Young girls in traditional dress try their fortune with omikuji (Photo: gloria ticconi)

Sensoji Temple: Photo Diary

Asakusa Kannon Temple and its rituals

Gloria Ticconi   - 2 min read

Sensoji, also known as Asakusa Kannon temple, is located in Asakusa. This Buddhist temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest.

As with most temples, Sensoji has a purification fountain at the entrance, where water coming out from the stone dragons. People use the water to purify themselves before going inside the temple, cleansing their hands and their mouth.

In front of the Main Hall of the temple you can find a large incense burner. People take their hands and direct the incense smoke over their body. This gesture cleanse the body and symbolise healing.

At Sensoji temple you can pick up an omikuji (fortune-telling paper) to try your luck. Place ¥100 coin into a lot on a counter as voluntary offer, then shake a small box until bamboo stick falls out. The stick has a number on it, according to the number you can pick up your omikuji from a box. You can take the omikuji with you bringing the good fortune with you, but, if it's not the fortune you were looking for, tie it on a pine tree, to wait for better fortune.

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Gloria Ticconi

Gloria Ticconi @gloria.ticconi