Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji (浅草寺) is a temple in Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo, whose grounds hold two Important Cultural Properties: the Nitenmon Gate of around 1649 and the buildings of Denpoin, the temple's head residence (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It has drawn worshippers since ancient times as a sacred site of the bodhisattva Kannon.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education records that Sensoji lost its buildings to fire twice in the Kan'ei era, and in 1636 the Toshogu shrine in its grounds was moved to Momijiyama in Edo Castle. The Nitenmon Gate and Denpoin escaped two great fires and still carry the atmosphere of Edo.

The Two Properties

The Nitenmon Gate, an eight-pillared gate of around 1649, is said to have been the attendants' gate of the Toshogu shrine; it was designated an Important Cultural Property on November 29, 1946 (Agency for Cultural Affairs; Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education).

Denpoin, southwest of the main temple buildings, is the head residence of Sensoji. Its reception hall of 1776, entrance hall of 1777, and the large, small and new study halls and kitchen of the Meiji and Taisho eras, 6 buildings in all, were designated on July 8, 2015 (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Each is described on its own page.

Visiting

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, the temple grounds are open all year, all day, free of charge. The Denpoin garden is normally closed to the public.