The sheer number of visitors to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa can be off-putting at first - but it’s been a tourist destination for centuries. Visit to revel in the atmosphere and soak up some history.
Senso-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow
Senso-ji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, was completed in the year 645, making it Tokyo’s oldest temple. Its origins are suitably mythic: two brothers fishing at the Sumida River found that the statue of Kannon that they kept returning to the waters always found its way back to them, and so a temple was built and dedicated to the goddess of mercy.
Senso-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow
Even without knowing the name of the temple, almost everyone will recognize Senso-ji Temple's iconic giant lantern at the Kaminarimon Gate or “Thunder Gate” entrance. The temple grounds are always bustling, especially during peak travel seasons, but it’s always been this way: temples were at the center of public life throughout the history of Japan.
Senso-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow
The approach to the prayer hall from the outer gate to the second gate is lined with souvenir stalls. This is Nakamise-dori, a shopping street whose history dates back several centuries. Only the souvenirs sold over the years has changed; these days, you can find folding fans, yukata, and traditional snacks such as rice crackers.
Visitors might be put off at first by the crowds that seem to be a permanent fixture at the temple; indeed, you’ll hear pretty much every language under the sun when you’re walking around the grounds. But Senso-ji Temple has always been a tourist fixture in Tokyo, even from centuries ago, so paying a visit is all part of that tradition. Go and soak up Asakusa’s inimitable atmosphere.
English name:
Senso-ji Temple
Japanese name:
浅草寺
English address:
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032
Japanese address:
〒111-0032 東京都台東区浅草2-3-1
Opening hours:
April-September: 6am-5pm
October-March: 6:30am-5pm
Admission:
free
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 5-minute walk from exit 1 of Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza line, and Toei Asakusa line.
Train: 5-minute walk from exit A1 of Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Senso-ji Temple on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3842-0181
Website:
Official Website (Japanese)
Near To Here:
Senso-ji Temple is located in Tokyo's Asakusa and Ryogoto district. See our complete list of things to do in Asakusa and Ryogoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help