Ⓒ浅草寺
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One of Japan’s most frequented destinations! Over 1300 years of history here at the oldest temple in Tokyo.
This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.
From the main Kaminari-mon or “Thunder Gate” known as an icon of Asakusa, you’ll find a larger-than-life, red lantern suspended above, while the guardian statues of Fujin (wind god) and Raijin (thunder god) flank the gate at both sides. From the gate up to the main hall is a 250m stretch known as Nakamise-Dori, lined with a number of souvenir and food shops.
Just steps in front of the main hall you’ll find a hub for burning incense. Many believe that the incense smoke itself can aid in healing any ailments, making it a common stop for visitors looking to waft the smoke over any offending areas.
Sensoji Temple, Kaminarimon Gate © Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street © Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple, Main Hall © Sensoji Temple
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Could you inform me about the accessibility here?
To your left facing the main hall, there is an elevator available for those who have difficulty with stairs. Also, there are accessible toilets located to the right of the Treasure House Gate and at the back of the main hall. They are equipped with handrails for wheelchairs, changing tables, and baby chairs.
Q
Are we not able to see the principal image of Buddha?
The principal image of Buddha and the standing image of Buddha in front are hidden Buddhas, therefore they cannot be viewed for worship. However, you can catch a glimpse of the standing image of Buddha once a year, specifically at 2 p.m. on December 13th.
Q
Is it true that there are many 'bad luck' fortunes in the omikuji?
It's often said that "Sensoji Temple has many bad luck omikuji", but that’s to be expected with the culture of omikuji. If you do pull a bad luck fortune, fret not, because it’s believed that living sincerely is enough to turn your luck for the better.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Whenever I'm in Tokyo, if time allows, I always visit Sensoji Temple to pray. The fortunes here are very accurate, and they feel like reminders of things you should pay attention to. You can really feel how gentle the bodhisattva is.
Years ago, I visited Sensoji Temple with my family. We wore kimonos and took lots of photos here. When I returned to Tokyo years later, I headed out alone to visit the temple while my family was still asleep.
Sensoji Temple isn't very crowded early in the morning. I prayed for a safe and smooth family trip and also drew an omikuji. I'd heard that Sensoji has a higher chance of drawing bad luck than other temples, so I was relieved to get good luck!
Sensoji Temple is basically a must-visit photo spot in Tokyo. It feels like if you haven’t taken a picture at Kaminarimon Gate, you haven’t really been to Tokyo. The temple is huge and impressive, and it’s absolutely packed with tourists. There are also tons of people wearing kimono, and of course I had to join in too. I heard the omikuji fortunes here are really accurate.
The first time I went to Sensoji, my family and I somehow stayed for a full seven hours. We shopped, bought souvenirs, and had some amazing Taisho matcha ice cream. Time just flew by, and looking back now, I honestly don’t know how we managed to stay that long.
Of course, I also drew an omikuji. But two sticks accidentally came out, and I remembered both numbers. The first one turned out to be bad luck, so I quietly pushed it back in, haha. Then I opened the drawer for the second one, and although it wasn’t bad luck, all I could think about was that first bad fortune. I was afraid my mom would laugh at me, so I just pretended I didn’t see it.
When I went again the second time, I thought, whatever, good or bad, I’ll just accept it. It’s not a big deal. Plus, this time I was by myself!
I ended up drawing number 89, and I was like, 89? Is it secretly insulting me? But when I opened it, it was actually great luck! The fortune said I was like an unpolished gem and that I’d meet someone who would help me in the future. I was so happy in that moment. I was just about to enter the workforce and was honestly pretty anxious, so reading those words felt like a real confidence boost. I brought the great-luck fortune home to keep, and also to show it off a little〜🤭
It’s only been three months since then, so I haven’t met any special benefactor yet. But I heard omikuji fortunes are good for one year, so I hope when I look back a year from now, it really will have come true. I also hope I’ll have another chance to visit Tokyo again by then.
Sensoji Temple really is one of Tokyo’s classic landmarks! No matter how many times I’ve been, seeing that huge red lantern still makes me admire how impressive it is.
The place is packed every day with visitors from all over the world.
During the day, Kaminarimon and Sensoji Temple are always packed with tourists, so I didn’t expect the nighttime atmosphere to feel completely different.
Without the constant crowds, the lighting made everything feel especially quiet and atmospheric. Walking slowly through Kaminarimon and exploring Sensoji Temple without having to rush past crowds made it even easier to appreciate the beauty of this historic temple.
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