History and Background of Kaminarimon In Asakusa

Kaminarimon is one of the most iconic landmarks in Asakusa, Tokyo, blending history, culture, and spirituality in a single place. With its massive red lanterns, statues of deities, and grand architecture, Kaminarimon attracts thousands of visitors each year. Whether you’re there to pray, admire the architectural beauty, or simply soak in the atmosphere, Kaminarimon is a must-visit destination in Tokyo. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Kaminarimon and experience the wonders it offers.

 

History of Kaminarimon

 

When visiting Asakusa in Tokyo, a must-see attraction is Kaminarimon, the grand gate that serves as the main entrance to Senso-ji Temple. Kaminarimon, also known as the “Thunder Gate,” is the outer of two large gates leading to Senso-ji Temple (the inner gate is called Hōzōmon). This gate is famous among tourists for its iconic giant red lantern and the deity statues flanking it. Standing at 11.7 meters high, 11.4 meters wide, and covering an area of 69.3 square meters, Kaminarimon is a grand sight.

 

Construction and Reconstruction

 

Kaminarimon was first built in 941 AD by Taira no Kinmasa, a military commander. Originally located near Komagata, the gate was relocated to its current location in 1635. At that time, the wind deity (Fūjin) and thunder deity (Raijin) statues were placed at the gate for the first time.

 

Over time, Kaminarimon suffered from numerous damages and fires. Four years after its relocation, the gate was completely destroyed by fire, and in 1649, Tokugawa Iemitsu rebuilt it along with several other main structures of the temple complex. The gate was destroyed again by fires in 1757 and 1865. The current Kaminarimon was dedicated in December 1960, after being rebuilt with a donation from Kōnosuke Matsushita, the founder of Matsushita Electric Industrial Company (now Panasonic).

 

Original Name of Kaminarimon

 

Although commonly known as Kaminarimon, the gate’s original name is Fujin Raijinmon. This name is derived from the statues on either side of the gate. “Fujin” is the god of wind, and “Raijin” is the god of thunder. The gate is named for the statues, with Fujin on the right and Raijin on the left. For ease of pronunciation, it is commonly referred to as Kaminarimon, meaning “Thunder Gate.”

 

Features of Kaminarimon

 

Deity Statues

 

Kaminarimon houses four deity statues: two in the front and two at the back of the gate. In the front, the Shinto deities Fūjin and Raijin are displayed. Fūjin, the god of wind, is on the east side of the gate, while Raijin, the god of thunder, is on the west. The original statues were severely damaged in the 1865 fire, with only their heads saved. These statues were restored for the 1960 reconstruction of the gate.

 

At the back of the gate, there are two additional statues: the Buddhist deities Tenryū on the east and Kinryū on the west. These statues were donated in 1978 to commemorate the 1350th anniversary of the first appearance of the bodhisattva Kannon (Avalokiteśvara) in Asakusa, which led to the establishment of Senso-ji Temple. The statues were carved by the master sculptor Hirakushi Denchū, who was 106 years old at the time.

 

Meaning and Symbolism of the Dragon Statues

 

Kinryū and Tenryū are dragon deities that guard water and protect Buddhist followers. In Senso-ji Temple, these dragon deities hold the same importance as Fūjin and Raijin. According to documents at Senso-ji, dragon deities are believed to guard humans from sea disasters and are also associated with rice cultivation.

 

At Senso-ji Temple, the dragon deities are also seen as protectors of Buddhism and Kaminarimon. This highlights the significant role of dragon deities in local culture and beliefs. At Kaminarimon, Tenryū and Kinryū are depicted as male and female, respectively. Although these dragon statues resemble humans, each has a tail, indicating their dragon nature.

 

Giant Red Lantern

 

Hanging in the center of the gate is a giant red lantern (chōchin). The lantern is 3.9 meters high, 3.3 meters wide, and weighs about 700 kilograms. The fifth iteration of the lantern was made by Takahashi Chōchin K.K in 2013, and it features a metal base similar to previous lanterns. The current iteration is the sixth. The base of the lantern bears a nameplate reading “Matsushita Denki,” the former name of Panasonic in Japanese, Matsushita Denki Sangyo Kabushiki Gaisha. The front of the lantern displays the name Kaminarimon (雷門), while the back shows the official name, Fūraijinmon (風雷神門). During festivals like Sanja Matsuri, the lantern is folded to allow tall objects to pass through the gate.

