Senso-ji perhaps is Tokyo's most sacred Buddhist temple. In 628 c.e. two fishermen found a small gold statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, in the Sumida river. The current temple is dedicated to Kannon. Kannon is a deity who helps with the merciful salvation of those stricken by misfortune. The Hondo Main Hall houses the Kannon image, which is away from view deep inside the hall.
Buddhism first appeared in Japan in the sixth century c.e. and came to Japan from India (where it was founded) via China and Korea. Buddhism has many movements but perhaps Zen is its quintessential movement in Japan. (There are many sects of Zen.) Buddhism often is viewed as more of a philosophy or "way of life" than a religion because of its emphasis on cosmological beliefs, morality, wisdom, understanding, and awareness of thoughts and actions.
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