Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, is renowned as Asakusa Kannon for housing the compassionate Sacred Avalokitesvara This historic site stands as a pivotal center of worship, resonating with spiritual significance across Japan.
This Bodhisattva responds to prayers with compassion and kindness and can take on many forms. These forms include the Senju (1000 hands), Nyoirin (wishing fulfillment and a Dharma wheel), and Juichimen (11 faces). All of these forms are descended from the single-faced, two-handed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
Stepping into the Main Hall (Kannon-do), visitors encounter the artistic legacy of Noguchi Sekko, one of the Edo Period's Three Best Calligraphers. The impressive masterpieces, displayed on both sides of a significant donation box, showcase poignant phrases from Hanjusan, written by Shan-tao (Zendo Daishi) in the Tang Dynasty. These words beautifully encapsulate the all-encompassing and benevolent nature of Bodhisattva Kannon, emphasizing equality and compassion for all.
Ever since Buddhist priest Shokai hid the Kannon statue in 645, it’s been kept safe in a beautiful small temple called Gorgeon Zushi, protected by lots of locks. Even top priests from Senso-ji can’t see this special statue, making this place feel even more mysterious and holy. Senso-ji Temple attracts a staggering 30 million visitors each year and deserves to be at the top of the best Buddhist temples in Tokyo.
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032, Japan
Phone: +81 3-3842-0181
Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/english/
