All Reviews of Sensoji Temple

For me, Sensoji Temple is not only one of Tokyo's most famous tourist temples, but also the starting point of my later pilgrimage to the “Three Great Kannon Temples.”

The first time Sensoji made a special impression on me was when I visited during the year-end Toshi no Ichi fair. Sensoji's Toshi no Ichi is held every year around December 17 to 19, and its most iconic event is the Hagoita Market. Stalls selling all kinds of decorative battledores gather throughout the temple grounds, making it a traditional Tokyo event filled with a year-end atmosphere.

Compared with an ordinary sightseeing visit, Toshi no Ichi had a strong, down-to-earth New Year's feeling. Under the warm, dim lighting, the lines of each battledore looked softer, as if they had their own filter. I usually tend to keep my distance from dolls with human faces, but surrounded by the lights and darkness that night, the battledores somehow had a lively and gorgeous beauty.

A photo I took at that Toshi no Ichi later unexpectedly won a participation prize in a photography event. It had been more than ten years since I had last won anything, which made me feel an even more mysterious connection with Asakusa Kannon.

Later, I returned to thank Kannon for the blessing and nervously drew a fortune, only to get “small blessing.” At the same time, I prayed for my upcoming trip to Saihoji Temple to go smoothly. Although it rained all the way through Tokyo until I left on the overnight bus, the weather cleared after I arrived in Kyoto. That also made the visit especially memorable for me.

On several later visits, I never drew a “bad luck” fortune from Kannon. People often say Sensoji has a fairly high proportion of bad fortunes, so I always feel a little nervous before drawing one. But I made it through safely each time, which felt like a small blessing to me. I know drawing fortunes is ultimately a matter of probability, but while traveling, sometimes you really treasure coincidences that work out just right.

Perhaps because of what happened afterward, along with the fact that I didn't get a bad fortune in any of my three draws, now whenever I go to Tokyo and have enough time, I try to visit Sensoji again to pray. For me, it is no longer just a place that's a “must-visit on your first trip to Tokyo,” but more like a place where I check in with Kannon at the start of or during each trip and pray for safe travels. I am very grateful for Kannon's protection along the way, and I hope I can continue coming back to worship on every future trip to Tokyo.

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.

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.

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.

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.