Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is one of Tokyo’s most popular and iconic attractions. It is an excellent place for visitors to experience the essence of Japan: As the oldest temple in Tokyo, it has a history spanning nearly 1,400 years and boasts rich culture. Besides, there is a bustling shopping street leading to the temple, providing delicious local food and various Japanese handicrafts.
Senso-ji Temple Photos ( 39
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A Legend about the Origin of Senso-ji Temple
The origin of Senso-ji Temple traces back to a folk legend: Long ago, in about AD 628, two fishermen were out fishing on the Sumida River when their net unexpectedly caught a small solid-gold statue of Kannon, that is, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. They returned the golden statue to the river several times, but it always mysteriously reappeared. Then, they took the statue to a highly respected village elder for authentication. The elder determined that the statue was an incarnation of Kannon, sent to save all sentient beings. So, he built a small temple to enshrine the statue, which was the original Senso-ji Temple.
Over the centuries, Senso-ji Temple has been destroyed numerous times due to wars and earthquakes and has experienced more than 20 reconstructions. The buildings that exist today were mostly rebuilt from around 1950 to 1970 through public fundraising.
The Kannon statue mentioned above is not displayed to the public, adding an air of mystery to this ancient temple
Major Attractions / Things to Do in Senso-ji Temple
Kaminarimon Gate
The Kaminarimon Gate, or Thunder Gate, is the entrance to Senso-ji Temple and also serves as its symbol, built to pray for peace. A huge red lantern hangs above the gate, bearing the Japanese word “Thunder Gate”. The lantern is nearly 4 meters (13 feet) tall, over 3 meters (9.8 feet) wide, and about 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds) heavy - a truly spectacular sight. On either side of the gate stand statues of the god of wind and the god of thunder, exuding an air of majesty and solemnity.
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Nakamise-dori Street
This approximately 250-meter-long (820 feet) street serves as the main approach of Senso-ji Temple. In the past, as long as residents kept the area clean, they were allowed to set up stalls here to sell goods, and so the area gradually evolved into a shopping street. It is one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets, with a history spanning several centuries. Now, nearly 100 shops line both sides of the street, where you can not only sample local snacks, but also purchase traditional Japanese handicrafts, such as kimonos, geta, and paper fans.
See Also: Nakamise-dori Street, Nakamise-dori Street Photos
Hozomon Gate
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Hozomon Gate
The Hozomon Gate leads to the Main Hall of Senso-ji Temple. It is majestic: On either side of the gate stand two huge statues of Vajra Guardians, serving as the temple’s guardian deities. Similar to the Kaminarimon Gate, the Hozomon Gate also features a massive red lantern. Above the lantern, you can see a plaque inscribed with “Senso-ji Temple” in Japanese, indicating that the official worship area lies beyond the gate.
After getting through the gate, remember to turn back, and you will see a pair of giant straw sandals hanging on the back of the gate, symbolizing the warding off of evil spirits.
Main Hall - Hondo
Passing through the Hozomon Gate, you will reach the plaza in front of the Main Hall. In the center of the plaza stands a massive incense burner. You may see many people wafting the smoke from the burner over their bodies - a move symbolizing blessings and purification. You’ll also find a Mitarashi here, where worshippers wash their hands and rinse their mouths before paying. Additionally, this is where to purchase amulets and draw omikuji – fortune slips.
At the far end of the plaza stands the Main Hall, which resembles a large hat. Enshrining the Kannon, the Main Hall is the heart of Senso-ji Temple and attracts many worshippers. However, the actual statue of Kannon is not publicly displayed, and what people worship is a substitute image. Don’t forget to look up when you visit the hall! The ceiling features striking murals.
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Five-Storied Pagoda
The Five-Storied Pagoda is a classic symbol of traditional Japanese Buddhist architecture. Standing 53 meters (174 feet) tall, it is the tallest wooden structure in Tokyo. While the interior of the pagoda is not open to the public, you can admire its exterior, especially at night when it is illuminated. With its tiered structure and elegant lines, it complements the Main Hall beautifully.
Five-Storied Pagoda
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Asakusa Shrine
Located to the east of Senso-ji Temple’s Main Hall, Asakusa Shrine enshrines the three central figures from the aforementioned origin story of Senso-ji Temple. It is worth noting that, unlike Senso-ji Temple’s Kaminarimon Gate and Main Hall, which are reconstructions built after being destroyed, Asakusa Shrine is a genuine historic structure that has been preserved since around 1650.
