secured contingent: mainly tourists who have already visited many countries, as well as businessmen. Only in one country "pumped up" - at least for the budget traveler - prices are high here, and the concept of "low season" does not exist in principle. As for the number of attractions and museums - this is all right: Japan will find something to surprise the guests on every visit.

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