History, Tradition, and Lanterns in Asakusa
🌟 What is Sensō-ji?
Located in Asakusa, Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, founded in 645 AD. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, and draws millions of visitors each year—both spiritual pilgrims and curious tourists alike.
From the giant red lantern of Kaminarimon Gate to the bustling Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensō-ji offers a vibrant fusion of sacred culture, street snacks, souvenirs, and stunning architecture.
🔭 Why Visit Sensō-ji?
- 🏯 Historic Atmosphere: Step back into Tokyo’s Edo-era roots
- 🏮 Kaminarimon Gate: Iconic landmark with massive lantern
- 🎐 Nakamise Street: 250m of traditional shops and snacks
- 🕊️ Main Hall & Five-Story Pagoda: Stunning religious structures
- 🔮 Omikuji Fortunes & Incense: Try your luck or cleanse your spirit
- 📷 Kimono Photo Ops: Nearby rentals for a full Asakusa experience
📸 Featured Zones
| Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| Kaminarimon Gate | Grand entrance with giant red lantern and statues |
| Nakamise Street | Historic shopping street leading to the temple |
| Main Hall (Hondo) | Place of worship with gold interiors and prayer rituals |
| Five-Story Pagoda | Elegant tower symbolizing Buddhist heaven |
| Asakusa Shrine | Smaller Shinto shrine beside the temple |
🎟️ Admission & Hours
- 🎫 Admission: Free (donations welcome)
- 🕒 Main Hall Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (from 6:30 AM in winter)
- 🏮 Temple grounds and Nakamise Street open all day
- 🧧 Omikuji fortunes: ¥100 (Japanese & English available)
🚨 Visitor Tips
- 🚷 Smoking and loud talking are discouraged in temple areas
- 🙏 Bow slightly before entering the main hall
- 📷 Photography allowed outside, limited inside—watch for signs
- 🧴 Hand sanitizer stations and restrooms available
- 🎎 Kimono rental shops nearby: book ahead for weekends!
🚉 Access
- Asakusa Station
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
- Toei Asakusa Line
- Tobu Skytree Line
- 📍 Exit 1 or A4 – 3-minute walk to Kaminarimon Gate
🍴 Top 3 Restaurants Near Sensō-ji
1. Asakusa Menchi
- 🥩 Juicy deep-fried meat patties (menchi katsu)
- 🎯 Street snack favorite with long lines for good reason
- 🕒 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- 📍 Nakamise area, side street
2. Daikokuya Tempura
- 🍤 Legendary tempura since 1887
- 💴 Cash only, expect a wait—but worth it!
- 🕒 11:10 AM – 8:30 PM
- 📍 1-38-10 Asakusa
3. Suzukien x Nanaya
- 🍵 Matcha gelato with 7 levels of richness
- 🍨 Level 7 = world’s strongest matcha ice cream
- 🕒 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- 📍 3-4-3 Asakusa
🔁 Sample Plan: Asakusa Cultural Morning
🕒 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- 🏮 Arrive at Kaminarimon Gate before crowds
- 🎐 Stroll Nakamise Street for snacks & souvenirs
- 🙏 Visit Main Hall & Pagoda, try omikuji
- 🍵 Stop for matcha gelato at Suzukien
- 🍤 Lunch at Daikokuya Tempura or snack on menchi katsu
📍 Address & Contact
Address
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Phone
📞 +81-3-3842-0181
Website
https://www.senso-ji.jp/about/index_e.html