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Sensō-ji

Sensō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. It is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most important, with more than 30 million visitors a year. The complex includes the Kaminarimon gate with its large red lantern, the Nakamise-dōri street with around 72 traditional-goods shops, the Hōzōmon gate with its guardian statues and giant sandals, a five-storey pagoda and the main hall. Visitors can take part in the o-mikuji tradition, consulting the oracle for a suggested donation of 100 yen. The temple is the centre of the Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo's largest festival, and the thirteenth stop on the Bandō Sanjūsankasho pilgrimage. The statue of Kannon is a hibutsu that is never shown to the public. The main hall's opening hours are 6am to 5pm (6.30am to 5pm from October to March).

Things to do at Sensō-ji: 9 missions

• Try NingyōyakiTry Ningyōyaki, a Japanese sweet made with a castella-style sponge filled with sweet bean paste or other fillings.
• Check the o-mikuji stallsHead to the o-mikuji stalls to consult the oracle.
• See Kaminarimon, the Thunder GateTake in Kaminarimon, which dominates the entrance to the temple.
• Explore the tranquil, contemplative gardenWander through the tranquil, contemplative Japanese-style garden within the temple.
• Walk along Nakamise-dōriWalk along Nakamise-dōri street, which forms the approach to the temple.
• See the five-storey pagodaTake in the majestic five-storey pagoda that stands within the grounds.
• Explore Nakamise-dori and its shopsWalk along Nakamise-dori, the shop-lined street that follows on from Kaminarimon.
• Visit the main hall dedicated to KannonEnter the main hall of the grounds, dedicated to Kannon.
• See Hōzōmon, the Gate of the Treasure HouseTake in Hōzōmon, which leads into the inner precinct.

Near Sensō-ji

Source: senso-ji.jp