Sensō-ji

Contexto cultural

Founded in 628, it is Tokyo's oldest temple. Pass through the Kaminarimon and the Nakamise shopping street smells of ningyō-yaki and grilled senbei — the street life of the Edo period hits you head-on; the five-storey pagoda and main hall are vermilion and majestic, and the Sanja Matsuri brings the whole neighbourhood out each year. However times change, Asakusa remains the 'shitamachi' heart of Tokyo for Tokyoites.

Costumbres locales

• Before praying, rinse your hands and mouth at the purification fountain
• in front of the main hall, offer a coin and put your palms together to pray — at Buddhist temples you omit the claps of 'two bows, two claps, one bow', and at Sensō-ji palms together is enough
• after drawing an omikuji, tie bad-luck slips to the racks.

Religión y creencias

• Head temple of the Shō-Kannon school of Buddhism, enshrining Shō-Kannon. Keep quiet when worshipping and don't be loud in the hall
• wafting incense smoke over yourself is believed to ward off illness and bring blessings.

Consejos de viaje

• Good all year, but the New Year 'hatsumōde' crowds are enormous (avoid the 1–3 January peak). The temple is free, and before it opens at 6 a.m. there are the fewest people
• combine with Tokyo Skytree and a Sumida River cruise
• spring and autumn have the best weather.