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

3hrs

Cultural Walk and Matcha Making Tour in Asakusa

From $80 /person

approx. 4hrs

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

From $116 /person

4hrs

Private Tokyo Half-Day Tour by Taxi with Local Guide

From $648 /person

What other travelers are saying about Sensoji Temple

This gorgeous temple is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been and visited while in Japan and I highly recommend everyone who visiting Japan to definitely check it out, it has got so much to offer and you get the sense of authentic Japanese culture in there. All of the shops, foods, lil bars and many different restaurants makes this place stand out way more and it’s worth visiting. Loved the bars at night 🌟🥰👌🏻

JabZ Zi

Mar 10, 2025

As a history buff I'm always fascinated when traveling to places like this. The unique architecture, the ancient stone work and the deep cultural history here is amazing. It's one of the places in the world where you will be surrounded by global travelers all paying their respects and enjoying one anothers company. You can feel the love for exploration here. You can feel the love for humanity and understanding here. Highly recommended.

Alexander Demko

Jan 29, 2025

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

Wonderful temple in the city. Awesome booths with items for sale, many are 50+ years old. Had a fortune read, got some good pictures. The area was fun and lively. Was there 30 minutes. Easy access from subway.

MATTHEW SODIKOFF

Mar 10, 2025

The coolest place in Tokyo that I’ve been. Not just the beautiful shrine but the surrounding area just screams old school Japan. I could walk around here all day. Come hungry because they’ll be some delicious street food you want to try every few steps