Asakusa Shrine
Asakusa Shrine: A Serene Oasis in Tokyo
Sensō-ji: Tokyo's Ancient Temple of Mercy
Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensō-ji, a vibrant center of Buddhist worship, traditional shopping, and cultural events in the heart of Asakusa.
Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, is a vibrant Buddhist site in Asakusa. Founded in 645 AD, it honors Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and features the iconic Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise shopping street, and a five-story pagoda.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Sensō-ji
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, 2 Chome Asakusa, Tokyo, 111-0032, JP
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Getting There
Public Transport
The closest stations to Sensō-ji Temple are Asakusa Station, served by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, the Toei Asakusa Line, the Tobu Skytree Line, and the Tsukuba Express. From any of these stations, it is approximately a 5-minute walk to the temple. Subway fares in Tokyo range from ¥180 to ¥330, depending on the distance traveled. A one-day pass for unlimited use of Tokyo Metro lines is available for ¥700. A Tokyo Subway Ticket, valid on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, is available for 24 hours (¥800), 48 hours (¥1,200), or 72 hours (¥1,500).
Walking
Sensō-ji Temple is located in the heart of Asakusa, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby points of interest. From Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station Exit 1, walk 220 meters. From the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, it is a short walk across the street to Kaminarimon Gate. From Tokyo Skytree, it's about a 20-minute walk.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Asakusa. You can find taxis waiting at the taxi rank on the west side of Tobu Asakusa Station or hail one on the street. The standard fare for a small-sized taxi is ¥410 for the first 1,052 meters, and then ¥80 for every 237 meters after that. A short taxi ride from Asakusa Station to Sensō-ji Temple is estimated to cost between ¥1,300 and ¥1,600. Be aware that there may be a 20% evening surcharge between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
Parking
Sensō-ji Temple does not have its own parking facilities. Visitors are encouraged to use nearby coin-operated parking lots. The Kaminarimon Underground Parking Lot is a popular choice due to its proximity. Parking rates at nearby lots typically range from ¥200 for 15-30 minutes during the day. Weekday daytime rates at Kaminarimon Underground Parking Lot are capped at ¥2,400 for 6 to 12 hours.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially on Nakamise-dori Street.
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Try local snacks like sweet potato yokan and deep-fried manju on Nakamise-dori Street.
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Check your fortune by drawing an omikuji, and tie up any bad fortunes to the designated posts.
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Attend one of the temple's many festivals, such as Sanja Matsuri or Asakusa Samba Carnival, for a unique cultural experience.
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Take a walk around the temple grounds to see water features, structures and plants.
Discover more about Sensō-ji
Sensō-ji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is Tokyo's oldest temple, dating back to 645 AD. According to legend, two fishermen discovered a statue of Kannon in the Sumida River, leading to the temple's construction. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion.The temple complex is accessed through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), a symbol of Asakusa. This impressive gate features a large red lantern and statues of the gods of wind and thunder. Nakamise-dori, a 250-meter shopping street, stretches from Kaminarimon to the Hozomon Gate, offering souvenirs and traditional snacks.The Hozomon Gate leads to the main temple grounds, where the Main Hall and a five-story pagoda are located. The Main Hall is where the statue of Kannon is enshrined, though it is not on public display. The five-story pagoda is the second highest pagoda in Japan and contains ashes of Buddha.Sensō-ji has been rebuilt multiple times throughout history, including after World War II. The rebuilt temple is a symbol of rebirth and peace for the Japanese people. Visitors can also find the Asakusa Shrine adjacent to the main building. The temple is a popular spot for omikuji (fortunes), and visitors can tie bad fortunes to nearby wires to dispel bad karma.Throughout the year, Sensō-ji hosts various events and festivals, including Sanja Matsuri in May, Asakusa Samba Carnival in August, and Hagoita-ichi in December.
A brief summary to Sensō-ji
Use Sensō-ji as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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