Sensō-ji: Tokyo's Ancient Temple of Mercy
Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensō-ji, a vibrant center of Buddhist worship with iconic gates, a bustling market street, and serene temple grounds.
Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, is a vibrant Buddhist site in Asakusa. Founded in 645, it draws millions with its iconic Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise shopping street, and the serene main hall dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
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, especially on Nakamise-dori. Most shops open around 9 am, so you can explore the temple in relative peace before the shopping street gets busy.
- If you draw a bad fortune (omikuji), tie it to the wires provided to leave the bad luck behind.
- Rub the smoke from the large incense burner onto any painful areas of your body, as it is believed to have healing properties.
- Take a moment to appreciate the architecture, including the intricate woodwork and sweeping roofs of the main hall.
- Visit the temple at night to see the buildings, including the five-story pagoda, beautifully illuminated.
Getting There
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Public Transport
The most convenient way to reach Sensō-ji is by train to Asakusa Station, which is served by multiple lines. From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station (2 minutes, 150 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line to Asakusa Station (10 minutes, 180 yen). From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station (10 minutes, 180 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line to Asakusa Station (10 minutes, 180 yen). From Asakusa Station, it's a 5-minute walk to the temple.
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Walking
If you are in the Asakusa area, walking to Sensō-ji is a pleasant option. From Tokyo Skytree, it's approximately a 20-minute walk to Sensō-ji, passing through Tokyo Mizumachi and Sumida River Walk. From Ueno Park, the walk takes about 30-35 minutes, passing through Kappabashi (Kitchen Town). No costs are involved.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Tokyo. From Tokyo Station to Sensō-ji, a taxi ride typically takes around 5 minutes and costs approximately ¥3,000 - ¥3,700. A 5km ride in Asakusa costs about 2620 JPY. The base fare is ¥470, with each kilometer costing an additional ¥430.
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Water Bus
Another option is to take a water bus (ferry) to Asakusa. From Hamarikyu Garden, the ferry to Asakusa takes about 33 minutes and costs ¥1,180 for adults and ¥470 for children (6-11 years old). Note that admission to Hamarikyu Garden is included in the fare.
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
0.2 km
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1-chōme-36-4 Asakusa
0.2 km
Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Asakusa, Tokyo's charming district filled with ancient temples, lively markets, and authentic Japanese experiences.
Stars Plaza
0.3 km
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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
0.6 km
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Sumidagawa Boat Memorial Monument
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Kototoi Bridge
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Kappabashi Kitchen Tools Street
0.7 km
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Sumida River
0.7 km
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Sakurabashi Bridge
1.0 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sensō-ji main hall
0.0 km
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Purification Fountain
0.0 km
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Yōgō-dō Pavilion
0.1 km
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Asakusa Shrine
0.1 km
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Mitsumine-jinja Shrine
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Five-Storied Pagoda
0.1 km
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Nitenmon Gate
0.1 km
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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
0.2 km
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Essential places to dine
LaVASARA CAFE&GRILL
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Asakusa kanna
0.3 km
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Injoy 悦納
0.3 km
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Kura
0.3 km
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Okonomiyaki Teppanyaki Asakusa Tsurujiro
0.3 km
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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
0.4 km
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Yokoi
0.5 km
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Owariya
0.5 km
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Ninja Experience Cafe Asakusa
0.5 km
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Kudaka Tepannyaki Asakusa
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Sometarō
0.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
SUZUYA
0.1 km
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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
0.3 km
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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
1.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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
0.4 km
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Barley Asakusa
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Nemo
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Wolf Bar Asakusa
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BAR SOMETHIN’
0.7 km
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The Auditorium - Japanese Whisky, Cocktail & Good music Bar 上野
1.6 km
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BAR COCKTAIL WORKS 上野
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Samurai
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