SENSO-JI BUDDHIST TEMPLE, Second Part

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....