Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center: Gateway to Tradition
Kaminarimon: The Thunder Gate
The iconic Thunder Gate: a vibrant gateway to Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensō-ji, in the heart of Asakusa. A must-see landmark!
Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate, is the iconic outer entrance to Tokyo's Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa. This vibrant landmark, famous for its giant red lantern and imposing statues of wind and thunder gods, has been rebuilt several times since its original construction in 941 AD, most recently in 1960. It marks the beginning of Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street leading to the temple.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Kaminarimon
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
Kaminarimon is easily accessible via multiple train lines. From Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line, Tsukuba Express), take Exit 1. Kaminarimon is a one-minute walk from this exit. A 24/48/72-hour Tokyo Metro ticket is a cost-effective option. Single subway fares typically cost ¥180-¥220.
Walking
Kaminarimon is located on Kaminarimon Street, directly across from the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. From Asakusa, it's a short walk. For example, it's about 13 minutes (1.1 km) on foot from Asakusa station. Follow the signs or Kaminarimon-dori.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in the area. A short taxi ride from Asakusa to Kaminarimon will typically cost ¥1,100-¥1,400. From Tokyo Station, a taxi ride to Kaminarimon is approximately 5 km and costs ¥2,800–3,400.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and experience a more peaceful atmosphere.
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Check out the dragon carving at the bottom of the lantern.
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Explore Nakamise-dori, the shopping street that begins at Kaminarimon, for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
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View Kaminarimon from the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center across the street for a unique perspective.
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Visit at night to see the gate illuminated.
Discover more about Kaminarimon
Kaminarimon, formally known as Fūraijinmon (Gate of the Wind and Thunder Gods), serves as the grand entrance to the historic Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo's Asakusa district. The gate's name, Kaminarimon or 'Thunder Gate', is derived from the Shinto gods of wind (Fūjin) and thunder (Raijin) whose statues flank the gate's front. Fūjin is enshrined on the east side, while Raijin is on the west. On the reverse side stand statues of the Buddhist gods Tenryū and Kinryū.
The gate's history stretches back to 941 AD when it was first built by Taira no Kinmasa, though not in its current location. The gate was moved to its present site in 1635. Throughout the centuries, Kaminarimon has been destroyed by fire multiple times. The current structure was rebuilt in 1960 with a donation from Kōnosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic.
A massive red lantern (chōchin), donated by Matsushita, hangs under the center of the gate. It measures 3.9 meters in height, 3.3 meters in width, and weighs approximately 700 kilograms. The lantern's surface displays the characters for 'Kaminarimon'. The base of the lantern features a dragon carving. Today, Kaminarimon remains a popular landmark, drawing tourists and worshippers alike.
A brief summary to Kaminarimon
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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