Fun facts quiz about Sensō-ji: Trivia questions about Kaminarimon and nearby facilities (for seniors)

It is an absolutely secret Buddhist image.

The statue of Sho Kannon Bosatsu, the principal object of worship at Senso-ji Temple, is a completely hidden Buddha and is not shown to the public. The Kannon statue is enshrined inside the palace within the main hall, and its form cannot be seen. However, a statue called the Omidedachi, which closely resembles the actual principal image, is enshrined and is made available for public viewing every year on December 13.

The day of the festival

The lantern at Kaminarimon is folded up on the day of the Sanja Matsuri festival. Sanja Matsuri is the grand annual festival of Asakusa Shrine, located next to Senso-ji Temple, and it is held every May. During the festival, portable shrines (mikoshi) pass beneath Kaminarimon, so the lantern is folded to prevent any collisions. It is also said to be folded during typhoons or other times when heavy rain and wind could damage it.

The body's discomfort gets better.

The smoke rising from the Jokoro censer at Senso-ji comes from incense offered by worshippers. It is believed that bathing the part of your body that feels unwell in this smoke will help cure the ailment. Many visitors cloak themselves in the smoke to pray for good health and recovery from illness.

500kg

The giant straw sandals (ōwaraji) at the Hōzōmon Gate of Sensō-ji weigh about 500 kilograms. They are one of the sights that astonish many visitors with their size. The sandals are said to belong to the Nio guardian statues enshrined inside Hōzōmon, and their enormous size is believed to make evil spirits flee at the sight of them.

Fishermen who found the statue of Shō Kannon Bodhisattva at Sensō-ji

In addition to the fishermen Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari, who are said to have discovered the statue of Shō Kannon Bodhisattva—the principal object of worship at Sensō-ji—Asakusa Shrine enshrines Hajino Nakatomo, who founded the temple to venerate the statue. Along with the main hall, the worship hall and the offering hall are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Kasugaiyama

The lanterns hung along the approach to Senso-ji Temple bear the Kashigiyama mark. Originally, the manji symbol—also seen at other temples—was used, but to avoid confusion with the Nazi swastika and out of consideration for foreign tourists, the Kashigiyama mark is now used instead.

bad luck

It’s said that the omikuji at Senso-ji Temple are more likely to yield a bad fortune compared to other places. Senso-ji uses a set called Kannon Hyakusen for its omikuji, and it’s reportedly set so that 30% of them are bad fortunes. So it turns out this isn’t just a rumor but actually true. That said, even if you draw a bad fortune, it doesn’t have to be taken only in a negative sense—for example, messages like “By living sincerely, it will turn to good” and “From here on, there is only upward progress” are also included.