Visiting Tokyo, Senso-ji Bentendo Hall

Visiting Senso-ji, the most popular temple in Tokyo, there are so many interesting places to see that, inevitably, some of them will pass unnoticed. That's often the case with two important constructions located on the small hill south-east of Main Hall: the Toki no kane "Bell of Time", the actual bell described in a famous haiku by Matsuo Bashō and the Bentendo Hall (in this photo).

This small temple, an architectural jewel built in the same style as the rest of the Senso-ji buildings, enshrines one of the most important statues of Benzaiten in the Kanto region. The statue represents the goddess with white hair, being called Rojo Benzaiten (rojo meaning elderly woman). Unfortunately the shrine is opened for public only a few days per year, so you'll probably find it closed. Nevertheless, it's well worth a visit and it's probably the least crowded place inside Senso-ji...