One of the symbols of Tokyo, the Kaminarimon Gate of the Senso-ji Temple from Asakusa was first erected almost 400 years ago and since then was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The today’s gate was reconstructed in 1960, with funds donated by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Matsushita Electric.

But one of its most striking features, the giant lantern, is made of paper and needs to be replaced quite often: the current lantern dates from 2003, when it was installed on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the start of the Edo period. As you can see from my photo, this paper lantern is huge, with a height of 4 meters and a weight of half a ton.

Kaminarimon Gate, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Popular souvenirs in Kyoto, Yatsuhashi delicacy