Sensoji Temple: Tokyo’s Oldest and Most Iconic Temple

by Adam Acar, PhD | Travel

Welcome to Sensoji Temple (aka Sensouji Sen So Ji) in Asakusa, the oldest temple in Tokyo and a must-see for any visitor! Here’s a guide to make your visit more enjoyable, from the main gate to the exit.

Key Highlights of Sensoji Temple:

Location: Asakusa, Tokyo
Founded: Year 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple
Dedicated to: Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy
Historic significance: Parts of the temple were damaged during WWII, but it was rebuilt and remains one of the most visited temples in Japan.

Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate): Your First Stop

Impressive entrance: The Kaminarimon is a two-story gate adorned with a giant red lantern and statues of thunder gods.
History: Originally built in the 10th century, but the gate you see today was rebuilt in 1960 after being destroyed by fire.
Lantern facts: The massive red lantern is 4 meters tall, weighs 700 kg, and is made from paper and metal. It’s lit up at night, offering a spectacular view.
Generous donation: The reconstruction of the gate was funded by Matsushita Konosuke, the founder of Panasonic. His name is inscribed on the lantern as a mark of gratitude.
Symbolism: The lantern is a symbol of good luck, and the thunder gods are said to protect the temple from evil spirits.

Nakamise Dori: The Historic Shopping Street Leading to Sensoji Temple

Length: Nakamise Dori is a 250-meter-long street lined with over 100 shops leading up to Sensoji Temple.
History: Originally built in the 17th century, it has been rebuilt several times over the centuries.
Opening hours: The market is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What to buy: Souvenirs, traditional foods, and religious items can be found in the shops.
Mochi legend: It is said that if you eat a piece of mochi from one of the shops, you will be guaranteed to return to Japan someday.
Ebisu statue: At the entrance to Nakamise Dori, you’ll find a statue of Ebisu, the god of prosperity. Legend says that rubbing the nose of the statue will bring you good luck.

Hozomon Gate: The Second Gate of Sensoji Temple

Location: Hozomon Gate is the second gate you pass through before reaching the temple’s main hall.
Protective spirits: Statues of nio protective spirits guard both sides of the gate.
Buddhist scriptures: On the second floor, important Buddhist scriptures that are considered national treasures are stored.
Thunder gods: Statues of Raijin, the god of thunder, and Fujin, the god of wind, are placed at the gate, symbolizing protection.
Giant sandals: Behind the gate are giant sandals. These are said to scare away evil spirits, as they symbolize a giant protector.

Five-story pagoda: On the left side of the gate is the iconic five-story pagoda, which represents the five elements in Buddhism—earth, water, fire, wind, and sky. Though not open to the public, the pagoda’s design allows it to withstand earthquakes, making it both a spiritual and architectural marvel. Originally built in the 900's but the current version is less than 100 years old as it was heavily damaged during WW2 bombings.

Fortune-telling and Amulets: Right and Left of the Incense Burner

Fortune-telling: After walk-passing the pagoda, on the right side of the incense burner, you’ll see people participating in a traditional fortune-telling practice. For 100 yen, visitors shake a container and draw a numbered stick to determine their fortune. If it’s a good fortune, you keep it; if it’s bad, you tie it on the wires to rid yourself of bad luck.

Amulets: On the left side, you’ll find shops selling various talisman amulets for good luck. Each amulet serves a different purpose, and there are English translations explaining their meanings.

The Incense Burner (Jokoro): Cleansing Your Body and Spirit

Location: Near the entrance to the temple, you’ll find the large incense burner, or "Jokoro." It’s made of bronze and weighs approximately 1 ton.
Purpose: The smoke from the incense is believed to purify both your body and spirit. Some people direct the smoke to their heads, hoping to become smarter or heal ailments.
Historical origin: A smaller version of the incense burner was said to have been brought to Japan by a Chinese princess in the 7th century.

The Main Hall: Heart of Sensoji Temple

Importance: The main hall is the most sacred area of Sensoji Temple, where the statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, is enshrined.
History: The temple was founded in 628 after two brothers found a gold Kannon statue in the Sumida River. The main hall is a reconstruction after the original was destroyed in World War II, symbolizing Japan’s rebirth and peace.
Decoration: The hall is adorned with Buddhist symbols like lotus flowers and dragons.
Praying procedure: Visitors follow these steps when praying:
1. Throw a coin (usually 5 yen).
2. Bow twice.
3. Clap twice.
4. Pray with palms touching.
5. Bow once more before leaving.
Other features: Inside the hall, you can find amulets for sale that bring good fortune, and people often burn incense for good wishes.

Left Side of the Main Hall: Shrines and Scenic Spots

Water fountain: A picturesque water fountain can be found on the left side of the main hall.
Stone lanterns and shrines: You’ll also see ancient stone lanterns and smaller shrines dedicated to weather deities.
Yogodo-in Temple: Visit the Yogodo-in Temple nearby for stamp collecting.

Peace Monument and Awashima Do Temple

Peace Monument: This monument, located on the left side of the main hall, was built about 60 years ago and is dedicated to the 30,000 people who died in the Asakusa area during World War II.
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.

Nearby Amenities: Public Restrooms and Shopping

Restrooms: There are two public restrooms located behind the five-story pagoda.
Shopping: Behind the temple, you’ll find a shopping arcade with shops selling matcha sweets and other traditional Japanese treats.

Click on this article to discover even more exciting things to do around the wider Sensoji area!