Senso Ji Temple

The sheer number of visitors to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa can be off-putting at first - but it’s been a tourist destination for centuries. Visit to revel in the atmosphere and soak up some history.

[Senso-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow]

Senso-ji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, was completed in the year 645, making it Tokyo’s oldest temple. Its origins are suitably mythic: two brothers fishing at the Sumida River found that the statue of Kannon that they kept returning to the waters always found its way back to them, and so a temple was built and dedicated to the goddess of mercy.

[Senso-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow]

Even without knowing the name of the temple, almost everyone will recognize Senso-ji Temple’s iconic giant lantern at the Kaminarimon Gate or “Thunder Gate” entrance. The temple grounds are always bustling, especially during peak travel seasons, but it’s always been this way: temples were at the center of public life throughout the history of Japan.

[Senso-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow]

The approach to the prayer hall from the outer gate to the second gate is lined with souvenir stalls. This is Nakamise-dori, a shopping street whose history dates back several centuries. Only the souvenirs sold over the years has changed; these days, you can find folding fans, yukata, and traditional snacks such as rice crackers.

Visitors might be put off at first by the crowds that seem to be a permanent fixture at the temple; indeed, you’ll hear pretty much every language under the sun when you’re walking around the grounds. But Senso-ji Temple has always been a tourist fixture in Tokyo, even from centuries ago, so paying a visit is all part of that tradition. Go and soak up Asakusa’s inimitable atmosphere.

English name:
Senso-ji Temple

Japanese name:
浅草寺

English address:
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032

Japanese address:
〒111-0032 東京都台東区浅草2-3-1

Opening hours:
April-September: 6am-5pm
October-March: 6:30am-5pm

Admission:
free

Nearest Transport:
Subway: 5-minute walk from exit 1 of Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza line, and Toei Asakusa line.
Train: 5-minute walk from exit A1 of Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express line.

Nearest Hotels:
Check availability and pricing for hotels near Senso-ji Temple on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Telephone:
+81-3-3842-0181

Website: Official Website (Japanese)

Near To Here:
Senso-ji Temple is located in Tokyo’s Asakusa and Ryogoto district. See our complete list of things to do in Asakusa and Ryogoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Where Is This Place Located?

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