Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji Temple an ancient Buddhist temple, located in Asakusa, part of Taito-ku, Tokyo, is Tokyo’s most revered and oldest temple.
Senso-ji Temple was founded in AD 628 to enshrine a gold statuette of the Kannon Bodhisattva (the Goddess of Mercy) which, according to legend, was found by two local fishermen. Also known as Asakusa Kannon in Japan, the temple and its five-storey pagoda may today be a post-war concrete reconstruction, but nonetheless its precincts are always bustling with worshippers. A huge incense burner at the front of the temple is said to have healing powers. The Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is one of Tokyo’s most recognized sites and is famous for its enormous red paper lantern and guardian statues. There are also many Shinto shrines within the temple’s grounds.
The temple retained official support under the Tokugawa shogunate which took power in the 17th century in Edo (present-day Tokyo). Most of the buildings were destroyed by fire during air raids in World War II., Subsequent donations by people from all over the country.
Today, Senso-ji is the focus of Tokyo's largest and most popular matsuri (Shinto festival). The festival takes place over 3–4 days in late spring attracts many visitors from all over Japan and abroad as one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Tokyo. Nearby is another popular attraction -- the shrine Asakusa-jinja. The Sanja Matsuri ("Festival of Three Shrines") held in May every year is known as one of the major festivals of Edo.
Many tourists, both Japanese and from abroad, visit Sensōji every year. Catering to the visiting crowds, the surrounding area has many traditional shops and eating places that feature traditional dishes (hand-made noodles, sushi, tempura, etc.).

Tip: Opening Hours: Temple 6am-5pm; grounds open 24 hours; Cost: free; Address: Kinryuzan Senso-ji, 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan; Tel: (03) 3842 0181; How to get there: by air: New Tokyo Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport (domestic flights).by train: Tokyo Station. Underground: Asakusa; by bus: Public services; by car: Tomei-Meishin Expressway (from Kobe); Chuo Expressway (from Nagano and Nagoya).