Anyone interested in the spiritual side of life should visit this temple dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist deity of mercy and compassion. Tokyo's oldest temple (dating from 628) is also known as Sensoji Temple. It is one of the most popular sights in Tokyo and is always crowded with a festive atmosphere, particularly along the shop-lined pedestrian street leading to its main hall. The smoke from its incense cauldron is said to be beneficial to your health (especially the part of the body onto which it is rubbed—you will see many people doing this before going to pray). The three-day Sanja Festival is held at the temple in mid-May. During that time, about 2 million visitors gather to watch as mikoshi (portable shrines, often gilded) are carried around to the sound of Japanese drumming. Daily 6 am-5 pm (to 4:30 pm in winter). Free. 2-3-1 Asakusa (near Asakusa station on the Ginza or Asakusa lines), Taito-ku, Tokyo. Phone 3842-0181.
