Japan’s architecture is the epitome of culture, history, spirituality and traditions.
Sensō-ji
Sensō-ji
Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, dates back to the mid-7th century and it is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon, a merciful being that helps others achieve Buddhahood.
Nakamise Street is a bustling shopping street that runs from Kaminarimon to Senso-ji, famous for selling traditional souvenirs and snacks.
The Kaminarimon, Japanese for Thunder Gate, and its massive red lantern have become symbols of the iconic Asakusa district.
The entwinement of Shintoism and Buddhism is perfectly seen in the Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo's largest Shinto festival that honors the buddhist founders of Senso-ji.
Sensō-Ji (2017-09-18/2017-09-18) by Jui-Chi-Chan
Known as Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensō-ji was built by 645 A.D. The temple was destroyed and then rebuilt in 1958.
Aside from the temple itself it also surrounded by several buildings such as the Kaminarimon Gate, Nitenmon and Rokkaku-do.
Did you know that the Sensō-ji attracts around 30 million visitors every year?
Ushiku Daibutsu
Ushiku Daibutsu
Daibutsu is the Japanese term for a large statue of Buddha, and the Ushiku Daibutsu is located in Ushiku (Ibaraki), just 80 km outside Tokyo.
This bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha towers 120 m and weighs more than 4,000 tons, being one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
From its 85-meter observatory deck, the surrounding perennial garden can be admired, and on a clear day Tokyo and even Mount Fuji are visible.
In one of the floors of the Ushiku Daibutsu, there is a sanctuary with more than 3,000 golden Buddha statues.
Ushiku Daibutsu (2019-06-26/2019-06-26) by Kimberrywood
The Ushiku Daibutsu was built in 1993 to commemorate the birth of Shinran.
Did you know that the Ushiku Daibutsu holds the Guinness World Record for tallest bronze sculpture since 1992?
Zojoji Temple
Zojoji Temple
It was founded in 1393 and relocated to its present site two centuries after, when members of the Tokugawa clan started ruling Japan.
Zojoji became their family temple and mausoleum until the late 19th century.
This complex, located next to the Tokyo Tower, is a reconstruction due to the original buildings being destroyed during World War II.
The main temple, the mausoleum, and the Treasures Gallery are the most notable recent constructions, being Sangedatsumon, the main gate, the only original structure that dates back to the 17th century.
Zojoji Temple (2020-10-31/2020-10-31) by Yam Style
Sangedatsumon, the main gate of Zojoji, is one of the oldest wooden structures in Tokyo and has been declared an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs.
It was destroyed during World War II but later rebuilt.
Zojoji continues to serve as the main temple of Jodo-shu and a seminary.
Meiji Jingu
Meiji Shrine
Surrounded by a 70-hectare urban forest in the middle of Tokyo, is the largest shrine in the capital.
It is dedicated to Emperor Meiji, who is credited with modernizing Japan, and his wife.
It is one of Japan’s most popular shrines: it receives more than three million prayers for hatsumōde and several other festivals take place in its grounds annually.
Sake and wine barrels prominently displayed at the Meiji Shrine are offerings.
Did you know that the forest that surrounds the Meiji Shrine has over 100,000 trees?
The Meiji Shrine was built in the nagare-zukuri style, a traditional architectural style characterized by a very asymmetrical gabled roof.
Meiji Jingu Shrine (2018-07-05/2018-07-05) by Iivertoon
It was destroyed during World War II.
After being destroyed during World War II, the reconstruction of the Meiji Shrine was completed in 1958.
These landmarks show the coexistence of people with nature, and of modernity and tradition.
