| Tokyo Taito Asakusa | Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Kannon) - Hozomon (Treasure-House Gate) |
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 14 April 2010 13:25 |
   Translated as 'Treasure-House Gate', Hozomon is composed of two-story structure. The upper level stores many of Sensoji's treasures includes a copy of the Lotus Sutra and the Issai-kyō, a complete collection of Buddhist scriptures. Whilst the lower level that faces south is occupied by two wooden statues of Nio or Deva Kings, one with 'open mouth style' and the other of 'closed mouth style'. Each sits at far right and far left. With Nio statues were being enshrined, the gate was formerly known as 'Nio Mon' or Deva's Gate.    The middle opening of Hozomon features three large lanterns. The grand and most prominent lantern that is hanged in the center of the opening is a red chōchin and three black characters display 小舟町 which is the name of Funamachi town. It was donated by the people of Funamachi in 2003 to commemorate the 400th-year-anniversary of Edo period.  Hozomon was first erected in 942 by Taira no Kimimasa but was burned down. It was then rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1649 boasting a dignified appearance of two-storied tower gate. It stood for more than 300 years before being destroyed again during Tokyo air raids in 1945.  The gate we see today was reconstructed in 1964 by Ohtani Yonetaro with external appearance boasting the architecture of the early Edo Period. Made from ferro-concrete, the gate tower is 21.7 m high, stretches a width of 21.1 m and takes a depth of 8.2 m.  After passing the gate, remember to turn back to enjoy the sight of two huge traditional straw sandals called O-Waraji. Devoted to Sensoji, they were made by 800 people of Murayama City in a month. The huge sandal measures 4.5 m in height and weighs 250 kg. It is believed these straw sandals are the charm against the evil and symbolizing the power of Nio, thus most people would touch O-Waraji for good sake.  Direction: Get off at Asakusa subway station (Ginza Line or Tobu Line), 100 m walk towards west along Kaminarimon Street. Opening Hours: Main hall from 6:00 to 17:00 (from 6:30 from October to March) Temple grounds: Always open (365 days) Admission: Free |
| Last Updated on Wednesday, 14 April 2010 14:00 |
Popular of Late
Latest Comments
- I went there just over a week ago. Found the whole... More...
By Brian McSorley - Just got back from Japan with my fiancé. We (unfor... More...
By Fleur_de_Fevrier 
:-x :-x More...
By- best place ever...and I love Miguel, he is the bes... More...
By - Wow, nice post, there are many person searching ab... More...
By