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Sensoji Temple

Ⓒ浅草寺

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Sensoji Temple

One of Japan’s most frequented destinations! Over 1300 years of history here at the oldest temple in Tokyo.

4.72 69

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Supervised by :  浅草寺

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.

Highlights

  • Snap a photo to commemorate your trip in front of Kaminarimon, the iconic temple gate of Asakusa!
  • Waft a plume of incense for a healing boost over any physical ailments.
  • After visiting the temple, enjoy a stroll down the sprawling shopping streets of Nakamise-Dori.

Photos

  • Sensoji Temple, Kaminarimon Gate © Sensoji Temple

    Sensoji Temple, Kaminarimon Gate © Sensoji Temple

  • Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street © Sensoji Temple

    Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street © Sensoji Temple

  • Sensoji Temple, Main Hall © Sensoji Temple

    Sensoji Temple, Main Hall © Sensoji Temple

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Could you inform me about the accessibility here?
A

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?
A

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?
A

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.

Reviews

69

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    Kaminarimon and Sensoji Temple are among Tokyo's must-visit attractions! The huge red lantern at Kaminarimon is especially eye-catching. No matter how many times I've visited, I still can't resist taking out my phone for a photo whenever I pass by.

    Along the road from Kaminarimon to Sensoji Temple, shops line both sides. There are many unique little stores selling local specialties and souvenirs, as well as all kinds of street food, such as grilled rice crackers and Kaminarimon-yaki. Everything makes you want to buy some and give it a try. The fried manju at the end of the shopping street is my personal favorite! They come in both sweet and savory flavors, and it's such a treat to buy one and eat it while browsing the shops.

    Asakusa isn't just a good place to visit during the day; I also highly recommend taking an evening stroll. Once night falls, the streetlights come on and there are fewer people than during the day. It's less bustling and has a different atmosphere.

  • 陳泰任
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    Memories of Asakusa Beneath Kaminarimon
    A trip to Tokyo wouldn't be complete without visiting Sensoji Temple. This ancient temple, one of Tokyo's most iconic, attracts tens of millions of worshippers each year and has long been an important landmark where travelers can experience Tokyo's traditional culture. Before entering Sensoji Temple, the first thing that catches your eye is the imposing Kaminarimon Gate. A huge red lantern hangs in the center of the gate dedicated to the gods of wind and thunder, and the gold characters for “Kaminarimon” on a black background are especially striking. It has also become one of the most classic photo spots of the trip.

    Passing through Kaminarimon and walking along Nakamise toward the inner temple grounds, the Hozomon Gate and five-story pagoda gradually come into view. The vermilion beams and pillars, intricate bracket work, and layered gray-tiled eaves look solemn and magnificent against the blue sky. Looking back from in front of the temple, amid the bustling crowds and curling incense smoke, the modern vibrancy of Tokyo and the history of the ancient temple come together in this moment.

  • Star
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    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.

  • Chris
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    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!

  • 雨妤魚
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    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.

Details

Name in Japanese
浅草寺
Official Name
Kinryuzan Sensoji Temple
Founded
628 AD
Postal Code
111-0032
Address
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Telephone
03-3842-0181 (9:00 am to 4:30 pm, excluding Sundays and Holidays)
Admission
Free
Closed
No holidays
Hours
6:00 am to 5:00 pm (Apr.-Sept.); 6:30 am to 5:00 pm (Oct.-Mar.)
Access
1) About 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree Line
2) About 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
3) About 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express
4) About 5 minutes on foot from the A4 Exit of Asakusa Station on the Toei Subway Asakusa Line
Official Website
Official Website(English)
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