Sensoji Temple: Tokyo’s Oldest and Most Iconic Temple

by Adam Acar, PhD | Travel

Experience the timeless charm of Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo and a must-visit destination! Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit, from the iconic gates to hidden gems and traditions that define this sacred site.

For more on Asakusa's top sights, food, and cultural gems, check out our guide on The Best Things to Do in Asakusa, Tokyo. Discover why this historic neighborhood is a must-visit in Tokyo!

Table of contents

Nearby Top Attractions in Asakusa: Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo
Nearby Top Attractions in Asakusa: Kimono Tea Ceremony
Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate)
Nakamise Street
Hozomon Gate
The Five-Story Pagoda
Fortune-Telling and Amulets
The Incense Burner (Jokoro)
The Main Hall
Left of the Main Hall
Peace Monument and Awashima Do Temple
Senso-ji Temple FAQ

Nearby Top Attractions in Asakusa: Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo

Location: A 5-minute walk from Senso-ji Temple.

Importance: Rated as the best museum in Tokyo with 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 6,000 reviews, this museum is a family-friendly attraction that offers an immersive look into Japan's samurai and ninja heritage.
Interactive Experiences: Engage in hands-on activities like ninja star throwing, trying on samurai armor, and wielding a real samurai sword.
Historical Insights: Guided tours reveal fascinating stories from the Edo period, offering a deeper understanding of Japan’s warrior culture.

Tip

Book online to secure a 10% discount and enjoy a guided tour in English!

Nearby Top Attractions in Asakusa: Kimono Tea Ceremony

Cultural Significance: Asakusa’s tea ceremonies are offered by Maikoya, the best-rated major cultural experience in Tokyo and a favorite among celebrities.
Kimono Experience: Enhance the moment by donning a kimono, a popular option for visitors seeking elegance and cultural immersion.
Atmosphere: Enjoy the tranquil environment as tea masters guide you through each delicate step of this age-old tradition.

Tip

The tea ceremony is just a short walk from Senso-ji, making it a perfect addition to your Asakusa itinerary.

Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate): Your First Stop

Impressive entrance: The Kaminarimon is a massive, two-story gate adorned with a red lantern and statues of thunder gods, Raijin and Fujin.
History: First built in the 10th century, the current structure was rebuilt in 1960 after a fire.
Lantern facts: Standing 4 meters tall and weighing 700 kg, the lantern is made from paper and metal. It’s especially stunning when lit at night.
Generous donation: Matsushita Konosuke, Panasonic’s founder, funded the gate’s reconstruction, with his name inscribed on the lantern as a gesture of gratitude.
Symbolism: The lantern is a symbol of good luck, and the thunder gods are said to protect the temple from evil spirits.

Tip

Look under the lantern to spot a hidden dragon for good luck!

Nakamise Street: A Historic Path to Senso-ji Temple

At Nakamise Shopping Street, you can enjoy traditional treats and shop for souvenirs. Just a short walk away, Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo offers an interactive look into the samurai era, with exhibits and live demonstrations to learn about Japan's warrior culture. Get more information or book tickets here to add a unique cultural experience to your day in Asakusa.

Length: This 250-meter-long shopping street is lined with over 100 stalls, guiding visitors toward the temple.
History: Dating back to the 17th century, this market has been reconstructed multiple times and remains a lively shopping destination.
Opening hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What to buy: Souvenirs, traditional snacks, religious items and more.
Mochi legend: Eating a piece of mochi from one of the stalls is said to guarantee a return trip to Japan!
Ebisu statue: At Nakamise Dori’s entrance, you’ll find a statue of Ebisu, the god of prosperity. Rub its nose for good fortune!

Hozomon Gate: The Guardian Gate

Location: The second gate before reaching the main hall.
Protective spirits: Statues of Nio guardians flank the gate to ward off evil.
Buddhist scriptures: The gate’s upper floor houses national-treasure Buddhist texts.
Thunder gods: Statues of Raijin (thunder god) and Fujin (wind god) protect the gate.
Giant sandals: Behind the gate are huge straw sandals, symbolizing a giant protector to scare away evil.

The Five-Story Pagoda: A Symbol of Buddhist Elements

Location: To the left of the Hozomon Gate.
Meaning: Each level represents one of the five Buddhist elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and sky.
History: First built in the 900s, the current structure dates back less than a century, reconstructed after WWII.
Noteworthy Design: Built to withstand earthquakes, the pagoda is a marvel of spiritual and architectural strength.

Tip

Just a 5-minute walk from Sensoji Temple, Maikoya offers an immersive kimono and tea ceremony experience. Dress in a traditional kimono and enjoy the serene tea ritual, guided by tea masters. Get tickets here!

Fortune-Telling and Amulets: Traditional Rituals Near the Incense Burner

Fortune-Telling: Near the pagoda, you can try omikuji (fortune-telling). For 100 yen, shake a container, draw a numbered stick, and read your fortune. Tie any bad fortune on wires to leave misfortune behind.
Amulets: Shops sell talisman amulets for good luck. Each amulet serves a different purpose, and there are English translations explaining their meanings.

The Incense Burner (Jokoro): A Ritual for Purification

Location: Near the main hall entrance.
Purpose: The incense smoke is believed to cleanse the body and spirit. Many visitors waft it over their heads to promote health and wisdom.
History: A smaller version of this burner was said to have been brought to Japan by a Chinese princess in the 7th century.

The Main Hall: Heart of Senso-ji Temple

Importance: The main hall is Senso-ji’s most sacred area, where the Kannon statue is enshrined.
Founding Legend: Senso-ji was founded in 628 after two brothers discovered a golden Kannon statue in the Sumida River.
Decoration: The hall features Buddhist symbols like lotus flowers and dragons.
Prayer Procedure: Follow these steps when offering prayers:
Inside the Hall: Find amulets for good luck and light incense for your wishes.

Tip

To offer a prayer, follow these steps: toss a coin (5 yen is traditional), bow twice, clap twice, press your palms together to pray, and finish with a final bow.

Left of the Main Hall: Scenic Shrines and Gardens

Water Fountain: Discover a beautiful water fountain near the main hall.
Stone Lanterns and Shrines: Ancient stone lanterns and small shrines honor weather deities.
Yogodo-in Temple: Stop by to collect unique stamps at Yogodo-in.

Peace Monument and Awashima Do Temple

Peace Monument: Built around 60 years ago, this monument commemorates the 30,000 lives lost in Asakusa during WWII.
Best photo spot: The garden surrounding the monument offers one of the best photo spots in Asakusa, where you can capture both the five-story pagoda and nearby temple.

Senso-ji Temple FAQ

What is Senso-ji Temple known for?
Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, renowned for its grand Kaminarimon Gate, vibrant Nakamise Shopping Street, and beautiful evening illuminations.
What are the temple's opening hours?
The temple grounds are open 24/7, but the main hall is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (6:30 AM from October to March).
When is the best time to visit Senso-ji?
Early mornings offer a peaceful experience with fewer crowds, while evenings are perfect for viewing the temple beautifully lit up.
What can I do around Senso-ji Temple?
Explore Nakamise Street for snacks and souvenirs, participate in a traditional tea ceremony at Maikoya, or visit the Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo for an immersive experience in samurai and ninja culture. You can also enjoy a rickshaw ride, or visit nearby attractions such as Sumida Park, the Sumida River, and Tokyo Skytree.
How do I get to Senso-ji Temple?
Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, or Tobu Skytree Line to Asakusa Station, just a short walk from the temple.