Asakusa and the Tokugawa Shoguns: A Complete Guide to Sacred Sites Linked to Tokugawa Ieyasu

Did You Know About the Connection Between Sensō-ji and the Tokugawa Shogunate?

When people think of Asakusa, the first images that come to mind are usually the iconic Kaminarimon Gate or the bustling Nakamise Street. But in reality, Sensō-ji Temple was deeply revered and protected by Tokugawa Ieyasu and successive generations of shoguns. It became a sacred site closely tied to the shogunate, supporting both the faith and culture of Edo.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Sensō-ji’s fascinating connection with the Tokugawa family, exploring highlights such as the long-lost Sensō Tōshō-gū Shrine, the majestic Niōmon (now known as Nitenmon Gate), and the main hall rebuilt under Shogun Iemitsu.

Kaminarimon (Wind and Thunder Gate)

⭐ Recommended
Historical Value: ★★★ (A prestigious gate connected with the early Edo shogunate)
Visual Appeal: ★★★ (The massive red lantern and vividly colored guardian deities are truly striking)
Experiential Value: ★★ (Walking through the gate while soaking up Edo-period culture and the lively atmosphere)

The Kaminarimon, formally known as the “Fūjin-raijin-mon” (Gate of the Gods of Wind and Thunder), serves as the main entrance to Sensō-ji. According to tradition, it was originally built in 942 by Taira no Kinmasa. Later, in 1649, Tokugawa Iemitsu oversaw a major reconstruction, cementing its deep historical ties to the Edo shogunate.

Year of Construction	942 (traditional account)
Founder	Taira no Kinmasa (said to have built it upon his appointment as governor of Musashi Province)
Structure & Features	Eight-legged kirizuma-style gate. Official name: “Fūjin-raijin-mon.” A giant red paper lantern hangs at the center, flanked by statues of the Wind God and Thunder God, with carvings of Heavenly Dragon and Golden Dragon on the reverse side.
Reconstruction History	Moved to current site in 1635. Burned in 1642 ⇒ rebuilt by Iemitsu in 1649. Burned in 1767 ⇒ rebuilt in 1795. Destroyed by fire in 1865. Current structure completed in 1960.
Current Status	Standing. Rebuilt in 1960 using reinforced concrete.
Damage & Loss	Destroyed several times by fire.
Cultural Heritage	Part of the historic landscape of Sensō-ji, alongside other designated cultural properties.
Notes	The giant lantern measures 3.9 m tall, 3.3 m wide, and weighs about 700 kg. Its base features dragon carvings. Illuminated beautifully at night.

🗺 Address: 1-2-3 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tokyo (Sensō-ji Kaminarimon)
🚶 Access:
About 1 minute on foot from Exit 1 of Tokyo Metro Ginza Line “Asakusa Station.”

⏳ Suggested Visit Time
Quick stop: about 5 minutes
In-depth visit: about 10 minutes

📍 Highlights

• Giant Red Lantern: An overwhelming presence and a must-see when illuminated at night.
• Statues of Wind and Thunder Gods: Positioned on either side, believed to protect Sensō-ji from floods and fires.
• Dragon Carvings (Heavenly & Golden Dragon): Found on the reverse side of the gate—an easily overlooked but powerful detail.
• Nakamise Street: Commerce here dates back to Tokugawa Ieyasu’s time, when trading within the temple grounds was officially permitted, drawing countless visitors.

📌 Trivia

• A Classic Edo Image: The Kaminarimon was a favorite subject for ukiyo-e artists, becoming a cultural symbol of Edo.
• 95-Year “Blank Period”: After the 1865 fire, the gate was left in ruins for 95 years until its reconstruction in 1960, made possible thanks to a donation by Konosuke Matsushita, founder of Panasonic.

