Hozomon Gate

The basics

Tokyo’s atmospheric Asakusa neighborhood is a favorite with travelers, and the Senso-ji Temple is at the heart of it. The original Hozomon Gate, leading to the temple’s main hall, dates back to the 10th century, but this reconstruction was built in the 1960s.

You can visit independently or take a guided tour of Asakusa—many Tokyo tours include the neighborhood, or focus specifically on it. Such tours typically also visit Nakamise Shopping Street and sometimes Kappabashi-dori, where kitchen goods are sold.

Things to know before you go

• The gate makes a beautiful subject for photography, but it’s often very crowded with visitors, so you may need to wait for the perfect shot.
• There’s no entry fee.
• The Hozomon Gate is just one of several buildings and structures around the Senso-ji Temple, so leave enough time to visit them all.

How to get there

Unless you’re on a guided tour that arranges transportation, the best way to reach Asakusa is by train or subway. The Ginza and Asakusa Subway Lines, Tsukuba Express, and Tobu Railway all have stations around Asakusa. The most common way to approach Senso-ji and the Hozomon Gate is by walking along Nakamise Shopping Street.

When to get there

The Hozomon Gate is always accessible. It’s busiest in the afternoons and on the weekends. To avoid the crowds, go early in the morning or after dark, when it’s lit up. Tokyo can be a fun year-round destination but many people prefer to visit in the spring (March–May) or autumn (October–November), when the weather is most pleasant. Large festivals are held in May and August.

Shop for souvenirs on Nakamise Shopping Street

Leading to the Hozomon Gate, the pedestrian Nakamise Shopping Street is known for its small shops and stalls selling all kinds of Japanese items, from textiles to folding fans. While the street can get extremely crowded at busy times (afternoons and weekends), it’s a good place to buy souvenirs.