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SensojiSensōji (金龍山浅草寺, Kinryū-san Sensōji) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Taitō Ward, Tōkyō. It is Tōkyō's oldest, and one of its most significant, temples. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect, it became independent after World War II. Adjacent to the temple is a Shintō shrine, the Asakusa Jinja. Sensōji is the focus of Tōkyō's largest and most popular matsuri (Shintō festival). The festival takes place over 3–4 days in late spring, and sees the surrounding streets closed to traffic from dawn until late evening. Dominating the entrance to the temple is the kaminari-mon or "Thunder Gate". This imposing Buddhist structure features a massive paper lantern dramatically painted in vivid red-and-black tones to suggest thunderclouds and lightning. Within the precincts stand a stately five-story pagoda and the main hall, devoted to Kannon Bosatsu. Many tourists, both Japanese and from abroad, visit Sensōji every year. Catering to the visiting crowds, the surrounding area has many traditional shops and eating places that feature traditional dishes (hand-made noodles, sushi, tempura, etc.). The long walkway from the Thunder Gate to the temple itself is lined with small shops selling omiyage (souvenirs) ranging from fans, ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), kimono and other robes, Buddhist scrolls, traditional sweets, to Godzilla toys, t-shirts, and cell-phone trinkets. These shops themselves are part of a living tradition of selling to pilgrims who walked to Sensōji. Within the temple is a quiet contemplative garden kept in the distinctive Japanese style.
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