ASAKUSA is a district with very long history. It is famous with its old-town atmosphere and historic Buddhist temples. It is one of the most traditional districts of Tokyo. It is best known as the place, where the oldest temple in Tokyo = Senso-ji is located. As early as in 628 a statue of the Asakusa Kannon = the Goddess of Mercy, was found in the Sumida River and it was enshrined. This became the principal image of the temple. In the Kamakura period (1185-1333) the Shoguns were deeply devoted to the cult of the Kannon and under their patronage, Senso-ji became a full scale Buddhist temple. In the Tokugawa period(1603-1868) Edo became the nation´s capital and the leaders established Senso-ji as their prayer hall. Senso-ji also became a place of worship for the common people. The temple attained great splendor, exerting an enormous influence on Edo culture.
Not only the temple lets you feel the mood of the Edo era. There are many shops established long ago and a street which is filled with Edo culture. Asakusa developed into entertainment district during the Edo period – it was the commercial and entertainment center in Edo times. It is also Tokyo´s oldest geisha district. And this feel of the old-world and its nostalgic charm we can enjoy even today.
I enter Asakusa walking across the Azumabashi Bridge over the Sumidagawa – Sumida riverRight next to the bridge I am walking around the Asakusa station entrance. There are four Asakusa stations in this quarter, depending on the type of trainMasuya Ekimise Building – is a department store and train station in one. Two japanese rikshaws can be seen in the picture. As they are pulled by people, they are called jinriksha. There were many of them in Japan in the past but then they suddenly almost entirely disappeared. Jinriksha was invented in 1869 by Yasuke Izumi and his two associates. They invented a simpler and lighter two-wheeled vehicle than a carriageAnd why not to taste unagi = eel – in special little unagi restaurantJapanese rikshaws cutely parked and waiting for customers. They are just used as a curiosity and for tourists´ amusementI have to make an obi for my kimono. That is the reason I took this photo, for inspiration🙂
Under the giant paper lantern – chóchin – which made the Kaminarimon and Senso ji very famous. I believe this is the hugest paper lantern in TokyoThese four maikos want to have a pictureYoung ladies enjoying their day in kimonos pose willingly for my camera in front of the shops at Nakamise Shopping StreetNakamise shopping street leads all the way from Kaminarimon gate to the Hózo mon gate – to the main temple grounds. It is always full with people and I cannot believe how empty it looks in this pictureCurious girls in front of a Japanese palm reading shop waiting to learn about their fortuneHózó mon = Treasure house gate – behind it is the most sacred part of the temple area. As previous gate was destroyed during Tokyo raids in World War II, this is a new gate, constructed in 1964. It is almost 23 m tall and the upper floor houses precious treasures – sutras and scripturesChóchin under Hózó mon gate and behind it the Main Hall can be seenNotice the giant pilgrim straw sandals – waraji – on the Hózó mon gate. They are 4,5 long and 1,5 m wide and weigh 400 kg each. Such sandals were made of rice straw and this was one of many ways how rice straw was used in the pastThe main hall of Sensó-ji temple is devoted to Kannon. Here the doors are closedThe Main Hall on another day when it is open
Senso ji temple is together with Meiji jingú shrine the most visited sacred site in the world. Over 30 million visitors come here annually. St. Peter´s Basilica in Vatican with its 7 million visitors is No. 11Bodhisattwa Kannon statue, bronze, 169 cm tall, cast in 1720. Bodhisattwa Kannon is the most compassionate BuddhaJizó statue with knitted cap and clothes. People dress Jizo because they believe he will clothe the soul of some passed away child on another world. As it is believed in Japan that red colour keeps the demons and ilnesses away Jizo statues are almost always clad in redRight next to the Senso ji temple area there is the Asakusa Kokaido = Public Hall. In front of its main entrance Star no Hiroba = the Stars Plaza displays handprints and signatures of famous Japanese entertainers. The Large Hall inside can seat 1,082 spectatorsThese are the palm prints and signatures collected here since 1979
Denbouindóri – Denbouin StreetDenbouindóri street is 200 meters long and full with the culture of Edo – traditional Edo style streetBeware! – there´s Nezumi Kozó on the roof! He was a famous thief who lived in Edo during the Edo period. His real name was Nakamura Jirokichi (1797-1831). Under the nickname Nezumi Kozó he is known as a Japanese thief and folk hero. He was beheaded for his deads. He survives in legends, kabuki plays, etc.Nezumi KozóBeautifully painted store shutter
