What other travelers are saying about Asakusa Shrine
I was there at 16 may the festival day, Just witnessed the incredible Sanja Matsuri here, what an explosion of tradition and energy! The mikoshi parades, music, and festival spirit were unforgettable. So vibrant Tokyo truly knows how to celebrate history with heart.
This is not a single temple. It is a temple complex. Google maps/uber can be confusing as they can end up taking you to different parts of the temple.
The area is also a big shopping district with scores of souvenirs and snack shops lining up the street. It was extremely crowded when we visited on a Saturday night.
The restaurants in the area have no Vegetarian food options. I couldn't find a single vegetarian dish in the locality.
Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple is a vibrant and captivating blend of history and modern energy in Tokyo. Stepping through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, with its massive paper lantern, transports you to Nakamise-dori, a bustling street lined with traditional shops selling crafts, snacks, and souvenirs. The aroma of grilling rice crackers and sweet potatoes fills the air.
Reaching the majestic Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The intricate architecture, the scent of incense, and the devoted worshippers create a serene yet lively atmosphere. Exploring the surrounding smaller shrines and the five-story pagoda adds to the cultural richness. While often crowded, especially on weekends, Asakusa offers a tangible connection to Tokyo's past and a sensory feast that shouldn't be missed. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of traditional Japan.
It was pretty busy. But everyone around seemed to be in very good spirits. I don't know what the usual crowds are like but it was packed for Golden Week. The picture is of the traditional stores on the way to the shrine itself. Very cool - though expensive for some. The whole area is amazing but crowded. Finding a shrine with less people can be infinitely more rewarding at times. Ushijima Jinja is something like 10 minutes away and was practically empty (they do not like photos at ushijima jinja unless you have an official registered photographer but it really preserves the sacred space and makes it possible for reflection and introspection).
Get a goshuincho and make a point to visit a number of shrines and buy the goshuin from the shrine so they can write it in your book or give you a page to attach later.
This is a very pretty subsidiary shrine of the Sensō-ji temple complex and honuors the three men who founded the Sensō-ji. It's not possible to enter the sanctum, but everyone is welcome to pray before the steps and thank these 3 men.
