Part Two, January 19, 2020
Go to the previous blog post to see part one of this day.
Senso-ji Temple, Part Two
After the fortunes and passing through the second gate, traveling towards Senso-ji Temple, we saw the smoke and the incense. We waved the smoke towards our bodies to purify ourselves as we traveled towards the temple. Many people shared in this ritual.
Continuing the crowds on the shopping street, there were hundreds of people, maybe thousands of people, traveling the same journey. Japanese people are so polite and respectful that there is no problem being in such a crowd. To me it only added to the excitement and anticipation. This is not just a tourist trap or location, but a place where the local people and culture are living their lives.
We approach the steps to the temple and the sounds of money hitting the slots across the collection bins rang out. Some people can’t get close to drop their coins and throw them over the heads of the crowd. At 12 o’clock, as we mounted to steps, chanting began to come from inside the temple. I took a video to try and capture the magical, mystical moment. The video is posted below. My return to Senso-ji temple after 18 years met all my anticipation plus more.
Below are some pictures of other sights in the immediate area of the temple.
