Sensō-ji: Tokyo's Ancient Temple of Mercy
Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensō-ji, with its iconic gates, traditional shopping street, and serene temple complex in the heart of Asakusa.
Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, is a vibrant and historically significant Buddhist site in Asakusa. Founded in 645 AD, it's dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion. The temple complex features the iconic Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise shopping street, Hozomon Gate, a five-story pagoda, and the main hall, offering visitors a glimpse into Tokyo's rich cultural heritage.
A brief summary to Sensō-ji
- 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, 2 Chome Asakusa, Tokyo, 111-0032, JP
- +813-3842-0181
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
- Take time to explore Nakamise street for unique souvenirs and local snacks.
- Try your luck with an 'omikuji' (fortune slip) for 100 yen, but don't be discouraged if you get a bad one – you can tie it to a designated post to change your destiny.
- Rub the smoke from the large incense burner onto any painful areas of your body, as it is believed to have healing properties.
- Check out the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center across from Kaminarimon Gate for free panoramic views of Sensoji and Tokyo Skytree.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Asakusa Station, served by the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line, and Tobu Railway, Sensō-ji Temple is a short walk away. From the Ginza Line, use Exit 1; from the Toei Asakusa Line, use Exit A5; and from the Tobu Skytree Line, use the Main Exit. The temple is within a 1-5 minute walk from any of these exits. Subway fares in Tokyo range from 180 to 330 yen depending on the distance.
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Walking
If you are already in the Asakusa area or near Tokyo Skytree, walking to Sensō-ji is a great option. From Tokyo Skytree, the walk is approximately 20 minutes. From Ueno Park, the walk is about 30-35 minutes, passing through Kappabashi, Tokyo's kitchen street. Walking allows you to explore the surrounding neighborhood and experience the local atmosphere.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Asakusa, especially on the west side of Tobu Asakusa Station. A short taxi ride from Asakusa Station to Sensō-ji costs approximately 1,300 - 1,600 yen. The standard taxi fare starts at 410 yen for the first 1,052 meters, with an additional 80 yen for every 237 meters thereafter. Note that there may be a 20% surcharge for rides between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
Discover more about Sensō-ji
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mr. and Mrs. Yonetaro Otani Statues
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Commemorative statues honoring the Otanis' contribution to Senso-ji Temple's reconstruction in Tokyo's historic Asakusa district.
Akaboshi Juzaburo Statue
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Nippon-Daemon
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2-chōme-3-19 Asakusa
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1-chōme-36-4 Asakusa
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Stars Plaza
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hotel MONday Asakusa
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Rokugeishin
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Ryōunkaku Memorial Marker
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Azumbashi Bridge
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Sumidagawa Boat Memorial Monument
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Kototoi Bridge
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Kappabashi Kitchen Tools Street
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Sumida River
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Sakurabashi Bridge
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sensō-ji main hall
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Purification Fountain
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Yōgō-dō Pavilion
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Asakusa Shrine
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Mitsumine-jinja Shrine
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Five-Storied Pagoda
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Nitenmon Gate
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Senso-ji Nitemmon Gate
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Senso-ji Hozomon Gate
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Hōzōmon Gate
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Site of Former Five-Story Pagoda
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Benten-dō
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Suzukien Asakusa
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Asakusa Hanayashiki
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Asakusa Nishi-sandō Shopping Street
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Essential places to dine
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Kura
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Okonomiyaki Teppanyaki Asakusa Tsurujiro
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Asakusa Sushi Ken
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Asakusa Imahan
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Sky Grill Buffet Musashi
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San-Sada
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Gyoza Bar Keisuke
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Yokoi
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Owariya
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Ninja Experience Cafe Asakusa
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Kudaka Tepannyaki Asakusa
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Sometarō
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
SUZUYA
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Minoriya
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Asakusa Sparkle
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Asakusa Haneda
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Marugoto Nippon
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Tokyo Hotarudō
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MUSASHI JAPAN 浅草店 Knife Shop
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Kannondoori street
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Asakusa Tatsumiya
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Kaminarimon Gate Fukuko-ya
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Kurodaya
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Energy Super Tajima
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THE SKYTREE SHOP
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NinjaBar
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FOS
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Samboa Bar
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BAR WALK
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Kamiya Bar
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Barley Asakusa
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Nemo
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Wolf Bar Asakusa
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BAR SOMETHIN’
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The Auditorium - Japanese Whisky, Cocktail & Good music Bar 上野
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Samurai
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