Sensoji Temple | Akakusa | March 2014

Sensoji Temple is one of Japan's greatest cultural and oldest Buddhist temples in Tokyo. It is located in Akakusa close to Sumida River. As you enter the 'Kaminarimon Gates' (through and under a large red lantern) you will pass between the god of Fujin (The god of wind) and Raijin (The god of Thunder). This gate serves as the entrance to the Sensoji Temple precincts and is the outer gate of the temple.

It was incredibly busy as we had visited Japan during the popular Sakura Season so there was triple the amount of tourists than there normally would be. It was like swimming in a sea full of humans.

We passed through Nakamise-dori, the famous shopping street full of freshly-made food, drinks; there are handbags and brick-a-brac stalls, and ornament stalls to ninja suits for adults or kids. A great tourist stop for stocking up on souvenirs and sampling some of Japanese well known snacks such as the Senbei rice cracker (made fresh) and Agemanju (battered and fried soft cake filled with sweet red bean paste) , or delicious homemade mocha to freshly brewed green tea to quench your thirst.

As we approach Sensoji Temple, it is compellingly huge and beautifully distinct. Being such a important centre of worship, it attracts over 30 million visitors each year - definitely a must-see in Tokyo























The five-storey pagoda within Sensoji grounds