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Temples Kiyomizu-do Kannon Temple Set up in 1631, Kiyomizu-do Kannon Temple was moved to its present site overlooking Shinobazu Pond in 1698. This relatively small but significant structure is a copy of the more famous Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto but on a smaller scale. It was once part of the Kan'eiji Temple grounds that covered Ueno Hill during the Edo Period. Amazingly, the temple survived both the 1868 battle between imperial and shogunate forces and the bombing campaigns of World War II. Kosodate Kannon, a fertility Goddess is buried here; women hoping to become pregnant often come here to ask for her help. Those whose wishes have been granted usually come back and pray for their child's good health and security. Many leave behind gifts of dolls as symbols of their children. The dolls are cremated once a year in a special ceremony. Sensoji Temple With a history dating back to 628, Sensoji - also known as Asakusa Kannon - is Tokyo's most popular and oldest temple. According to legend, two brothers who were fishing in the nearby Sumida River caught a tiny golden statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and happiness. Sensoji Temple was then erected in her honor, and lthough the statue is housed here, it is hidden from public view. That hasn't stopped worshippers from gathering here over the centuries and seeking the favors of Kannon. When Sensoji Temple burned down during a bombing raid in1945, the present structure was rebuilt with money donated by the Japanese people. |