Panoramic Photo

Nakamise Street — A Temple Town Linked to the Tokugawa Shoguns

⭐ Recommended
Historical Value: ★★★ (One of Japan’s oldest temple-front shopping streets, deeply tied to the Tokugawa shogunate)
Visual Appeal: ★★★ (A stone-paved approach lined with colorful shops, overflowing with Edo-period charm)
Experiential Value: ★★★ (Street food, souvenir shopping, and plenty of opportunities to connect with history)

The famous approach to Sensō-ji, known as Nakamise Street, traces its origins back to the early Edo period. After Tokugawa Ieyasu established the shogunate, the number of visitors to Sensō-ji grew dramatically. Around 1685 (Genroku–Kyōhō era), local residents were tasked with cleaning the temple grounds, and in return were granted permission to set up shops along the approach. This marked the beginning of Nakamise.

Although the street was temporarily demolished under government orders during the Meiji era, it was rebuilt later the same year with modern brick structures. The new Nakamise officially opened on December 27, 1885—a date still celebrated as “Nakamise Memorial Day.”

Origins	Early Edo period (around 1685)
Foundation	Shops permitted in exchange for cleaning Sensō-ji’s temple grounds
Structure & Features	A 250-meter stone-paved street lined with 89 shops (54 on the east side, 35 on the west)
Modern Development	December 1885: rebuilt with brick shops
Disasters & Reconstruction	Destroyed in the Great Kantō Earthquake and WWII bombings, but rebuilt both times (circa 1925 and postwar)
Current Status	Still thriving as a major tourist attraction
Notes	“Nakamise” was originally a generic term for shops along a temple or shrine approach.

🗺 Address: 1-2-3 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tokyo (Nakamise Street, Sensō-ji approach)
🚶 Access:
Located directly in front after passing through the Kaminarimon Gate.

⏳ Suggested Visit Time
Quick stroll: about 20 minutes
Leisurely exploration: 1–2 hours

📍 Highlights

• Stone-paved approach and shop rows: Stroll through history while admiring the traditional storefronts.
• Local specialties: Try treats like ningyō-yaki cakes, age-manju (fried buns), dango rice dumplings, and the famous “Kaminari-okoshi.”
• Traditional crafts: Souvenirs include Edo kiriko glassware, wind chimes, and folding fans.
• Evening charm: At night, the street is beautifully lit, with painted shutters depicting “Asakusa picture scrolls.”

📌 Trivia

• Tokugawa Patronage: When Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Sensō-ji as a shogunate prayer temple, Nakamise grew into a thriving temple-town street.
• Origin of the name “Nakamise”: A general term used for shops along shrine or temple approaches, later specifically associated with Sensō-ji.
• Nakamise Memorial Day: December 27, 1885 marks the official opening of its modern brick-built form, still remembered today as “Nakamise Memorial Day.”

Panoramic Photo

Hōzōmon Gate

⭐ Recommended
Historical Value: ★★★ (Originally built in the Heian period, reconstructed under Tokugawa Iemitsu and preserved to this day)
Visual Appeal: ★★★ (The vermilion double gate and the imposing Niō guardian statues are unforgettable)
Experiential Value: ★★ (Walking through the gate offers a direct sense of history and culture)

The Hōzōmon, located just beyond Nakamise Street after passing through the Kaminarimon, is a grand two-storied gate once known as the “Niōmon” (Gate of the Guardian Kings). According to tradition, it was first built in 942 by Taira no Kinmasa. Over the centuries it was destroyed and rebuilt several times. During the Edo period, the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, sponsored its reconstruction in 1649, solidifying its connection to the shogunate.

Sadly, the gate was destroyed once again during the 1945 Tokyo air raids. The current structure was rebuilt in 1964 with reinforced concrete, thanks to the donation of businessman Yonetarō Ōtani and his wife. At that time, its name was changed from “Niōmon” to “Hōzōmon,” emphasizing its role as a repository for Sensō-ji’s sacred treasures and scriptures.

Year of Construction	942 (traditional account)
Founder	Taira no Kinmasa (traditional account)
Structure & Features	Vermilion-painted two-storied gate. Lower level houses Niō guardian statues, upper level serves as a storehouse for temple treasures and scriptures.
Reconstruction History	1649: rebuilt under Tokugawa Iemitsu. 1964: rebuilt in concrete by the Ōtani family.
Current Status	Standing. Reconstructed in 1964 (reinforced concrete).
Cultural Significance	Considered an integral part of Sensō-ji’s historic temple landscape.
Notes	The name “Hōzōmon” was adopted at the time of its 1964 reconstruction, highlighting its function as a treasure repository.

