Sensō-ji: Tokyo's Ancient Temple of Mercy
Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensō-ji, in Asakusa: a journey through history, culture, and spiritual tradition. Discover iconic gates and vibrant markets.
Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, is a vibrant Buddhist sanctuary in Asakusa dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Founded in 645 AD, it attracts millions annually with its iconic Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise shopping street, and the serene atmosphere of its main hall and pagoda.
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 to avoid crowds and experience a more peaceful atmosphere.
- Try local snacks like sweet potato yokan or deep-fried manju on Nakamise-dori.
- Draw an omikuji (fortune), and if it's bad, tie it to the wires to leave the bad luck behind.
- Check the temple's calendar for festivals and events like Sanja Matsuri or the Hozuki Market.
- Rub the smoke from the large incense burner onto any painful body part, which is believed to have a healing quality.
Getting There
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Walking
From Asakusa Station (various lines), Sensō-ji is a short walk. Take Exit 1 from the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Exit A5 from the Toei Asakusa Line, the Main Exit from the Tobu Skytree Line, or Exit A1 from the Tsukuba Express. Follow the signs towards Kaminarimon Gate, which is a landmark. Pass through the gate and walk along Nakamise-dori to reach the temple. This walk is free.
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Public Transport
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station (¥150) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (¥180). From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station (¥180) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (¥180). From Asakusa Station, follow the walking directions. Alternatively, the Skytree Shuttle Bus runs between Ueno and Tokyo Skytree via Asakusa, with a stop near Kaminarimon Dori Street. The fare is ¥220 for adults, or ¥216 if using a PASMO or SUICA IC card.
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Taxi
From anywhere in Asakusa, a taxi to Sensō-ji is readily available. Taxis in Tokyo typically start at ¥500-750 for the first kilometer, with additional charges per distance. Expect to pay around ¥730 - ¥900 for a short trip within Asakusa, depending on traffic.
Discover more about Sensō-ji
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mr. and Mrs. Yonetaro Otani Statues
0.1 km
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
0.3 km
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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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Asakusa kanna
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Kura
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Okonomiyaki Teppanyaki Asakusa Tsurujiro
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Asakusa Sushi Ken
0.4 km
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Asakusa Imahan
0.4 km
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Sky Grill Buffet Musashi
0.4 km
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San-Sada
0.4 km
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Gyoza Bar Keisuke
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Yokoi
0.5 km
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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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Sanrio Gift Gate Asakusa
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Kurodaya
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MUSASHI JAPAN 合羽橋店 Knife & Sake Shop
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Energy Super Tajima
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THE SKYTREE SHOP
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中むらや浅草近Bar
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ORANGE-ROOM ASAKUSA
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NinjaBar
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A.S.A.B.（as soon as beerable）
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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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BAR COCKTAIL WORKS 上野
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Samurai
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