Tokyo｜Don't Miss Out on Asakusa Shrine When Visiting Senso-ji Temple

Every May, the Tokyo Sanja Matsuri is a lively and significant festival in the Asakusa area. The host of this event, Asakusa Shrine, is deeply connected to Senso-ji Temple. Legend has it that two fisherman brothers discovered a Buddha statue in the Sumida River and brought it back to their village to show the learned local leader, Haji Manaka. Upon inspection, it was identified as a statue of the Goddess Kannon, marking the beginning of Senso-ji Temple. The three individuals who contributed to the establishment of the temple were later honored as the "Sanja Gongen" and enshrined in Asakusa Shrine. Locals affectionately refer to Asakusa Shrine as "Sanja-sama," which has witnessed Asakusa's transformation from a fishing village to a bustling area. The current shrine buildings were constructed under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu to pray for the long-lasting prosperity of the shogunate. The complex includes the main hall, worship hall, and offering hall, all designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Due to the Meiji-era policy of separating Shinto and Buddhism, Asakusa Shrine and Senso-ji Temple were divided. The shrine's corridors, built in the "Shinmei-zukuri" style, feature exquisite craftsmanship. If you're visiting Senso-ji Temple, don't forget to stop by Asakusa Shrine to experience its unique atmosphere. 📍Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan 🚗 About a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station