Sensoji Temple

Name: Sensoji Temple
Address: 2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Rating: 4.5

4.5 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Sensoji Temple, in Tokyo’s Asakusa district, is the city’s oldest and one of the most visited temples. Founded in 645 AD, it’s a place filled with history and culture. As you approach, you pass through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, marked by a massive red lantern. This leads to Nakamise Street, a lively shopping area with stalls selling traditional snacks, crafts, and souvenirs.

At the end of this street is the main hall. Here people come to pray and make offerings. The air is filled with incense, the sound of clapping hands, and the bell ringing. Many visitors draw fortunes or write wishes on wooden plaques, hoping for good luck.

One of the temple’s most striking features is its five-story pagoda, a symbol of the temple and the Asakusa area. The temple grounds are especially stunning during the cherry blossom season, when the trees bloom in a sea of pink.

Sensoji is not just a temple but a hub of community life. Festivals like Sanja Matsuri bring people together to celebrate and watch traditional performances. Visiting Sensoji gives you a glimpse into old and new Tokyo.

Phone

+81 3-3842-0181

Website

www.senso-ji.jp

The area

Address

2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Top ways to experience Sensoji Temple

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Cultural Walk and Matcha Making Tour in Asakusa

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From Asakusa: Old Tokyo, Temples, Gardens and Pop Culture

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Private Tokyo Half-Day Tour by Taxi with Local Guide

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What other travelers are saying about Sensoji Temple

Visited the famous temple during my Japan trip and I was honestly really impressed by the exterior. It’s such a beautiful place, although it was very crowded with both tourists and locals. I saw some services where people could dress in traditional Japanese kimonos for a photo op, which was really cute. However, the prices were pretty high, so it’s a bit of a splurge if you’re looking to get pictures in a kimono around the area. Once inside, there was an interesting ritual where you donate coins and shake a container with sticks in it. Once you pull a stick, you match the number to a drawer and take out a paper that reveals your fortune. If it’s bad fortune, you’re supposed to tie it to a string there and leave it behind, but I got good fortune, so I kept it in my wallet. My friend got a good fortune too, so we both kept ours. There were people praying near the statue and tossing coins, which I assume is part of the blessing ritual to make wishes. I also noticed a small shop by the temple selling blessings like hand crystal bracelets for different purposes such as fortune, safety, and relationships. My friend and I ended up buying some for our families. Outside the main temple, there were people inserting incense sticks into a central spot, which added to the atmosphere. It was a very peaceful and cultural experience overall.

Dec 18, 2024

This temple is amazing. A lot of history and culture on display here, surrounded by small shops and restaurants. I realize there are many traditions and customs which I’m not aware of, but I enjoyed the opportunity to take part in a little bit of it anyway. They have guided tours available, as well as allowing people to walk through self-directed. I really enjoyed visiting this place, I would highly recommend it for any tourists visiting Japan.

Walt White

Nov 7, 2024

An interesting temple with many vendors selling food, souvernirs, clothes on the way to the main temple. I recommend going here at night as the lights are all lit up and the temple looked amazing. There are many paths to get to this main temple, each path offers different vibe and vendors they might be interested to you. You should save 2 hours at least for the visit here

Nghi Vũ Hoàng

Dec 13, 2024

Absolutely stunning temple! It’s a major tourist attraction though so be prepared for huge crowds. Go early if you want it to be a little less crowded. There are lots of fun stores, shops, and food places - perfect for finding souvenirs. Friendly reminder to make sure you are respectful and read the signs when you’re in the temple.

Sara Samiano

Nov 17, 2024

Slice of history and culture in heart of Tokyo… Gets really busy so get there early (7-8 am).. give yourself to explore all the shrines in the complex, get some nice photos (minus any one bombing them).. Market opens late, good to explore on your way out of the temple. Worth a visit in the evening too (after 7:30-8 pm)