Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's Ancient Heart in the Traditional District of Asakusa
Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, with a legendary founding story dating to 628 CE. Two brothers, Hinokuma Hamanari and Takenari, were fishing in the Sumida River when they discovered a golden statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Kannon) in their nets. When the village headman recognized its significance, he devoted himself to Buddhism, and Senso-ji Temple was established nearby in 645 CE.
During the Kamakura Period (1185-1333), the shoguns demonstrated great devotion to Senso-ji, and gradually other prominent figures followed their example. In 1590, Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Senso-ji as the temple where prayers of the shogunate would be offered, cementing its importance. From the late 18th through the 19th century, as Edo developed into the world's largest city, Asakusa became the cultural center, hosting theaters, music, and entertainment.
Today, Senso-ji remains an important center of worship, drawing 30 million visitors annually. The temple features several iconic structures, including the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its massive red lantern and guardian statues of Fujin (wind god) and Raijin (thunder god), and Nakamise, one of Japan's oldest shopping streets, which has served temple visitors for centuries.
Key Highlights
- Founded in 645 CE, Tokyo's oldest temple with nearly 1,400 years of history
- Legendary origin: Kannon statue discovered by fishermen in 628 CE
- Iconic Kaminarimon Gate with 4-meter tall red lantern
- Nakamise Shopping Street, one of Japan's oldest shopping arcades
- 30 million visitors annually, Tokyo's most visited spiritual site
- Historic center of Asakusa culture and entertainment district
Access Information
Location
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
- • Asakusa Station (Toei Asakusa Line)
- • Asakusa Station (Tobu Skytree Line)
- • Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express)
Opening Hours
Temple grounds: 24 hours | Main hall: 6:00-17:00 (Apr-Sep), 6:30-17:00 (Oct-Mar)
Admission Fee
Free admission (donations welcome)
How to Get There
From Tokyo Station
Marunouchi Line to Ginza, transfer to Ginza Line to Asakusa (Exit 1), then 1-min walk
25 minutes
From Asakusa Station (Ginza Line)
Exit 1, walk straight with Tokyo Skytree behind you
1 minute
From Asakusa Station (Toei Line)
A4 Exit, short walk to Kaminarimon Gate
2 minutes
From Shibuya/Shinjuku
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line direct to Asakusa
35-40 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Best Time: Early Morning or Evening
Visit between 6:00-8:00 AM before Nakamise shops open for a peaceful experience, or after 6:00 PM when most tourists leave. Avoid peak hours (11 AM-3 PM) when crowds are overwhelming. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.
Purification Ritual at Chozuya
Before entering the main hall, cleanse your hands and mouth at the water basin (chozuya). This purification ritual is essential temple etiquette: rinse left hand, right hand, pour water into hand to rinse mouth, then rinse the ladle handle.
Photography Guidelines
Photography is generally allowed on temple grounds and at Kaminarimon Gate, but be mindful of worshippers and religious ceremonies. Some Nakamise shopping stalls prohibit photos—when in doubt, ask permission first.
Nakamise Shopping Street Experience
Walk through the 250-meter Nakamise shopping street with nearly 90 shops selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts. Shops open around 9:00 AM, so time your visit accordingly if shopping is part of your plan. Try traditional snacks like ningyo-yaki and senbei.
Try Your Fortune with Omikuji
Draw a fortune slip (omikuji) for ¥100 at the temple. If you get bad luck, tie it to the designated rack to leave the bad fortune behind. Good fortunes can be kept as souvenirs or tied as offerings.
Evening Illuminations Are Magical
The temple is beautifully illuminated from sunset until approximately 11:00 PM. Evening visits offer a completely different atmosphere with dramatic lighting, fewer crowds, and a romantic ambiance perfect for photography.
Temple Etiquette and Respect
Keep voices low on temple grounds. Bow slightly when passing through gates. Make offerings by tossing coins gently into the offering box, bow twice, clap twice, pray, then bow once more. Remove hats when entering buildings.
