Senso-ji Hozomon Gate: Tokyo's Treasure-House Entrance

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Discover the majestic Hozomon Gate at Senso-ji Temple, a cultural landmark in Asakusa, Tokyo, guarding treasures and welcoming visitors to a spiritual heart.

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Senso-ji Hozomon Gate

The Hozomon Gate is the inner gate to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple. Rebuilt in 1964, this imposing two-story structure houses treasured Buddhist scriptures and is guarded by fierce Nio statues, offering a glimpse into Japanese Buddhist tradition.

A brief summary to Senso-ji Hozomon Gate

2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, 2 Chome Asakusa, Tokyo, 111-0032, JP
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Monday 6:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 6:30 am-5 pm
Friday 6:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 6:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 6:30 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Senso-ji Hozomon Gate.

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience a peaceful atmosphere.
Take time to explore Nakamise-dori, the shopping street leading to the gate, for local snacks and souvenirs.
Look for the large waraji sandals on the north side of the gate.
Observe the intricate details of the gate's architecture and the Nio guardian statues.
Consider visiting during a festival like Sanja Matsuri to see the gate and temple grounds come alive with processions and performances.

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Getting There

Walking

If you are already in the Asakusa area, the Hozomon Gate is easily accessible by foot. From the Kaminarimon Gate, walk south through Nakamise-dori. After passing through the shopping street, you will find the Hozomon Gate at the end. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

The closest station to Senso-ji Temple is Asakusa Station, which is served by the Ginza Subway Line, the Toei Asakusa Line, and the Tobu Skytree Line. From Asakusa Station, it is a short walk to the Hozomon Gate. Use Exit 1 for the Ginza Line, Exit A5 for the Toei Asakusa Line, or the Main Exit for the Tobu Skytree Line. A single subway fare in Tokyo typically costs between ¥170 and ¥320, depending on the distance.

Discover more about Senso-ji Hozomon Gate

The Hozomon Gate, meaning "Treasure-House Gate", is the impressive inner entrance to Tokyo's historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Originally built in 942 AD, the gate has been destroyed by fire multiple times throughout history, most recently during the air raids of World War II. The current structure, a steel-reinforced concrete building, was erected in 1964 with a donation from Yonetarō Otani and his wife.Standing 22.7 meters tall, the two-story gate houses many of Senso-ji's treasures in its upper level, including a copy of the Lotus Sutra. The first story features two 5.45-meter-tall Nio statues on either side of the south face, the guardian deities of the Buddha. The gate was originally called Niōmon before being renamed Hōzōmon. A large red chōchin lantern hangs under the center of the gate, displaying the name of Kobunachō. On the north face are two massive waraji straw sandals.Passing through the Hozomon Gate leads visitors to the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, a five-storied pagoda, and other significant structures. The vibrant Nakamise-dori shopping street, offering traditional snacks and souvenirs, connects the outer Kaminarimon Gate to the Hozomon Gate. The Hozomon Gate is a symbol of Asakusa and a must-see for those seeking to experience traditional Japanese culture.