Festivals / Events of Senso-ji Temple
Sanja Matsuri – Most Famous Festival of Senso-ji Temple
The Sanja Matsuri is the most important festival in the Asakusa area and even all of Tokyo, with a history spanning nearly 700 years. Taking place over three days, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the third week of May each year, the festival is held to celebrate the discovery of the golden statue of the Kannon at Senso-ji Temple. During the festival, you can witness grand parades featuring millions of participants dressed in traditional costumes and elaborately decorated portable shrines, creating an incredibly lively atmosphere. In addition, various traditional Japanese performances can be watched.
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Other Festivals
1. Setsubun Festival: It is a traditional event to scatter beans to ward off misfortune and welcome spring that takes place on February 3. In addition to the bean-scattering ceremony, you’ll also have the chance to see traditional dance performances.2. Golden Dragon Dance: Held twice a year on March 18 and October 18, this spectacular event features dancers maneuvering a golden dragon prop approximately 18 meters (59 feet) long and 88 kilograms (194 pounds) heavy.
3. Fireworks Festival: Every year in late July or early August, tens of thousands of fireworks light up the night sky along the banks of the Sumida River near Senso-ji Temple, creating a spectacular sight. During the daytime, you’ll see many tourists dressed in traditional Japanese attire visiting Senso-ji Temple and waiting for the festival.
4. Hagoita Market: This traditional year-end market takes place from December 17 to 19 and features many stalls selling New Year’s goods and auspicious items. If you’re interested, be sure to check it out.
Opening Hours and Admission
Senso-ji Temple is free to enter.
Opening Hours:The entire courtyard opens 24 hours a day. However, you should note that:
(1) For the Main Hall, it opens during:
6:00 – 17:00 from April to September;
6:30 – 17:00 from October to March.
(2) Nakamise-dori Street can be passed through freely 24 hours a day, but the shops on the street usually open from 9:00 to 18:00.
Tips1. If you want to enjoy Senso-ji Temple when it’s relatively quiet, you are recommended to come for a visit during a weekday morning.
2. From sunset until 23:00, although the Main Hall and shops in Nakamise-dori Street are closed, the buildings of Senso-ji Temple are all illuminated, showing a beauty completely different from that of the daytime.
How to Get to Senso-ji Temple
The transportation to Senso-ji Temple is very convenient: It is located in central Tokyo and is accessible to several rail lines and bus routes.
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Transportation Tools |
Arrive at |
Walk to Kaminarimon Gate Takes |
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Tokyo Metro Ginza Line |
Asakusa Station |
3 minutes |
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Toei Asakusa Line |
Asakusa Station |
5 minutes |
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Tobu Skytree Line |
Asakusa Station |
7 minutes |
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Tsukuba Express |
Asakusa Station |
8 minutes |
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Toei Bus |
Asakusa Kaminarimon |
1 minute |
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Water Bus |
Azumabashi Pier |
3 minutes |
You may also want to know:
1. From Tokyo Station to Senso-ji Temple: You can take the Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, or Keihin-Tohoku Line to Kanda Station, then transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station. The entire trip takes about 20 minutes.
2. From Shinjuku Station to Senso-ji Temple: Take the Chuo Line to Kanda Station, then transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station. The entire trip takes about 30 minutes.
3. From Haneda Airport to Senso-ji Temple: The Keikyu Line can take you directly to Asakusa Station without transferring. Depending on the train type, the trip takes about 30–50 minutes.
4. From Narita Airport to Senso-ji Temple: You can take the ACCESS Limited Express directly to Asakusa Station for about 50–70 minutes.
More Tips and Recommendations for Visiting Senso-ji Temple
Visitors in Kimonos
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2. Near Kaminarimon Gate, you will find many rickshaw drivers dressed in traditional attire. They can take you on a tour through the streets and alleys of Tokyo, providing commentary along the way on the area’s history and stories. It will cost you about JPY10,000 (USD62.7) for 30 minutes.
3. Taking photos in a kimono at Senso-ji Temple is very popular. If you’re interested, give it a try. There are many shops near the temple that offer kimono rentals.
What’s Nearby?
It’s very convenient to get from Senso-ji Temple to Tokyo Skytree, as the two are about only 1 to 2 kilometers (0.6-1.2 miles) apart. It will take you 15-20 minutes to get there on foot, with beautiful scenery of the Sumida River along the road. Or, you can board the Toei Asakusa Line or the Tobu Skytree Line at Asakusa Station, and the ride takes only about 3 to 5 minutes.
Senso-ji Temple is also relatively close to Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum, and Ueno Zoo, located about 2 to 3 kilometers (1.2-1.9 miles) away as the crow flies. It takes only about 10 to 15 minutes to reach these destinations via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Hibiya Line.
See Also: Tokyo Skytree, Ueno Park, Sumida River, and Tokyo National Museum
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