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Sensō-ji, Asakusa

, Taito City, Tokyo

Description

Sensō-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple; it was built in the 7th century and dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion. The complex is dominated by the Kaminarimon entrance gate with its landmark large paper lantern, a five-story pagoda, and the 23m wide two-story Hōzōmon ("Treasure-House Gate"). Note that most of the buildings were destroyed during the Tokyo air raids of 1945 and rebuilt afterwards with stronger materials. The entrance gate is fronted by the Nakamise-dōri, a stretch of stalls selling mostly religious goods. The temple is the focal point of the annual Sanja Matsuri festival that takes place in late spring.

Access & Transport

The temple is located in the north of the Asakusa neighbourhood, about 1.5km straight east of Ueno station. The Asakusa metro station (A, G) is less than 5mins' walk away. There is also a similarly named Asakusa train station (Tsukuba Express) about 250m away.

Instructions & Recommendations

Next to the temple is the Asakusa Shinto shrine. We suggest combining Sensō-ji with an exploration of the Asakusa neighbourhood, before heading to (or coming from) Ueno, Akihabara or the Sky Tree across the Sumida River.

Meta review

A regular entry on the shortlist of places to visit in Tokyo and often featured in travel magazines, the online reviews are also excellent. Comments highlight the large number of Japanese worshippers and the beautiful and colourful compound with Kaminarimon drawing special mentions. Many visitors recommend reading about the temple before heading there in order to better enjoy and understand the place and, for those who stay in the area, it is worth taking a look in the evening when it is lit up.

Environmental & Social

No carbon footprint and preserves the city's architectural and cultural heritages.

Conclusion

Sensō-ji is without doubt one of the most interesting temples in Tokyo and gives a good insight into the local religious culture and customs. Very photogenic as well and walking distance to other tourist attractions.

Key positive

Makes for good pictures and very atmospheric inside

Good place to see the locals worship

Key negative

Can get crowded

Suitability

Accessible and no religious denomination restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Opening time for the main hall. The temple grounds are always open

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:0h 50m

Regulated hours

Monday06:30 - 17:00

Tuesday06:30 - 17:00

Wednesday06:30 - 17:00

Thursday06:30 - 17:00

Friday06:30 - 17:00

Saturday06:30 - 17:00

Sunday06:30 - 17:00

Pricing
Free

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