🗺 Address: 2-3 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tokyo (Sensō-ji Hōzōmon)
🚶 Access:
Directly beyond Nakamise Street

⏳ Suggested Visit Time
Quick stop: about 5 minutes
In-depth visit: about 15 minutes

📍 Highlights

• Vermilion Two-Storied Gate: Its bold presence conveys a sense of historical grandeur and makes for excellent photos.
• Niō Guardian Statues: The imposing Kongōrikishi statues on either side of the lower level inspire awe.
• Repository of Treasures: The upper level houses Buddhist scriptures and temple treasures.
• Symbol of Postwar Reconstruction: Rebuilt after its wartime destruction, it stands as a reminder of resilience and collective support from citizens and devotees.

📌 Trivia

• Name Change: Once popularly known as the Niōmon, it was renamed “Hōzōmon” at the time of its 1964 reconstruction.

Panoramic Photo

Sensō-ji Main Hall (Kannon-dō)

⭐ Recommended
Historical Value: ★★★ (Rebuilt under Tokugawa Iemitsu, it became one of Edo’s central places of prayer)
Visual Appeal: ★★★ (Elegant irimoya-style design with a steep, commanding roof)
Experiential Value: ★★★ (As the heart of Kannon worship, it continues to connect people from Edo times to the present)

The Main Hall of Sensō-ji traces its form to the reconstruction carried out in 1649 under the patronage of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu. He had also overseen an earlier rebuilding in 1635, but that structure was lost to fire in 1642. The shogunate’s immediate commitment to rebuilding highlighted the deep protection and reverence it extended to Sensō-ji.

The Edo-period Main Hall stood for nearly 300 years as the center of Kannon worship. It survived the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923 and underwent major restoration in 1933. However, it was destroyed during the 1945 Tokyo air raids. The current hall was reconstructed between 1951 and 1958, funded by donations from devotees across Japan, embodying the resilience and faith of postwar society.

The present structure follows the design of the old hall in the traditional irimoya style. Its massive roof, visible from afar, was re-covered in lightweight and durable titanium tiles, with roof renovations completed in 2010.

Year of Reconstruction	1649, under Tokugawa Iemitsu
Earlier History	Rebuilt in 1635 → destroyed by fire in 1642
Structure & Features	Irimoya-style with a steep, imposing roof visible from a distance
War Damage & Reconstruction	Survived the 1923 earthquake, destroyed in the 1945 air raids, rebuilt 1951–1958
Modern Renovations	Roof refurbished with titanium tiles in 2010
Cultural Designation	The old hall was designated a National Treasure (lost in the war). The current structure retains important cultural value.
Tokugawa Connection	Symbol of the shogunate’s patronage under Iemitsu, central to Edo-period faith

🗺 Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access:
About 1 minute on foot from the Hōzōmon Gate

⏳ Suggested Visit Time
Quick stop: about 10 minutes
Leisurely exploration: about 30 minutes

📍 Highlights

• Majestic roof and eaves: The irimoya roof conveys grandeur and elegance.
• Inner sanctum housing the Kannon: Devotion to the hidden principal image of Kannon continues today.
• Symbol of Tokugawa patronage: A central monument of Edo faith reflecting Iemitsu’s protection.
• Postwar reconstruction: Rebuilt through the collective donations of worshippers nationwide, a testament to resilience.

📌 Trivia

• National Treasure Lost: The prewar hall was once designated a National Treasure before its loss in WWII.
• Tokugawa votive plaques: Many ema plaques donated by Tokugawa Hidetada and Iemitsu survived and are now preserved in the Five-Story Pagoda complex.
• Symbol of postwar recovery: The hall’s reconstruction became one of the emblematic projects of Tokyo’s—and Japan’s—postwar revival.

