Sensoji Temple Tours

Photo provided by JNTO
Sensoji Temple which includes religious aspects, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Sensoji Temple which includes religious elements and a temple or place of worship
Sensoji Temple featuring religious aspects, street scenes and a city
Photo provided by JNTO


Tokyo’s oldest temple was built centuries ago to honor the goddess of mercy. It now draws thousands daily for Buddhist prayer or cultural observation.

The five-story pagoda of Sensoji Temple nestled amid high-rises shows the peaceful coexistence of old and new, spiritual and practical.

Legend says that in 628, two fishermen discovered a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy and, after several attempts to return it to the river, kept it. A temple was originally built in 645 to honor Kannon and the statue was hidden for protection. While structures on the site have been damaged and rebuilt over the centuries, the temple’s popularity has grown under Tokyo’s different ruling regimes.

Leading to the temple is Nakamise, a street of shops with beautifully presented Japanese finger food. Souvenirs, including fans and cotton yukata, casual clothing similar to kimonos, are also available for purchase. Even this shopping street is several centuries old.

Pass through two impressive gates before arriving at the main hall, a five-story pagoda, and the Asajusa Shrine. The distinctive shape of the outer gate, known as Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), is often used as a symbol of Japan.

Admire the Buddhist architecture and statues of the inner buildings. The complex remains an active Buddhist temple with a high priest and monks practicing the spirituality of the Buddhist way of life.

Komagatado Hall holds the Bodhisattva Bato-kannon (a statue of Kannon), which you can view on the 19th of every month and during a major festival every year on April 19. The area has many other special events, including the May festival of the Asakusa Shrine, the Sanja Matsuri and a Samba Carnival in August.

Admission to the temple is free. The grounds are always open while the main hall is open daily from morning to early evening. Subway and rail lines will get you to Asakusa station, which is just outside the temple entrance.

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Reviews of Sensoji Temple

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1027
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
523
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
96
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
9
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Make sure to explore all the surrounding side streets as the main temple complex is surrounded by shopping districts. They have a wide variety of souvenirs and great street food to try.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Super touristy but loved the rickshaw ride!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

full of tourists, but the stands are good, and the temple is great!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Very nice temple. Great souvenir shops on the street leading tomthe temple.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful to see at night!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Too many people!

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Best Lodging Options Near Sensoji Temple

Things to do near Sensoji Temple

At Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, immerse yourself in a vibrant mix of activities including shopping for traditional souvenirs and experiencing local festivals. Explore fascinating museums nearby, embark on amazing excursions, and visit art galleries that showcase both contemporary and traditional Japanese art. This cultural hub offers a unique glimpse into the rich heritage of Japan while providing a lively atmosphere for tourists and locals alike.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience near Sensoji Temple, visit Kitchen Town, just 644m away, offering family-friendly vibes. Ameyoko Shopping District, 1.6km away, buzzes with city energy. If you're up for a drive, check out the Ginza Wako Building, located 4.8km away, for upscale shopping.

Recreation

At LaQua Tokyo Dome City, indulge in rejuvenating body treatments surrounded by a serene atmosphere. For a sports-infused experience, visit Tokyo Dome, where you can enjoy vibrant activities. Don't miss Korakuen Hall, a recreation center that offers wellness experiences to help you relax and unwind.

Adventure

Embark on an outdoor adventure along the Koshu Highway, where you can soak in the fresh air and vibrant surroundings, located 3.2km from Sensoji Temple. For a scenic hike, explore the Chidorigafuchi Walking Path, 4.8km away, offering breathtaking views and a true nature experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Sensoji Temple with a visit to Kabuki-za Theatre for cultural performances, or marvel at the stars at Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku. For a thrilling adventure, check out Asobono arcade for fun games and excitement.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Sensoji Temple

When visiting Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, you'll find a vibrant mix of cultural attractions and family-friendly activities. Explore the nearby urban parks, traditional shrines, and the iconic temple itself, all of which offer a rich city experience. This area is perfect for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the city.

  • Tokyo Skytree: Standing as Japan's tallest structure, Tokyo Skytree offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo from its observation decks. At 1.4km from Sensoji Temple, immerse yourself in the vibrant city atmosphere, and don’t miss the surrounding shopping and dining options beneath the tower.
  • Tokyo Imperial Palace: Located 4.8km away, the Tokyo Imperial Palace is a stunning historic site surrounded by beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Experience Japan's rich history and culture as you stroll through the serene grounds, where the Emperor of Japan resides.
  • Ueno Park: Just 1.6km from Sensoji Temple, Ueno Park is a lively urban oasis perfect for families. Explore its vast green spaces, museums, and seasonal cherry blossoms, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities and relaxation amidst the cityscape.

Best time to go to Sensoji Temple

The best time to visit Sensoji Temple is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
October66.0°F (18.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sensoji Temple

To save money on your visit to Sensoji Temple, consider traveling during the cheaper months of January to February or September, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates. Tuesdays are the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to explore last-minute deals and package options that combine flights and hotel stays for greater savings. Don’t forget to filter search results by price to uncover amazing deals and instant savings on your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sensoji Temple are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Sensoji Temple about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sensoji Temple is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sensoji Temple is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Sensoji Temple with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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