Asakusa Kannon Temple

Entrance to Asakusa Kannon Temple (pron: Asaksa), aka Sensoji, with Japan's largest "paper" lantern. Shown here is Kaminarimon, the outer gate

Sensoji (aka Asakusa Kannon Temple) is located in Asakusa, a central part of the Shitamachi.

The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida river, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built there for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple.

Photo a3, 1987

Asakusa Kannon Temple

Sensoji main building

Photo 27, 1987

Asakusa Kannon Temple

Sensoji main building

Photo a8, 1987

Asakusa Kannon Temple

Photo a9, 1987

Asakusa Kannon Temple Grounds

Five-storied Pagoda

Photo a10, 1987