Panoramic Photo

Nitenmon Gate

⭐ Recommended
Historical Value: ★★★ (An early Edo-period gate that survived wartime destruction)
Visual Appeal: ★★ (Its vermilion structure exudes the dignity of a designated cultural property)
Experiential Value: ★ (Primarily a passageway, but one that breathes history with every step)

The Nitenmon, located east of Sensō-ji’s Main Hall, was originally built in 1649 as the temple’s East Gate. Known at first as the “Zuijinmon,” it once served as the entrance to Asakusa Tōshō-gū, a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

During the Meiji period, following the government’s separation of Shinto and Buddhism, the original guardian statues were removed. In their place, statues of Kōmokuten and Jikokuten from Kamakura’s Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine were installed, leading to its renaming as the “Nitenmon,” or “Gate of the Two Heavenly Kings.”

Remarkably, the gate survived the devastation of World War II. In 1957, statues of Jikokuten and Zōjōten—originally from the mausoleum of Shogun Tokugawa Ietsuna at Kan’ei-ji Temple—were enshrined here. These statues date back to the late Edo period and are considered valuable works of Buddhist art.

As one of the rare surviving examples of early Edo-period temple architecture, the Nitenmon is designated a National Important Cultural Property. A major restoration completed in 2010 revived its vivid original appearance.

Year Built	1649 (Keian 2)
Origin	Constructed as the Zuijinmon, the gate leading to Asakusa Tōshō-gū (shrine to Tokugawa Ieyasu)
Renaming & Statue Changes	Meiji era: Guardian figures replaced with Kōmokuten & Jikokuten; renamed Nitenmon
Current Enshrined Statues	Jikokuten & Zōjōten (relocated in 1957 from Tokugawa Ietsuna’s mausoleum at Kan’ei-ji)
Preservation	Survived WWII air raids intact
Cultural Designation	National Important Cultural Property
Restoration	Restored in 2010 to resemble its original appearance

🗺 Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tokyo (Sensō-ji Nitenmon)
🚶 Access:
About 1 minute on foot from the Main Hall (Kannon-dō)

⏳ Suggested Visit Time
Quick stop: about 5 minutes
Leisurely exploration: about 15 minutes

📍 Highlights

• Vermilion East Gate: A stately structure reflecting Edo Buddhist architecture.
• Niten Statues (Jikokuten & Zōjōten): Late Edo-period Buddhist statues relocated from Kan’ei-ji Temple.
• A Survivor of War: One of the few temple structures to withstand WWII bombings intact.
• Ties to the Tōshō-gū: A reminder of the Tokugawa shogunate’s religious culture and devotion.

📌 Trivia

• Shogunal Prayer Tradition: Originally built as the Zuijinmon, believed to be commissioned by Tokugawa Hidetada in honor of his father, Ieyasu.
• Unexpected Origins of the Statues: The current Niten statues were relocated from Shogun Ietsuna’s mausoleum at Kan’ei-ji, emphasizing the gate’s deep Tokugawa ties.
• A Name that Reflects History: Its renaming from Zuijinmon to Nitenmon reflects the impact of the Meiji-era separation of Shinto and Buddhism.

Panoramic Photo

Asakusa Shrine (Asakusa-jinja)

⭐ Recommended
Historical Value: ★★★
Visual Appeal: ★★★
Experiential Value: ★★★

Asakusa Shrine enshrines the three men who discovered Sensō-ji’s sacred Kannon image—Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Nakatomo. Locals affectionately call it “Sanja-sama” (the Shrine of the Three Deities). In 1649, Tokugawa Ieyasu was also enshrined here from the nearby Tōshō-gū, and the shrine came to be known as “Sanja Daigongen.”

The shrine building was erected in 1649 by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, in the elegant gongen-zukuri architectural style, which links the main hall, offering hall, and worship hall in a single structure. Having survived both the Great Kantō Earthquake and the air raids of WWII, it is one of the few surviving examples of early Edo-period shrine architecture. In 1951, it was officially designated a National Important Cultural Property.

The shrine’s roof tiles still bear the Tokugawa clan’s hollyhock crest, a reminder of the shogunate’s patronage.

Year Built	1649 (Keian 2)
Builder	Tokugawa Iemitsu (third shogun)
Structure & Features	Gongen-zukuri style: the main sanctuary, offering hall, and worship hall are linked under one roof
Preservation	Survived both the Great Kantō Earthquake and WWII bombings
Cultural Designation	1951: Designated a National Important Cultural Property
Notes	Also known as “Sanja Daigongen” after enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu; cherished locally as “Sanja-sama.”

