Asakusa Shrine
Asakusa Shrine: A Serene Oasis in Tokyo
Sensō-ji: Tokyo's Ancient Temple of Mercy
Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensō-ji, with its iconic gates, vibrant shopping street, and serene temple grounds in the heart of Asakusa.
Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, is a vibrant Buddhist site in Asakusa. Founded in 645 AD, it's dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion. The iconic Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise shopping street, and five-story pagoda create a captivating cultural experience.
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
Walking
Sensō-ji is a short walk from multiple stations in Asakusa. From Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, or Tobu Railway Asakusa Station, head towards Exit 1. Kaminarimon Gate, the main entrance to Sensō-ji, is about a 1-minute walk from Exit 1. From Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station, take Exit A1 and walk along Kokusai Dori for about 5 minutes, then turn left at Kaminarimon Street. The temple will be on your left. Navigating Nakamise-dori can be crowded, especially on weekends. Wheelchair users may find it easier to use the street behind the left-hand side of Nakamise. The main hall is accessible by elevator.
Public Transport
To reach Sensō-ji via public transport, take the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line, or Tobu Railway to Asakusa Station. From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station (2 minutes, 150 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 180 yen). From Shinjuku Station, take the orange JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station (10 minutes, 180 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 180 yen). From Asakusa Station, Sensō-ji is a short walk. Follow the signs to Kaminarimon Gate, which marks the entrance to the temple.
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. The Kaminarimon Underground Parking Lot operates from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. Parking fees are 200 yen for the first 30 minutes, then 100 yen per 15 minutes. Weekday daytime rates are capped at 2,400 yen for 6 to 12 hours. Overnight parking is possible, but entry and exit are not allowed outside of operating hours. Vehicle size restrictions apply: Vehicles must not exceed 5.3m in length, 2.0m in width, or 2.1m in height.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
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Take cash, as many shops in Nakamise-dori may not accept credit cards.
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Try your luck with Omikuji (fortune paper), but don't be discouraged if you get a bad fortune – it's common at Sensō-ji.
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Rub the smoke from the large incense burner onto yourself for good health.
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Check out the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center across from Kaminarimon Gate for free views of Sensō-ji and Tokyo Skytree.
Discover more about Sensō-ji
Sensō-ji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is Tokyo's oldest temple, dating back to 645 AD. Legend says that in 628 AD, two fishermen, Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari, found a golden statue of Kannon (Avalokiteśvara), the Bodhisattva of compassion, in the Sumida River. The village chief, recognizing the statue's sanctity, enshrined it in a small temple, which evolved into Sensō-ji.Visitors enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the temple's outer gate and a symbol of Asakusa. A giant red lantern hangs in the center, flanked by statues of Fūjin, the god of wind, and Raijin, the god of thunder. Nakamise-dori, a 250-meter shopping street, leads from Kaminarimon to the Hōzōmon Gate, the temple's inner gate. Here, you can find souvenirs, traditional snacks, and local crafts.Beyond Hōzōmon Gate lies the main hall, or Kannondo Hall, and a five-storied pagoda. The main hall, rebuilt in 1958 after wartime destruction, houses a hidden golden image of Kannon. The five-storied pagoda, standing at 53 meters, is the second highest in Japan and is said to contain some of the ashes of Buddha. Adjacent to the main hall is the Asakusa Shrine, built in 1649.Throughout the year, Sensō-ji hosts various events, including Sanja Matsuri in May, one of Tokyo's largest festivals. The temple complex is a symbol of rebirth and peace, drawing over 30 million visitors annually.
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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