Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple)

Even those with little interest in religious architecture should include this top sight on their Tokyo itinerary. Senso-ji Temple is unlike anything else in the city—and as one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions, it’s on many city sightseeing tours that may also visit the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace Plaza, the Tsukiji Fish Market, and the Nakamise-Dori shopping district. For in-depth experiences in the Asakusa area, opt for walking, rickshaw, or evening food tours.

• Senso-ji Temple is a must-see for first-time visitors to Tokyo.

• It’s possible to experience the temple on themed tours of the Asakusa neighborhood or on comprehensive city sightseeing tours.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for a variety of surfaces.

• Don’t forget your wallet—interesting shops dot the area.

Senso-ji Temple is in Asakusa, within central Tokyo’s Taito district. The temple is just a few steps away from Asakusa Station, served by Tobu Railways and the Ginza and Asakusa subway lines. Nitemmon Gate is the nearest bus stop on Umamichi dori Street.

The temple grounds are always open. The main hall is open from 6am to sunset each day, but many of the shops don’t open until late morning. The temple can get crowded around midday, particularly on weekends, so if you’d like more elbow room, visit before 10am or after 6pm.

According to local legend, in AD 628 a pair of fishermen discovered a golden statue of the goddess Kannon in the nearby Sumida River. The statue was allegedly enshrined at the site during its construction 17 years later, but it has never been on public display. It’s hard to say whether the ancient image of Kannon exists, but it hasn’t stopped Asakusa from becoming Tokyo’s most visited temple.

Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple) was founded in 645 AD and is one of Tokyo's oldest temples. Legend says two fishermen found a Kannon statue in the Sumida River and built the temple as a dedication to the Bodhisattva of compassion. Over centuries, it has become a significant cultural and spiritual site, attracting millions of visitors annually.

The nearest station to Senso-ji Temple is Asakusa Station, which is served by the Toei Asakusa subway line, the Ginza subway line, and the Tobu Railway. If traveling from Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda station and switch to the Ginza line, which takes you to Asakusa in around 10 minutes.

Senso-ji Temple features several prominent attractions, such as the Kaminarimon Gate (also known as the Thunder Gate), which is famous for its giant red lantern. Also you can find Nakamise-dori Shopping Street, the Hōzōmon Gate, and the five-storied pagoda, which makes a fantastic photo opportunity.

The best time to visit Senso-ji Temple is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak crowds. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends and holidays. As for the time of year, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) typically boast mild weather and either cherry blossoms or fall foliage.

Senso-ji Temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Sanja Matsuri, known for being one of Tokyo's largest and most vibrant festivals. Taking place typically on the third weekend of May, it attracts between 1.5 million and 2 million visitors each year, who come for its street parades, music, and dancing.

The Kaminarimon Gate is significant for being the main gateway to Senso-ji Temple. Dating back over 1,000 years, it has been rebuilt multiple times due to fires. The current gate dates back to 1960 and is adorned by a large red lantern and statues of Shinto and Buddhist gods for protection.