🗺 Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access:
About 1 minute on foot from the Main Hall (Kannon-dō)

⏳ Suggested Visit Time
Quick stop: about 10 minutes
Leisurely visit: about 20 minutes

📍 Highlights

• Gongen-zukuri architecture: Built by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the shrine embodies early Edo-period design and dignity.
• Sanja-mairi (Three-Shrine Pilgrimage): Traditionally paired with Sensō-ji visits, honoring the “Sanja-sama.”
• Sanja Matsuri: One of Tokyo’s most famous festivals held every May, with three large mikoshi paraded through the streets.
• Enshrinement of Ieyasu: A tangible sign of Tokugawa patronage and faith extending to the shrine.

📌 Trivia

• Sanja Daigongen: Enshrines the three founders of Sensō-ji together with Tokugawa Ieyasu, symbolizing both local devotion and shogunal authority.
• Miraculous Survival: While much of Sensō-ji was destroyed in WWII, Asakusa Shrine and nearby gates such as Nitenmon survived, preserving their original Edo-period form.
• Sanja Festival Highlights: Nearly 100 town mikoshi processions and traditional “Binzasara” dances draw 1.5–2 million participants, making it one of Japan’s largest festivals.

Panoramic Photo

Rokkakudō (Hexagonal Hall)

⭐ Recommended
Historical Value: ★★★
Visual Appeal: ★★ (A modest structure with a quiet yet dignified presence)
Experiential Value: ★ (A small, tranquil spot where visitors can reflect in peace)

Quietly tucked away within the grounds of Sensō-ji, the Rokkakudō—or Hexagonal Hall—is believed to date back to the Muromachi period, making it one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in Tokyo. Today, it is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Its principal object of worship is the “Nichigiri Jizō-son,” a deity to whom people pray by setting a specific date by which they wish their prayers fulfilled. From the time Tokugawa Ieyasu declared Sensō-ji a shogunal prayer temple, the grounds were carefully developed, and Rokkakudō has remained as a quiet witness to this long history of faith through the Edo period and beyond.

Estimated Construction	Late Muromachi to early Edo period
Structure & Features	Hexagonal, hipped-roof wooden hall; houses the Nichigiri Jizō-son
Preservation	Still standing; one of Tokyo’s oldest surviving wooden buildings
Cultural Designation	Tokyo Metropolitan Tangible Cultural Property
Tokugawa Connection	Part of the temple precinct when Sensō-ji was designated a shogunal prayer site under Tokugawa Ieyasu
Notes	A serene, little-visited corner of the temple grounds

🗺 Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tokyo (inside Sensō-ji grounds)
🚶 Access:
About 2 minutes on foot from the Main Hall (Kannon-dō)

⏳ Suggested Visit Time
Quick stop: about 5 minutes
Leisurely visit: about 10 minutes

📍 Highlights

• Unique Hexagonal Structure: Rare architectural design, making it an important historical landmark.
• Nichigiri Jizō-son: A folk belief holds that prayers will be granted by the specified date if offered here.
• One of Tokyo’s Oldest Wooden Buildings: Having survived earthquakes and war, it retains its quiet dignity.
• Edo-period Context: Part of the shogunate’s designation of Sensō-ji as a prayer temple, preserved as a historic corner of the precinct.

📌 Trivia

• A Quiet Sanctuary: Unlike Sensō-ji’s bustling main structures, Rokkakudō offers a rare sense of tranquility.
• Linked with Yōgōdō Hall: Together with the adjacent Yōgōdō, it forms one of the oldest architectural clusters within the temple grounds.
• Shifts in Location: Old maps suggest that the hall was once located behind the Main Hall and later moved near Yōgōdō to the northwest.

Five-Story Pagoda (Gojū-no-tō)

⭐ Recommended
Historical Value: ★★★ (Religious significance since the Heian period, later developed under the Tokugawa shogunate)
Visual Appeal: ★★★ (The brilliant vermilion tower is a landmark of Asakusa)
Experiential Value: ★★ (An eye-catching monument along the temple approach)

The Five-Story Pagoda of Sensō-ji was first built in 942 (Heian period) by Taira no Kinmasa, according to tradition. In the Edo period, Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu rebuilt it in 1648, establishing it as one of Edo’s symbolic landmarks. The prewar tower stood about 33 meters tall.

