Located in Taito-ku along the west bank of the Sumida-gawa River, the Asakusa district once thrived as a temple town for the nearby Senso-ji Temple, but now it is a downtown area that rivals Ginza, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Shibuya. The history of Senso-ji Temple goes back far into the past. Legend has it that fishermen brothers discovered an image of Kan'non (the goddess of mercy) in the Sumida-gawa River around the year 628 and were inspired to enshrine it. The temple's symbol is the Furai jin-mon (Gate of Wind God and Thunder God) adorned with a large red paper lantern that bears the inscription "Kaminari-mon" (Thunder Gate).
It's the 2nd time visiting Asakusa. It's still as busy as the December I went a couple of years ago; but minus the festive atmosphere. This time, we entered by another gate, which is nearer to the temple. Nevertheless, it's a pity that it's undergoing some retrofitting work which is closed to visitors.
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