Miniature Model – Thunder Gate

The original Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) was built by Taira no Kinmasa in the year 942. It was later relocated to its current location. After being destroyed multiple times by fires, the gate was eventually rebuilt in 1960 with funding donated by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic.

The iconic giant red lantern at Kaminarimon was crafted by a traditional lantern maker from Kyoto. It prominently features the kanji characters 「雷門」 (“Thunder Gate”), which immediately catch the eye. The lantern stands 3.9 meters tall, is 3.3 meters wide, and weighs about 700 kilograms—its grandeur is unmistakable.
Flanking the lantern are two imposing statues: Raijin, the god of thunder, on the left, and Fujin, the god of wind, on the right. These deities are believed to protect Sensō-ji Temple from natural disasters such as storms, floods, and fires. People visit them to pray for peace, tranquility, and a bountiful harvest.
Additionally, two more statues—Tenryū (Heavenly Dragon) and Kinryū (Golden Dragon)—are located on the rear side of the gate, just beyond the lantern.