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.
Sensoji Temple Tours
Plan a trip to see Sensoji Temple
MONday Apart Premium Akihabara Asakusabashi Sta.
Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024
MONday Apart Hamamatsucho Daimon
Reviewed on Sep 23, 2024
Browse tours and tickets to explore Sensoji Temple
Tours & day trips
See all 168 activitiesOpens in new tabTokyo Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot and Photo
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 37 activitiesOpens in new tabTokyo: Japanese Dance Cabaret Theater Asakusa-Kaguwa Ticket
Classes & workshops
See all 25 activitiesOpens in new tabKimono Tea Ceremony at Tokyo Maikoya
Adventure & outdoor
See all 9 activitiesOpens in new tabMt Fuji Private Tour with English speaking driver
Shopping & fashion
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabAsakusa: Food replica store visits after history tour
Reviews of Sensoji Temple
5/5 - Excellent
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
Super touristy but loved the rickshaw ride!
5/5 - Excellent
full of tourists, but the stands are good, and the temple is great!
4/5 - Good
Very nice temple. Great souvenir shops on the street leading tomthe temple.
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful to see at night!
3/5 - Okay
Too many people!
Popular places to visit
Asakusa Shrine
One of the few buildings in Asakusa to survive wartime bombing, today this 17th-century shrine is the site of one of Tokyo’s most important festivals.
Hoppy Street
During your visit to Tokyo, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Hoppy Street. Experience the lively festivals and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Nakamise Street
During your trip to Tokyo, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Nakamise Street. Visit the temples and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Asakusa Engei Hall
You can get tickets for a performance at Asakusa Engei Hall on your trip to Tokyo. Experience the lively festivals and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Kaminarimon Gate
Learn about the local history of Tokyo when you spend time at Kaminarimon Gate. Visit the temples and notable monuments in this culturally rich area.
Dembō-In
Learn about the local history of Tokyo when you spend time at Dembō-In. Visit the temples and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Best Lodging Options Near Sensoji Temple
Check availability on hotels close to Sensoji Temple
- Vacations and getaways similar to Sensoji Temple
- Other Hotels near Sensoji Temple, Asakusa
- Hotels near popular Tokyo Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Sensoji Temple
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- APA Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi Ekimae
- Hotel Ann Asakusa
- hotel MONday Asakusa
- Richmond Hotel Premier Tokyo Schole
- Far East Village Hotel Tokyo, Asakusa
- The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic
- the b asakusa
- Asakusa Tobu Hotel
- HOP INN Tokyo Asakusa
- Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa
- Smile Hotel Asakusa
- Tosei Hotel Cocone Asakusa Kuramae
- Hotels near Kaminarimon Gate
- Hotels near Nakamise Street
- Hotels near Hozomon
- Hotels near Nakamise Arcade
- Hotels near Dempoin Temple
- Hotels near Dembō-In
- Hotels near Chingo-dō
- Hotels near Tokyo Disneyland®
- Hotels near Tokyo DisneySea®
- Hotels near Tokyo Dome
- Hotels near Tokyo Skytree
- Hotels near Tokyo Tower
- Hotels near Shibuya Crossing
- Hotels near Tokyo Imperial Palace
- Hotels near Tokyo Bay
- Hotels near Tokyo Big Sight
- Hotels near Toyosu Market
- Hotels near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Hotels near Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Hotels near Waseda University