Senso-ji Temple

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.

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Destination

Check-in date

Mon 02 Dec 2024

Check-out date

Tue 03 Dec 2024

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.

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