It is said that Sensoji Temple dates back to A.D. 628. A small golden Buddha image, 5.5cm high, was accidentally caught in the fishing net of two fisherman brothers who were fishing in the Sumida River near Sensoji Temple. They built a small temple to enshrine this small Buddha image in A.D. 628, which is believed to be the origin of Sensoji Temple. However, this small Buddhist image is hidden behind the curtain of this temple’s main building, and nobody has ever seen it since. Thus, I can’t help but say that this historical back ground looks dubious. Having said that, it is obvious that this temple already stood in the 12th century as being written so in a reliable history book. Most old buildings of this temple, the main building designated as a national treasure included, were destroyed during the Second World War though, they were rebuilt of reinforced concrete soon after the war.
There are many tourist spots, such as Nakamise shopping street, the restaurant and shopping arcades with an old atmosphere and Kappabashi shopping arcade focusing on kitchen utensils, in this vicinity, the so-called Asakusa. Hence, tourists can enjoy about half a day looking around Asakusa area.
Many important wooden buildings were reduced to ashes during the war, however 10 volumes of Buddhist scriptures, designated as national treasures, survived the war and are entrusted with Tokyo National Museum in Ueno.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
全国通訳案内士 高木聖久。
