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.

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Sensō-ji

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
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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

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.
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.
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.
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

Sensō-ji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is Tokyo's oldest temple, located in the heart of Asakusa. According to legend, in the year 628, two fishermen, Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari, discovered a golden statue of Kannon in the Sumida River. Despite their attempts to return the statue to the river, it kept reappearing. Recognizing its sanctity, the village chief, Hajino Nakamoto, enshrined it by converting his house into a small temple so villagers could worship Kannon. The first temple was founded in 645 AD. Over the centuries, Sensō-ji has evolved into a significant center of Buddhist worship. Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Sensō-ji as a family temple to serve as spiritual protection. Influential samurai warlords from the Taira and Minamoto families rebuilt and expanded parts of the temple. The Kaminarimon and Hozomon Gates were completed during this period. Today, Sensō-ji attracts approximately 20 million annual visitors. The temple complex includes the main hall, a five-story pagoda, and large gates. Visitors enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the outer gate of Sensō-ji and a symbol of Asakusa. Nakamise-dori, a shopping street stretching over 200 meters, leads from Kaminarimon to the Hozomon Gate, the temple's second gate. The street is lined with shops selling souvenirs and traditional snacks. Beyond the Hozomon Gate are the main hall and the five-storied pagoda. The main hall, rebuilt in 1958, is a symbol of rebirth and peace. The five-story pagoda is the second highest in Japan at 53 meters. The Asakusa Shrine, built in 1649, stands adjacent to the main building. Throughout the year, the Sensō-ji Temple area hosts various events, including the Sanja Matsuri in May, the Asakusa Samba Carnival in August, and the Hagoita-ichi (Hagoita Market).