Explore Beyond the Main Temple
Don't miss the five-story pagoda, Asakusa Shrine next door, and the incense burner where visitors waft smoke over themselves for purification and good health. The surrounding Asakusa district offers traditional restaurants and cultural experiences.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Senso-ji Temple?
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the temple grounds, Kaminarimon Gate, and Nakamise shopping street. If you want to shop extensively or visit nearby Asakusa Shrine and the surrounding district, plan for 3-4 hours. Early morning visits can be quicker since Nakamise shops aren't open yet.
Is Senso-ji crowded?
Yes, Senso-ji is extremely crowded, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM on weekends and holidays. With 30 million visitors annually, it's one of Tokyo's busiest tourist sites. Visit early morning (6-8 AM) or after 6 PM for a much more peaceful experience with far fewer crowds.
Can I visit Senso-ji in the rain?
Yes, rainy days offer a unique atmospheric experience with fewer crowds. The covered Nakamise shopping street provides shelter, though the main temple grounds are open-air. Bring an umbrella and be careful on potentially slippery surfaces. The temple's dramatic appearance in rain can make for beautiful photographs.
Is there a dress code at Senso-ji?
No strict dress code exists, but modest clothing is respectful. Avoid tank tops, short shorts, and revealing clothing. Remove hats when entering temple buildings. Shoes stay on in most areas except specific sacred spaces where you'll see instructions. In summer, light clothing is fine but keep shoulders covered.
Are there lockers or luggage storage at Senso-ji?
Yes, coin lockers are available at Asakusa Station (all lines) ranging from ¥300-700 depending on size. The temple itself doesn't have storage facilities, but nearby hotels sometimes offer temporary storage. For large suitcases, use station lockers before exploring the temple area.
Is Senso-ji wheelchair accessible?
Mostly accessible. The main approach from Kaminarimon Gate through Nakamise to the main hall is flat and wheelchair-friendly. However, some areas have steps, and the five-story pagoda area may be challenging. Accessible restrooms are available near the main hall. The crowds can make navigation difficult during peak hours.
Is Senso-ji good for children?
Yes, families with children enjoy Senso-ji. Kids love the giant lantern, feeding pigeons (if present), trying omikuji fortune slips, and shopping for traditional snacks on Nakamise street. The wide-open spaces are stroller-friendly. However, watch children closely during crowded times, and the incense smoke might bother sensitive kids.
Can I get goshuin (temple stamp) at Senso-ji?
Yes, goshuin are available at the main hall office daily 9:00-16:00 for ¥300. Bring your own goshuin book (goshuincho) or purchase one there for about ¥1,500. Expect long queues on weekends and holidays. The calligraphy is done by hand, making each stamp unique and meaningful.
What omamori (amulets) can I buy at Senso-ji?
Senso-ji offers numerous omamori for various purposes: academic success, traffic safety, health, love, business prosperity, and general good fortune. Prices range from ¥500-1,000. Purchase them at the amulet sales office near the main hall. They make meaningful souvenirs and are believed to provide protection for one year.
Are there English signs and information?
Yes, major areas have English signage and explanations, including at Kaminarimon Gate, the main hall, and key cultural properties. Information pamphlets in English are available. However, detailed historical explanations may be limited. Some Nakamise shops have English-speaking staff, especially those frequented by tourists.
Where are the restrooms at Senso-ji?
Public restrooms are located on the left side of the main hall, near Asakusa Shrine, and at various points around the temple grounds. They're generally clean and free to use. Facilities include Western-style toilets along with traditional Japanese ones. Accessible restrooms are available. During peak times, expect queues.
Can I eat food from Nakamise inside the temple?
It's best to consume street food from Nakamise shops along the shopping street itself, not within the temple's sacred grounds. Many shops offer samples or quick snacks meant to be eaten immediately. For sit-down meals, numerous restaurants surround the temple area in the broader Asakusa district.
What food should I try on Nakamise street?