The pagoda was destroyed in the 1945 Tokyo air raids, but in 1973 it was reconstructed using reinforced concrete and steel, while faithfully recreating its traditional exterior. Today’s tower stands about 48–53 meters tall. Its top level enshrines a relic of the Buddha (śarīra), a gift from Isurumuniya Temple in Sri Lanka in 1966.

Year of Origin	942 (Heian period, traditional account)
Edo Reconstruction	1648 (Keian 1), rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu
Structure & Features	Vermilion five-storied pagoda; traditional design reproduced with modern RC and steel structure after WWII
Height	Approx. 48–53 m
Buddhist Relic	Śarīra enshrined in the top tier, donated by Isurumuniya Temple, Sri Lanka (1966)
Loss & Reconstruction	Destroyed in 1945 Tokyo air raids → rebuilt in 1973
Cultural Significance	One of the “Four Great Pagodas of Edo,” frequently depicted in ukiyo-e prints

🗺 Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tokyo (inside Sensō-ji grounds)
🚶 Access:
About 1 minute on foot from the Main Hall (Kannon-dō)

⏳ Suggested Visit Time
Quick stop: about 5 minutes
Leisurely visit: about 10 minutes

📍 Highlights

• Majestic silhouette: The vermilion tower with its five tiers is striking and photogenic.
• Repository of sacred relics: Houses Buddha’s relics at the top level, deepening its religious importance.
• Symbol of Edo: After Iemitsu’s reconstruction, it became a beloved subject of ukiyo-e and a defining feature of Asakusa.
• Postwar symbol: Represents the revival of cultural heritage after the destruction of WWII.

📌 Trivia

• One of Edo’s Four Pagodas: Alongside those of Kan’ei-ji (Ueno), Zōjō-ji (Shiba), and Tenno-ji (Yanaka), it was celebrated as part of the “Four Great Pagodas of Edo.”
• Site of the Old Pagoda: A stone marker now commemorates the location of the prewar pagoda on the east side of the grounds.
• Tokugawa Legacy: Shogun Iemitsu’s reconstruction completed the temple’s layout, reinforcing Sensō-ji’s role in Edo’s cultural development.

Panoramic Photo

Asakusa Tōshō-gū (Now Surviving: Stone Bridge and Nitenmon Gate Only)

⭐ Recommended
Historical Value: ★★★ (A rare example of Tokugawa Ieyasu being enshrined as Tōshō Daigongen within Sensō-ji)
Visual Appeal: ★ (No structures remain today, only the stone bridge recalls its presence)
Experiential Value: ★ (A quiet spot that reflects the changing history of the temple precincts)

In 1618 (Genna 4), a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu as the deified “Tōshō Daigongen” was established within the grounds of Sensō-ji. Unlike Nikkō or Zōjō-ji, this shrine was intended as a place in Edo where common people could also worship Ieyasu, reflecting the shogunate’s desire to extend reverence for its founder to the populace at large. The shrine stood northwest of the Main Hall, near today’s Yōgōdō and Rokkakudō, and was approached via a stone bridge. Remarkably, this bridge from 1618 still survives on the temple grounds today.

The shrine’s Zuijin Gate still stands today as the Nitenmon. The Tōshō-gū itself was lost to fires in 1631 and again in 1642, after which its sacred image was relocated to the Tōshō-gū within Edo Castle’s Momijiyama. The Asakusa shrine was never rebuilt, leaving only the gate behind. Following the Meiji government’s separation of Shinto and Buddhism, the gate’s guardian statues were removed to Asakusa Shrine and replaced by statues of Kōmokuten and Jikokuten, two of Buddhism’s Four Heavenly Kings. At this time, the name was changed to “Nitenmon.”

Although the Tōshō-gū Main Hall disappeared into history, Tokugawa Ieyasu was enshrined at Asakusa Shrine (Sanja-sama) in 1649 as one of the three deities of the “Sanja Daigongen.” Worship continues there to this day, and Ieyasu’s spirit is still honored annually during the Sanja Matsuri in May.

