In addition to the main temple, the Senso-ji complex also includes a large number of structures spread around a huge Japanese-style garden, which is well worth a visit. Let me point out the most significant ones.
The most immediately visible one is the five-story pagoda to the left of the second entrance to the temple. It was built in 1973 to replace an earlier three-story pagoda which had been completely destroyed.
On the same side, almost next to the main hall, you’ll see another small pagoda built in red wood, the oldest one in the complex. It was built in 1649 to replace an earlier one. This pagoda, which survived the World War II bombing raids, was placed in its current position in 1994.
Another building that survived the war is the one next to it, called Awashimado, which for a few years was home to the statue of Guanyin, after the main hall was destroyed by the air raids. Awashimado dates to the early 18th century, and is dedicated to women.
To the right of the main hall is a Torii, or entrance to a sacred place, a typical feature of Japanese architecture. It has a simple structure, with two vertical supporting columns and a horizontal pole on the top, usually vermillion in color. This one is white, and leads to another shrine, called Asakusa Jinja, dedicated to the three founders of the temple: the two fishermen brothers who found the statue of Guanyin, and the chief of the brothers’ village.
Not far from the main hall, you’ll find a structure known as the “building of the shadows”, with numerous statues of Buddhist deities inside. To reach it, you have to cross the little Ishibashi bridge, the oldest in Tokyo, built in 1618.
Lastly, don’t miss the Denbo-in Garden, which is not usually very busy. Created alongside some delightful little ponds, it has some features that continuously alter the garden’s landscape.
An interesting fact: opposite the Awashimado shrine is an old stone lantern. It’s said that if a child passes under it, he or she will never suffer from worms or smallpox.
