All Reviews of Sensoji Temple page 2

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.

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.

Sensoji Temple has a rich historical and cultural atmosphere. Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Shopping Street are lively and full of character. Besides visiting the temple, you can enjoy local food and shop for souvenirs. It’s a must-visit spot in Tokyo.

Sensoji Temple is definitely worth visiting. Don’t spend too much time at the street stalls near the entrance right away—the temple itself is the real highlight. It has a striking presence that really lets you feel a sense of awe, and almost every time I go, it’s packed with people.

It was a very unforgettable trip.

If you're visiting Tokyo, I highly recommend staying in Asakusa. You can appreciate a different side of Sensoji Temple there.

In the early morning, before the tourists arrive, you can visit and pray at a relaxed pace. At night, after the crowds have gone, it's completely different from the daytime bustle. Sensoji Temple has a quiet, wabi-sabi kind of beauty in the evening.

Kaminarimon is really impressive. The moment you see the big red lantern, you know you’ve arrived in Asakusa.

There’s also a small Inari shrine nearby. It’s tiny and easy to miss, but the fox guardian statues are adorable.