 

Materials and Production Process of the Lantern

 

The frame of the lantern is made from bamboo sourced from the Tanbo region in Kyoto. This bamboo was chosen for its strength and flexibility, making it ideal for lantern frames. The outer part of the lantern is wrapped with 300 sheets of Japanese paper made from mulberry trees produced in Fukui Prefecture. This mulberry paper is known for its strength and weather resistance, ensuring the lantern withstands various environmental conditions.

 

The lantern is produced by Takahashi Chochin, a renowned lantern-making shop located in Shimoku, Kyoto. The shop has a long history of traditional lantern-making and maintains high quality in all its products. Every ten years, the shop updates the giant Kaminarimon lantern to ensure it remains in excellent condition for future generations.

 

Unique Connection with Panasonic

 

The giant Kaminarimon lantern and Panasonic, a Japanese electronics company, have had a close relationship since 1960. At that time, Matsushita Konosuke, the founder of Matsushita Electric (now Panasonic), fell ill. He visited Asakusa Temple to pray for his recovery. After he recovered, as a token of gratitude, he donated a large gate and lantern to the temple, which became the Kaminarimon we know today.

 

This relationship continues to this day. Matsushita Konosuke’s name is inscribed below the giant lantern as a tribute to his contribution. This donation not only reflects the connection between an individual and a sacred place but also shows how history and tradition can be preserved through collaboration between the community and the private sector.

 

Dragon Carvings on the Lantern

 

When visiting Kaminarimon, be sure to look underneath the giant lantern. There, you’ll find dragon carvings with deep significance. While many people focus on the lantern’s size and beauty, the dragon carvings at the base are also worth noting.

 

An anecdote suggests that the dragon carvings symbolize the Dragon God illuminating a group of goldfish when a Buddha statue was caught in a net in the Sumida River. Therefore, the Dragon God is also considered one of the deities protecting Asakusa Temple. These carvings add historical and spiritual value to the giant Kaminarimon lantern.

 

Japanese people also believe that dragons living in the vast ocean can summon clouds and create rain. Asakusa, with its wooden buildings and fire risk, highly values dragons that bring rain and protect from fires. This is another interpretation of the dragon carvings under the giant Kaminarimon lantern.

 

Experience Visiting Kaminarimon

 

Visiting Kaminarimon offers a unique experience that blends history, culture, and spirituality. Before entering Senso-ji Temple, you’ll pass through Nakamise-dori, a shopping street filled with souvenir shops, traditional snacks, and various Japanese goods. The sensation of walking through Nakamise-dori towards Kaminarimon is unforgettable. The giant red lantern and deity statues at Kaminarimon create a majestic and sacred impression, making every step towards the temple more meaningful.

 

Admire the Architectural Beauty

 

Take time to appreciate the architectural beauty of Kaminarimon. The detailed carvings and deity statues on the gate reflect the skill and dedication of the craftsmen of the past. The gate is not just an entrance but also a symbol of protection and good fortune for visitors to Senso-ji Temple.

 

Discover Spiritual Meaning

 

For many visitors, Kaminarimon is not just a tourist attraction but a place to find spiritual meaning. Before entering Senso-ji Temple, many stop at Kaminarimon to pray and seek blessings. The deity statues at the gate are believed to provide protection and good fortune, making each visit to Kaminarimon a profound spiritual experience.

 

Events and Festivals

 

Kaminarimon is a focal point during various events and festivals held at Senso-ji Temple. One of the largest festivals is Sanja Matsuri, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. During this festival, the giant red lantern at Kaminarimon is folded to allow portable shrines (mikoshi) and other tall objects to pass through the gate. The festival brings vibrancy and joy to the Kaminarimon area, making it an excellent time to visit and experience local culture.