The main gate of Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, Japan, featuring a large red wooden structure with traditional curved roof, lanterns, and intricate decorative details, seen against a clear blue sky.

A woman wearing a colorful kimono with a large bow and a pink flower in her hair stands among a crowd near large traditional lanterns at a Japanese temple.

A crowded street lined with cherry blossom trees and red lanterns leads to a traditional Japanese temple with ornate architecture. Many people are walking, and the scene feels festive and lively.

Two people in traditional kimonos walk towards a large red temple under blooming cherry blossom trees, with shops lining the pathway on both sides. The setting appears calm and picturesque.

View from inside a traditional Japanese temple, featuring red pillars, lanterns, and a main building in the background. The scene includes a courtyard and green-roofed structures, likely at Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo.

A woman in a pink and white kimono with red patterns stands smiling on a balcony, with traditional Japanese temple buildings and a pagoda visible in the background.

Tokyo

Sensoji Temple

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

4.5 Tourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipPoint Of InterestEstablishment

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

My name is Bruna Moreira — Founder of Verena Café Time genuinely feels as if it pauses the moment you step into Sensoji Temple in Taitō — known as the oldest temple in Tokyo. Walking through its gates feels like crossing into another era, where tradition, spirituality, and centuries of history come together in perfect harmony. Every lantern glowing softly against the sky, every breath of incense drifting through the air, and every vibrant red gate tells a story that has survived time itself. It’s incredible how a place so deeply rooted in ancient Japan still quietly exists in the middle of a fast, modern city. What made my visit even more fascinating were the hidden details many people never hear about: The incense smoke is believed to purify the body. The grounds stay open 24 hours a day. The original Kannon statue is never shown to the public. The famous red lantern weighs nearly 700 kg. Nakamise Street, just outside, has existed for more than 300 years. And yes — there’s even a hidden garden and a Shinto shrine inside the complex. Visiting during the day is magical, but at night… it becomes unforgettable. The temple glows with a quiet beauty that feels almost sacred. If you're in Tokyo, Sensoji isn’t just a stop — it’s an experience. One that stays with you. ✨ Absolutely worth visiting — especially after sunset.

Bruna Moreira

Dec 5, 2025

Sensō-ji is one of those places that immediately pulls you in with its energy and atmosphere. Walking through the Kaminarimon gate and into Nakamise Street feels like stepping into a mix of history, tradition, and lively local culture. The food stalls, small shops, and the smell of fresh treats make the walk up to the temple genuinely fun. The temple itself is beautiful, with striking colors and details that look great from every angle. The incense, the sound of people praying, and the calm space around the main hall create a peaceful feeling despite the crowds. Exploring the smaller side areas and the pagoda adds even more to the experience. Sensō-ji is one of those places where you can spend a long time just wandering, taking photos, and enjoying the atmosphere. I loved the visit. it’s memorable, vibrant, and definitely a highlight of Tokyo.

Eleni Briola

Nov 8, 2025

⛩️ Sensō-ji — A Timeless Gateway to Tokyo’s Soul Founded in 628 AD, Sensō-ji is not just a temple—it’s a living symbol of Tokyo’s resilience and reverence. Dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, this sacred site draws millions of visitors each year, making it one of Japan’s most visited spiritual landmarks. 🌟 Highlights of the Experience Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate): The iconic red lantern and fierce guardian statues mark the dramatic entrance to the temple grounds. Nakamise-dori: A bustling street lined with traditional shops selling yukata, fans, rice crackers, and matcha sweets—perfect for souvenirs and snacks. Main Hall (Hondō): A place of quiet prayer and incense offerings, where visitors can pay respects and draw omikuji (fortune slips). Five-Story Pagoda: A striking architectural feature that adds to the temple’s grandeur. Asakusa Shrine: Located just behind the main hall, this Shinto shrine honors the three men who founded Sensō-ji. 🧘‍♀️ Atmosphere & Tips Despite the crowds, the temple grounds maintain a peaceful, reverent energy, especially in the early morning. Free to enter, and open daily from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Best visited at sunrise or after sunset for fewer crowds and magical lighting. 🌸 Final Thought Sensō-ji is more than a tourist attraction—it’s a cultural heartbeat of Tokyo. Whether you're there to pray, shop, or simply soak in the atmosphere, it offers a deeply memorable experience that bridges the ancient and the modern.

Atthakrit Atireklapsakul

Nov 21, 2025

An Inspiring Journey Through History at Senso-ji Temple The entire Senso-ji temple area in Asakusa is simply spectacular, and spending the day exploring the grounds before our cruise was a memorable decision. This is more than just a single temple; it’s a vast, beautifully maintained complex that offers a fantastic mix of spirituality, history, and green space, perfect for families. Exploring Temples, Shrines, and Spacious Grounds After navigating the lively Nakamise-dori, reaching the main temple grounds felt like stepping into an ancient world. We loved visiting the main Senso-ji Temple itself, dedicated to Kannon, as well as the nearby Asakusa Shrine. The sheer scale and architecture of the main hall, pagoda, and various gates are breathtaking. The surrounding grounds and park were perfect for walking and letting the boys move around while still being surrounded by history. History and Stories That Come Alive For our boys (aged 7 and 9), the area was highly engaging. They absolutely enjoyed spotting the many statues of deities and historical figures scattered throughout the grounds. Learning the history and stories behind these incredible landmarks made the visit truly interactive. We learned about the legend of the Kannon statue being fished out of the Sumida River, which was a story that captivated them. It’s a wonderful place where children can connect with Japan’s deep past, turning an ancient sightseeing spot into a thrilling historical adventure. If you're looking for an unforgettable cultural experience in Tokyo, the Senso-ji complex is an absolute must-visit.

II N

Nov 16, 2025

We visited Senso-ji Temple during our Japan Fall trip, and even on a weekday the place was packed with people. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere was amazing, full of energy, culture, and beautiful scenery. The temple grounds, the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, and the shops along Nakamise Street all added to the experience. It’s definitely a must-see stop in Tokyo, but be prepared for lots of visitors no matter the day. Very near Tokyo Skytree so you can visit both places in a day.