Sensoji Temple

Culture Experience Food & Drink History Insta-worthy Shopping
Easy Access
English
Free Admission

Sensoji temple in Asakusa is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It was built in 628. Many people believe in the power of the Asakusa Kannon bodhisattva to bestow worldly benefits. Every year, around 3 million people visit and pray to her. The area around the temple was a flourishing cultural centre during the Edo period (1603-1868). The great paper lanterns at the Kaminari gate (‘thunder gate’) are a reminder of this period and are famous across Japan. The Nakamise shopping street that leads from the Kaminari gate to the temple is lined with shops that sell souvenirs and Japanese sweets.

Photograph provided by Tokyo Convention&Visitors Bureau

Telephone Number
03-3842-0181
Postal code
〒1110032
Address
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
浅草寺
Recommended season
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Business Hours
Monday・Tuesday・Wednesday・Thursday・Friday・Saturday・Sunday : 06:30~17:00

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Reviews

5 out of 5 stars

As Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, it is definitely worth taking a visit to Asakusa to see it with your own eyes. Visitors are first greeted by the huge Kaminarimon gate with the iconic red lantern and its name meaning "Thunder Gate" on it written in black, followed by the oldest shopping street, Nakamise Dori. Here, visitors can try many types of traditional sweets and pick out unique souvenirs at more than 150 stores (however, I would recommend spending money on the sweets rather than the souvenirs as prices are slightly hiked up). In front of Sensoji is a Jokoro (good-luck bringing incense) burner and the smoke is believed to have a healing effect. At the temple itself, visitors can draw a number after shaking a wooden box to receive a fortune, and bad fortunes are tied up and left at the temple whereas good ones can be taken home. Be sure to take a photo of the temple with the pagoda beside it, the red color of both surely to stand out in any picture.

Ada_Wan

5 out of 5 stars

One of my favourite locations in Tokyo! Not only is this temple gorgeous but to reach it you find yourself in a street full of food and souvenir markets. Grab a few food items to try and head down to the temple, you can even hire traditional kimonos which are great for photos!

Amy

5 out of 5 stars

One of the most beautiful places in Tokyo. Along the walkway to the temple, both sides are completely packed with traditional stores that sell traditional Japanese snacks and items. There’s a shop where you can rent traditional Japanese clothes. Walking around the temple with traditional Japanese outfit will definitely leave you unforgettable memory that can’t be experienced elsewhere. This place is awesome.

jun

5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful spot. typically full of tourists but that doesn't take away from the excitement. Many shops and activities around here. Might be lucky and see some geishas. Make sure to check your fortune and make a prayer

aaliaboyo

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