This is a major tourist attraction but the origins are very intertwined with the local people.The legend is that in AD628 the goddess of compassion Kannon was fished out of the nearby Sumida-gawa by local fishermen. A golden statue was erected on this site in memory of this and in time the temple was built to house this image of the great goddess. No one knows to this day if this image is still within the temple and yet it is still a place of great worship.

As you approach the temple there is a pedestrian shopping street full of traditional style traders. We arrived early partly anticipating crowds and also due to a busy schedule. The shop fronts are all painted with attractive Japanese scenery and imagery. The merchandise is all traditional Japanese crafts and food and all beautifully packaged and as a Graphic Designer I am a total sucker for good packaging.

The grounds of the temple are also beautiful manicured and landscaped gardens with a series of smaller temples and a running stream full of Koy Carp. The temple was a thriving place of worship with groups of school children and local visitors.

After a busy morning we headed off towards Takashimaya for lunch on the rooftop restaurant where in the heart of this busy city there is a tranquil garden and roof terrace where we enjoyed lunch and a view of Tokyo.