The Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, located in the Asakusa district and the main attraction of this area.
The temple was created to honor Kannon, the Buddhist deity of mercy.
Visiting it is an impressive experience, not only for the temple itself but for all that surrounds it in Asakusa. Truly, a must-see spot in Tokyo.
History of Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple
Asakusa is the Tokyo area with the richest collection of cultural and historical buildings, featuring various temples, shrines, and unique Buddhist statues.
The origin story of the Senso-ji Temple is quite fascinating.
Legend has it that about 1,400 years ago, two fisherman brothers were on the Sumida River when they caught a statue of Kannon, the deity of mercy.
They returned it to the river, yet minutes later, they caught it again. Each time they tried to return it, they kept retrieving it.
Finally, they decided to keep the statue and create a special place for it in the area.
The two brothers built a small temple for the statue. Word spread throughout the community and even across the country.
This led to pilgrims from various parts of Japan traveling to visit the statue.
In response to public devotion, the Shogunate, Japan’s government at the time, built the structures that now make up the Sensoji Temple.
Unfortunately, during World War II, much of the temple was damaged and had to be rebuilt years later.
Some sections of the temple have been left unrepaired to show the impact of this global historical event and the lasting effect it had on Japan.
Here’s a wonderful video offering a tour of the district to give you a sense of its atmosphere:
What to see at Sensoji Temple
The temple features many areas worth exploring. Not only is the main temple structure a must-visit, but its surroundings also hold historical interest.
The nearby Sumida River adds extra charm, enhancing the beauty of the area.
Just before reaching the Senso-ji entrance, there’s a shopping and dining area that makes it an ideal place to spend a full day.
Kaminarimon Gate
The recommended entrance to Sensoji Temple is through this gate, known as the Thunder Gate.
This outer gate is considered the symbol of Asakusa, and many regard Kaminarimon Gate as a national symbol of Japan.
Painted in vibrant vermilion, it features a large red paper lantern displaying the name Kaminarimon in bold black letters.
The gate is flanked by two statues of guardian deities: Raijin, the god of thunder, and Fujin, the god of wind.
After passing through the gate, you’ll find two statues of Kinryu and Tenryu. Both are dragon deities whose role is to guard the temple entrance from this point forward.
Nakamise Street
The main street of Asakusa is Nakamise, also known as Nakamise-dori, which not only serves as the primary access to the Sensoji Temple but is also a tourist attraction in its own right.
Nakamise is lined with many high-quality shops, including those that offer handmade items. Here, you’ll find stores selling a range of products, as well as restaurants and bars.
The street stretches 250 meters and hosts a total of 89 establishments.
The most popular shops are those selling souvenirs, though stores offering clothing and replicas of historical items are also well-liked.
The food vendors offer traditional Japanese treats, so you can enjoy delicious rice crackers called sembei, ningyoyaki pastries, and fried buns known as agemanju.
Hozomon Gate
The Hozomon Gate marks the end of Nakamise Street and serves as the second entrance to Sensoji Temple, though it is not the most famous gate.
In the temple’s early days, it was the main entrance and was then called Niomon.
Like Kaminarimon, this gate is protected by two statues, Kitanoumi and Myobudani Kiyoshi, both sumo wrestlers, symbolically safeguarding the temple.
Five-Story Pagoda
Beyond Hozomon Gate is Sensoji’s central courtyard.
To its left stands an impressive five-story pagoda that catches the eye from any angle.
Previously, a different five-story pagoda stood here, but not the one you see today.
The original pagoda was constructed in the 10th century but was destroyed multiple times.
It suffered significant damage during World War II bombings, leaving it in ruins. This led to its reconstruction years later, resulting in the current pagoda.
The pagoda is not open to visitors, as it serves a purpose similar to a cemetery.
Inside, it houses memorial tablets of thousands of Japanese families and a few Buddha relics.
Main Hall (Hondo)
The main attraction of Sensoji Temple is the Hondo Hall, also known as Kannon-do.
This hall holds the replica of the statue found by the two fisherman brothers, according to the legend that started the temple 1,400 years ago. It is also home to other statues of various Buddhist deities.
The hall spans 1,150 square meters and is divided into two sections: an inner area with tatami flooring, and an outer area with a concrete floor.
Bentendo Hall
The southwest area of Sensoji Temple is home to Bentendo Hall, the residence of Denten, a Buddhist deity.
This temple is rarely accessible to the public, though it is rich in historical elements.
Outside the hall stands a large bell that rings daily at 6:00 a.m.
Beside it, you’ll find a garden with numerous statues that can be freely photographed.
Denboin Gardens
Denboin Gardens belong to Denboin Temple, which was the residence of the original Sensoji priest.
The garden covers more than 12,000 square meters but is only open to visitors from March to May.
For the rest of the year, it can only be viewed from outside.
Other secondary areas of Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple has many other areas that, while not main attractions, are still worth visiting for their unique features.
It’s advisable to take your time exploring, especially the areas highlighted below.
- Asakusa Shrine
Located northeast of the main hall, this Shinto shrine specifically honors the two fisherman brothers who started it all.
At its entrance, you’ll be greeted by a massive stone Torii gate, a spectacular sight.
- Yogodo Hall
Positioned to the left of Asakusa Shrine, Yogodo Hall houses a statue of Kannon, accompanied by eight animal statues that serve as its guardians.
There’s also a small, classic Japanese garden here, ideal for private photos.
It features Tokyo’s oldest stone bridge, constructed in 1618.
- Yakushido Hall
Located beside Yogodo Hall, Yakushido spans just over 30 square meters and was part of the constructions initiated by the Shogunate in 1649.
Inside, you’ll find a statue of Yakushi Buddha, also known as the Buddha of Medicine.
This statue is part of the “Ten Judges” and “Twelve Heavenly Generals” collections, highly significant groups in Buddhism.
After your visit, to continue exploring Tokyo’s beauty from a different perspective, consider the “One-Day Panoramic Bus Tour to Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.”
This tour takes you out of the bustling city and into serene nature, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi—two of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a perfect way to complement your cultural experience in Tokyo.
Sensoji Temple admission and hours
Sensoji Temple is open 24 hours a day and admission is free.
However, the main hall, Hondo, is only open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In summer, closing time is extended by half an hour, but it’s best to check the schedule before arriving to avoid any inconvenience.
Location and directions to Sensoji
The Asakusa metro station is the closest to Sensoji Temple. You can reach it by taking the Ginza or Tobu lines.
If you have a Tokyo Rail Pass, you can ride the metro without paying additional fares. The trip is quick, and this pass helps you save a considerable amount of money.
Alternatively, you can take the Yamanote or Chuo lines to Kanda Station and transfer to the Ginza line if you’re coming from farther away.