Year Established	1618 (Genna 4)
Location	Behind Sensō-ji Main Hall (current Yōgōdō / Rokkakudō area)
Surviving Remains	Stone Bridge (1618), Zuijin Gate → now Nitenmon
Destruction & Relocation	Destroyed by fire in 1642, never rebuilt; sacred image moved to Edo Castle
After Shinto-Buddhism Separation	Nitenmon enshrined Buddhist deities (Kōmokuten & Jikokuten); renamed
Present Worship	Ieyasu enshrined at Asakusa Shrine as one of the Sanja Daigongen

🗺 Location Remains:
Historical records place Asakusa Tōshō-gū around today’s Yōgōdō and Rokkakudō, north of the Main Hall. The stone bridge before Yōgōdō once marked the approach to the shrine and still survives as a rare relic.

📍 Highlights

• Stone Bridge (Remnant of the Sacred Path): Built in 1618, this is the oldest surviving stone bridge in Tokyo, once marking the approach to Asakusa Tōshō-gū.
• Nitenmon (Former Zuijin Gate): Originally the gate to Tōshō-gū, this vermilion gate survives as a rare early Edo structure and is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Asakusa Shrine Enshrinement: After Tōshō-gū’s loss, Ieyasu was enshrined at Asakusa Shrine as one of the Sanja Daigongen, where he continues to be honored.

📌 Trivia

• A Shrine for Commoners: Unlike Nikkō or Zōjō-ji, Asakusa Tōshō-gū allowed ordinary Edo citizens to worship Ieyasu, showing the shogunate’s intent to spread devotion.
• Changing Statues of Nitenmon: After the Meiji-era separation of Shinto and Buddhism, the original guardian figures were moved to Asakusa Shrine, replaced with Buddhist deities, and the gate renamed.
• Only Fragments Remain: Though the shrine itself is gone, the surviving stone bridge and gate vividly remind visitors of its once-important place in Edo’s religious life.

Denbō-in (Abbot’s Residence) – Usually Closed to the Public

⭐ Recommended
Historical Value: ★★★
Visual Appeal: ★
Experiential Value: ★

Denbō-in was originally known as “Kannon-in” or “Chiraku-in,” but around 1690 (Genroku 3), it took the name “Denbō-in” after Abbot Senson, the fourth restorer of Sensō-ji. As the temple’s abbot’s residence (honzan), it symbolized both authority and refinement.

Its famed strolling garden is said to have been designed by Kobori Enshū, the master of Edo-period garden design, and still reflects his refined aesthetic sense in its composition and landscaping.

The Guest Hall enshrines a triad of Amida Buddha, flanked by memorial tablets of successive Tokugawa shoguns. This close connection to the shogunate makes Denbō-in a highly symbolic site, representing the deep ties between Sensō-ji and the Tokugawa family.

In 2011, the Denbō-in garden was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Normally closed to the public, it is occasionally opened for tea gatherings or special viewings. Visitors can also glimpse part of the garden through the fence near Chingo-dō, a small shrine dedicated to a protective tanuki (raccoon dog).

Origin & Naming	Around 1690 (Genroku 3); named after Abbot Senson
Main Features	Guest Hall (rebuilt 1777), entrance, study wings, kitchen (Meiji–Taishō), strolling garden (attributed to Kobori Enshū)
Tokugawa Connection	Memorial tablets of successive Tokugawa shoguns enshrined in the Guest Hall
Preservation	Extant; closed to the public except for special openings
Cultural Designation	Guest Hall & Garden: National Important Cultural Property / Place of Scenic Beauty
Notes	Strolling garden reflects the elegance of Edo design, maintained as a sacred and tranquil space

🗺 Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tokyo (Sensō-ji Denbō-in)
🚶 Access:
About 4 minutes on foot from Hōzōmon Gate

⏳ Suggested Visit Time
Quick stop: about 5 minutes (only exterior view, as it is closed to the public)

📍 Highlights

• Strolling Garden: Attributed to Kobori Enshū, with refined Edo aesthetics and dynamic scenery.
• Guest Hall Altar & Memorials: Houses the Amida triad along with the memorial tablets of Tokugawa shoguns and temple abbots.
• Architectural Prestige: A complex of halls reflecting transitions from late Edo through modern Japan.
• A Hidden Sanctuary: A tranquil enclave apart from the bustling Sensō-ji precinct, opened only on special occasions.

