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

What other travelers are saying about Sensoji Temple

Excellent place! We joined a free walking tour about the history of the Dragon Temples and the meaning behind each one. They even read your fortune — mine wasn’t great, so I tied it to a rack for the monks to cleanse it. The tour also includes the famous shopping street and ends at the final temple, where the goddess resides.

Nearby attractions to see

Asakusa Shrine

Tokyo Skytree

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Nearby attractions to see

Asakusa Shrine

Tokyo Skytree

Edo-Tokyo Museum

More about Sensoji Temple from our blog

Frequently asked questions

This is the oldest temple in Tokyo, and it is beautiful to look at. There are a lot of street stalls selling food and souvenirs leading up to the temple. So, he sure to check them out as well. My friend and I visited on a rainy day, so the crowds weren't too bad. We also went on a free night tour offered by the Tokyo Tourism Board and explored the temple some more, and we were given some of the history. Nighttime is a great time to visit because it is quiet and tranquil, and all the crowds are gone. I'd recommend visiting then if you want to avoid crowds.

Carina Jahn

May 14, 2025

Visited Sensoji Temple at night on my first day in Tokyo, and it was such a memorable experience. The temple grounds were beautifully lit, giving it a calm and serene atmosphere. It wasn’t too crowded, which made it even more enjoyable to walk around and take in the sights. Since it was summer, I was lucky to come across a small local festival nearby — complete with food stalls and traditional games. It was the perfect way to start my trip and get a taste of Japanese summer vibes. Highly recommend visiting Sensoji at night if you want a peaceful and slightly magical experience!