Don't miss ningyo-yaki (small cakes filled with red bean paste), age-manju (deep-fried sweet buns), senbei (rice crackers), melonpan ice cream, and traditional candy. Expect to pay ¥200-500 per item. Many shops offer samples. Arrive when Nakamise opens around 9 AM for the freshest options.
What nearby attractions can I combine with Senso-ji?
Within walking distance: Asakusa Shrine (directly next to Senso-ji), Tokyo Skytree (20-minute walk or short train ride), Sumida River cruise docks, traditional shopping streets, and numerous small temples. The entire Asakusa district offers old Tokyo atmosphere with restaurants, souvenir shops, and cultural experiences like rickshaw rides.
Is Senso-ji safe at night?
Yes, very safe. The illuminated temple from sunset to around 11 PM creates a magical atmosphere with fewer crowds. Asakusa is a well-populated, well-lit tourist area with regular police presence. It's popular for evening strolls and photography. However, Nakamise shops close around 6-7 PM.
Do I need to make a reservation?
No reservations needed for general temple visits. The grounds are open 24 hours with free admission. However, if you want special experiences like prayer ceremonies, guided tours, or specific cultural activities, check the temple's official website or contact them in advance for arrangements and any associated fees.
What's the proper etiquette for the incense burner?
At the large incense burner before the main hall, people waft smoke over themselves believing it brings healing and purification. Use your hands to gently guide smoke toward areas needing healing (head for wisdom, body for health). Don't take incense sticks from the burner—purchase your own or simply enjoy the smoke already there.
Can I pray even if I'm not Buddhist?
Yes, visitors of all faiths are welcome to participate or simply observe respectfully. The typical prayer involves tossing a coin (¥5 is considered lucky) into the offering box, bowing twice, then bowing once more after silent prayer. There's no requirement to pray—many visitors simply admire the architecture and atmosphere.
What should I absolutely not miss at Senso-ji?
Essential experiences: pass through Kaminarimon Gate with its massive lantern, walk the full length of Nakamise shopping street, try omikuji fortune telling, waft incense smoke at the burner, view the impressive main hall and five-story pagoda, and visit neighboring Asakusa Shrine. Evening illumination transforms the atmosphere completely.
What's the best season to visit Senso-ji?
Each season offers unique beauty: spring for cherry blossoms in late March-early April, summer for vibrant festivals (though very hot and crowded), autumn for comfortable weather and occasional events, winter for fewer crowds and possible snow scenes. New Year (January 1-3) draws millions but offers authentic cultural experience despite extreme crowds.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Akihabara
Tokyo's world-famous 'Electric Town' and otaku paradise, offering endless electronics shops, anime stores, manga cafes, maid cafes, and gaming arcades.
Ameyoko Shopping Street
A vibrant open-air market street in Ueno offering fresh seafood, international foods, discount clothing, and nostalgic post-war atmosphere.
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza & Gundam Statue
A large shopping complex in Odaiba featuring a life-sized Gundam robot statue, anime merchandise, and entertainment facilities in Tokyo's futuristic waterfront district.
Ghibli Museum Mitaka
A whimsical museum dedicated to Studio Ghibli animation, designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself, featuring exclusive short films and enchanting exhibits.
Ginza District
Tokyo's most prestigious shopping district featuring luxury boutiques, department stores, fine dining, art galleries, and the elegant architecture of Japan's commercial sophistication.
Golden Gai
A labyrinth of six narrow alleys containing over 200 tiny bars, each seating 4-10 patrons, preserving Tokyo's underground drinking culture and artistic heritage.
Harajuku / Takeshita Street
The epicenter of Tokyo's youth fashion culture, featuring trendy boutiques, colorful crepe shops, and the famous Takeshita Street where kawaii culture comes alive.
Imperial Palace East Gardens
The public gardens of the Imperial Palace featuring remnants of Edo Castle, traditional Japanese garden design, and seasonal plantings. A peaceful oasis where Tokyo's feudal past meets its modern present.