Asakusa Senso-ji Temple

Welcome to Tokyo!

Asakusa is a district of Tokyo that is home to the Buddhist Senso-ji Temple, dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. Pilgrims come from all Japan to pray and be amazed by the architecture: all made of wood and painted in bright red.

https://youtu.be/C7oAHprF4Uo

When I visited Asakusa, it was like a dream came true! This is a homage to Japan, its people and culture! (Shoutout to my friends Shinobu and Shizuya, who took me there!)

This set contains 5 models in different versions!
• Senso-ji
• Hozomon
• Kaminarimon
• Pagoda
• Asakusa temple grounds

Process.

I used pictures that I took myself to refresh my memory, and some from the internet. Also Google Maps to figure out the layout of every building, proportions and spacing. I sketched the details to get them right and understand the geometric bodies and intersections.

Modeling.

I used parametric software to model everything from scratch in SolidWorks - it was pretty easy but tedious as there are many details (extrudes and cuts). Hovever, the shapes of the roofs were challenging as they are a double curve (non-planar). I finally figured them out with complicated 3D sketches and lofts.

Inspiration.

This model set represents a dream come true: I've visited the temple twice. This 3D printed set is my tribute to Japan - I cannot be happier to share it with the world!

The idea of MiniWorld originated from a visually-impaired friend who asked me if I could use 3D printing to help her and others "see" the world - with miniature models, they can understand shapes and sizes of the most famous landmarks and travel with their hands.

All my things I model myself by hand and brain, please give credit. It's all about spreading culture!