Incense burning at Senso-ji

Burning incense is used by many cultures throughout the world, for reasons varying from removal of unpleasant smells to sacrificial offerings or warding off bad spirits.

In Japan, the custom came with Buddhism, the lighting of incense incense sticks symbolizing a sacred offering and a way to honor Buddha. In front of the big temples you will always find large censers - vessels especially made for incense burning, where the incense sticks can be placed to burn vertically.

Here is one of the most popular censers from Tokyo, in front of the main hall from the Senso-ji Temple. This place is always crowded with visitors lighting incense or just sitting in the aromatic smoke, because it is believed that the smoke has healing powers...