Sensō-ji

SENSO-JI TEMPLE / 浅草寺

Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple, located in the historic district of Asakusa.
Founded in 645 AD, it is dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, and attracts millions of visitors each year.

The temple’s iconic Kaminarimon (“Thunder Gate”) welcomes visitors with its massive red lantern and traditional statues.
Beyond the gate lies Nakamise Street, a bustling shopping avenue filled with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts.
The main hall and pagoda are central to religious ceremonies, prayer offerings, and seasonal festivals.

Highlights include the Asakusa Sanja Matsuri festival in May, spectacular illumination events, and daily rituals that reflect centuries of Japanese culture.
Visitors can experience incense burning, omikuji fortune-telling, and quiet contemplation in the temple gardens.

Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Apr–Sep), 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Oct–Mar).
Admission is free, though certain exhibitions or guided experiences may have a fee.

Getting there:
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Coordinates: 35.7148° N, 139.7967° E
5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Ginza, Tobu, or Tsukuba Express lines).

Nearby attractions:
 

• Asakusa Culture and Tourist Center: Observation deck with city views, 2-minute walk.
• Sumida River Cruise: Scenic boat trips, 10-minute walk from the temple.
• Tokyo Skytree: Panoramic views, 15-minute walk or short train ride.

Nearby restaurants & hotels:
 

• Asakusa View Hotel (4★): Overlooks the temple, ¥¥–¥¥¥.
• Nakamise Street eateries: Traditional snacks and local cuisine, ¥–¥¥.
• Richmond Hotel Asakusa (3★): Modern, comfortable, ¥¥.

Events & seasonal highlights:
Sanja Matsuri festival in May is one of Tokyo’s largest Shinto festivals.
Autumn and spring bring cherry blossom and foliage viewing opportunities nearby.
Special illumination events occur during festive seasons.

Official info:
Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/about/index_e.html
Phone: +81-3-3842-0181
Email: info@senso-ji.jp

🏷 Buddhist temple

♿ Wheelchair accessible: entrance

📞 +81 3-3842-0181

📍 Near: Asakusa Shrine, Senso-ji Hozomon Gate, Sensoji Hospital, Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Taito Building, Kaminarimon Gate