Asakusa Shrine - Tokyo

The Asakusa Shrine, also known under a different name Sanja-sama which translates at the Shrine of the three Gods, is found in the huge city of Tokyo in Japan.

The Asakusa Shrine is a famous Shinto Shrine and was built to honour three men who were the founding fathers of the Senso-ji. These three men are Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari and Hajino Matsuchi. These men are worshipped as deities at the shrine.

The legend of these men is that Hinokuma Takenari and Hinokuma Hamanari found a Kannon statuette of a Goddess of Mercy while trawling for fish with their fishing nets. A rich landlord found out about the find and delivered a sermon on Buddhism that encapsulated the two fishermen so much they converted to Bhuddism.

The Shrine is located in an area that is abundant in shrines built in honour of different people but this shrine is one of the most famous out of all the shrines in the vicinity.

The Asakusa Shrine was built in 1649 after being commissioned by Tokugawa Lemitsu and is of the Gongen style of shrine architecture.

During special times of the year there are many festivals held at the shrine by Shinto and Buddhists, the most famous of which is the Sanja Matsuri. The Sanja Matsuri is a wonderful festival to witness and can be seen annually in late May.

Today many people come to the Asakusa shrine to worship or simply bask in its history and wonderful architecture. Many tourists feel this shrine is one of the best monuments to Japans past in this area of Tokyo.

The shrine can be located via the underground system, to get there take the Ginza Line to Asakusa (exit 1) or the Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa (exit A5).

Address:
2-26-1, Asakuksa, Taito-ku
Tokyo,
111-0032

Tel: +81 033844 1575

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