The Kaminarimon Gate (officially known as Furaijinmon) of the Senso-ji Temple is one of the symbols of the Asakusa district, one of the most visited places in Japan. But even if the gate is so famous, there are several things known by very few people.

The gate we admire today was rebuilt in 1960, 95 years after it was destroyed in the Great Edo Fire from 1865. It was rebuilt by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of the Matsushita Electric Industrial company, well known for its Panasonic brand. He also donated the giant paper lantern (3.4 meters wide and 670 kg!) which gives Kaminarimon its unique appearance, as gratitude for the healing of a knee affection after prayers for recovery at the temple.

Kaminarimon Gate, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Inokashira Pond