Kaminarimon Gate (Photo: Faye Close)

Kaminarimon Gate

Asakusa's most famous landmark: The Thunder Gate

Faye Close   - 1 min read

Kaminarimon Gate stands at the entrance of Sensoji Temple and is regarded as one of Asakusa’s most famous landmarks. Inside the gate on either side are protective Buddhist deities in the form of enormous wooden statues, from which the gate acquires its name: Fujin (god of wind) and Raijin (god of thunder). The red paper lantern holds the inscription Kaminarimon ("thunder gate"), and beneath this is a wooden calving of a traditional Japanese dragon. The original gate was built in 942, however, it burnt down several times throughout history. The gate visible today was erected in 1960, donated by a Japanese entrepreneur Konosuki Matsushita.

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Faye Close

Faye Close @faye.close

I am an English student currently on exchange in Kitakyushu. In my year abroad I have taken the time to travel Japan and see the beautiful and educational sights the country has to offer. In my experience, Japan is one of the most beautiful countries I have seen, with a rich culture and polite ma...