Sensoji Temple, located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, is one of Japan’s most iconic and visited Buddhist temples. With a history dating back to 645 AD, this ancient temple is not only a significant cultural landmark but also a vibrant centre of spiritual practices and rituals. Visitors from around the world come to Sensoji to immerse themselves in its unique atmosphere and partake in its traditional rituals. Here’s a guide to some of the unique rituals that make Sensoji Temple a fascinating destination.
Purification Ritual
Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors first encounter the purification fountain, known as the chozuya. This ritual involves cleansing the hands and mouth to purify oneself before approaching the main hall. To perform the ritual, visitors use a ladle to scoop water, first pouring it over their left hand, then the right, and finally rinsing their mouth. This act of purification symbolizes the washing away of impurities and preparing oneself for prayer.
Omikuji Fortune Telling
One of the most popular activities at Sensoji is omikuji or fortune-telling. Visitors can draw an omikuji by shaking a wooden box until a numbered stick falls out, then matching the number to a corresponding drawer to retrieve their fortune. The fortune slips provide guidance on various aspects of life, such as health, love, and business. If the fortune is unfavourable, it is customary to tie the slip to a designated rack within the temple grounds to leave the bad luck behind. You can also find some of the best luxury hotels in Tokyo located closeby such as the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, giving you opportunity to explore more of this city.
Incense Offering at the Jokoro
In front of the main hall, there is a large incense burner known as the jokoro. Visitors purchase bundles of incense, light them, and then place them on the burner. Wafting the smoke towards oneself is believed to bring good health and spiritual purification. Many visitors wave the smoke towards parts of their body that need healing or strengthening, such as the head for wisdom or the hands for skill.
Praying at the Main Hall
The main hall, or hondo, is the spiritual heart of Sensoji Temple. Visitors approach the hall to pray and make offerings. The proper etiquette involves tossing a coin into the offering box, bowing deeply twice, clapping hands twice, making a silent prayer or wish, and bowing once more. This ritual of prayer and offering is a way for visitors to show respect and seek blessings from Kannon, the goddess of mercy, to whom the temple is dedicated.