📌 Trivia

• A Secret Garden: Said to have been designed originally for an imperial prince, it long remained a secluded retreat.
• Guarded by a Tanuki: The nearby Chingo-dō enshrines a raccoon dog spirit, believed to protect Denbō-in from fires.
• Rare Architectural Ensemble: Includes a grand study hall and guest quarters, preserving the dignity of an Edo-era abbot’s residence.

Matsuchiyama Shōden (Honryū-in)

⭐ Recommended
Historical Value: ★★★ (Founded in the 7th century, traditionally during the reign of Empress Suiko; expanded under Tokugawa Ieyasu in the Edo period)
Visual Appeal: ★★ (A quiet precinct with the unique symbols of radishes and drawstring pouches)
Experiential Value: ★★ (Popular for its approachable faith, including daikon offerings and everyday blessings)

Known affectionately as “Matsuchiyama Shōden,” Honryū-in is said to have been founded in the 7th century during the reign of Empress Suiko, making it one of the oldest affiliated temples of Sensō-ji. It enshrines Shōden (Daishō Kangiten), the deity believed to grant “any wish,” and was fervently worshipped by both Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

During the Edo period, Tokugawa Ieyasu is said to have developed the temple as a protective site for Edo Castle, underscoring its significance to the shogunate and its role in Edo’s spiritual landscape.

The precincts are filled with motifs of white radishes and drawstring money bags. The radish symbolizes health and harmony within families, while the pouch represents prosperity in business. These symbols can be seen throughout the grounds, and worshippers may even take home consecrated radishes as blessings—an endearing and accessible practice of faith.

Foundation	Traditionally dated to the reign of Empress Suiko (7th century)
Main Features	Sub-temple of Sensō-ji; principal deity is Kangiten (Shōden)
Tokugawa Connection	Developed under Tokugawa Ieyasu as a protective temple for Edo
Unique Symbols	Radishes (health & harmony), drawstring pouches (prosperity)
Blessings	Health, marital harmony, prosperity in business, and more
Cultural Background	Featured in ukiyo-e prints as a famous Edo landmark; associated with the saying “receive seven generations of happiness in one lifetime”
Notes	Legend holds that Ieyasu spread the rumor of Shōden being a “fearsome god” to prevent people from monopolizing its powerful blessings

🗺 Address: 7-4-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access:
About 10 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro / Tobu Line), located along a quiet backstreet near the Sumida River.

⏳ Suggested Visit Time
Quick stop: about 10 minutes
Leisurely visit: about 30 minutes

📍 Highlights

• Kangiten (Shōden-sama): The principal deity, often regarded as a Japanese form of Ganesha, venerated as a powerful secret Buddha.
• Radish & Drawstring Motifs: Charming and photogenic symbols of blessings that appear throughout the precincts.
• Edo Landmark: Frequently depicted in ukiyo-e prints of the Sumida River and Matsuchiyama.
• Contemporary Appeal: Popular among younger generations as a “good-luck power spot” and Instagram-worthy location.

📌 Trivia

• Reputation as a “Super Power Spot”: Legends say Ieyasu spread rumors of Shōden being a “fearsome god” to avoid people monopolizing its powerful blessings.
• “Seven Generations of Blessings in One Lifetime”: A long-standing belief that worship here grants an abundance of happiness condensed into a single life.
• Depicted in Ukiyo-e: Celebrated in Edo-period art as a scenic and spiritual landmark of the Sumida River area.

Return to Tokugawa Ieyasu Page

Tokugawa Ieyasu: Model for Yoshii Toranaga

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Tokyo Region

Explore Tokyo’s samurai roots—from the ruins of Edo Castle to sacred Tokugawa sites in Ueno, Nikko, and Yokosuka. A living story of Japan’s past and present.

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