Buddhist temples - Senso-ji

The first sight we saw while we were in Japan was the Buddhist temple Senso-ji. It would be commonplace in the coming two weeks that we would be seeing a fair few Buddhist temples!

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of the most significant temples in Tokyo. The temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon - the godess of mercy. Legend tells that two fishermen found a statue of the Kannon in the Sumida River, recognising the sanctity of the statue the chief of the village remodelled his house into a small temple so that the villagers could worship the Kannon.

Unfortunately the temple was covered in scaffolding due to renovations - something that was quite common at the time we were travelling! Although many of the renovations will be finished within the year!! Luckily for us access to the interior of the temple was still allowed!

Inside the temple..

Inside the temple the mood changed somewhat from the hustle and bustle of nakamise-dori. There was an calming peace in the room, even with all the tourists and believers shuffling for a good view of the shrine, or to make a prayer or blessing.

Another recognisable sight and part of the temple complex is the temples five story pagoda:


The temple also houses a garden kept in the traditional Japanese style!