Senso-ji Temple

Details
- Address
- 2-3-1 Asakusa
- what3words
- file.tramps.surfed
- Phone
- +81-3-3842-0181
- Website
- View website
- Open Hours
- 1-3: Mon-Sun: - 06:30-17:00 4-9: Mon-Sun: - 06:00-17:00 10-12: Mon-Sun: - 06:30-17:00
- Found a problem on this page?
- Report
About this sight
The symbol of Asakusa, Sensoji Temple is known as the oldest temple in Tokyo, founded in 628 after two fishermen hauled up a small golden statue of Bodhisattva Kannon from the Sumida River and despite trying to get rid of it, it kept surfacing in their nets, so they decided to keep it. Their chief of the village, Hajino Nakamoto, being a devout Buddhist, recognized the statue as holy and enshrined it by remodelling his house into a small temple so that all in the village could worship Kannon.
Today, around 30 million visitors from throughout Japan and from abroad visit the temple every year. The huge lanterns hung at the Kaminari (Thunder) Gate are a landmark of the area, and taking a selfie here is a must. The temple is a popular spot for Japanese for hatsumode, or the first prayer of the year, when over three million visitors come in just the first three days of the new year. The Nakamisedori approach leading up to the temple is lined with shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs, and makes for an entertaining walk.
The temple, located in the heart of old Edo, was where shoguns came to worship, including the first Edo shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who offered up his prayers for the shogunate here. Sensoji was the guardian temple of the northeast gate and Zojoji Temple in Shiba, near Tokyo Tower, was meant to guard the southwest gate, and both temples were adopted as Tokugawa’s family temples. “Senso” is another way of reading the characters for Asakusa, and Tokugawa’s patronage made the Asakusa temple area the heart of Edo culture.
Nearby Sights
Asakusa Jinja Shrine
This is a Shinto shrine that is famous for its Sanja Matsuri Festival held in May.
Asakusa Ameya (Candy)
Asakusa Ameya is a candy store offering traditional Japanese candies and lollipops.
Yamamoto Soroban Shop
This is traditional Japanese abacus (soroban) specialty shop in Asakusa. Closed ever third Wednesday of the month.
Amuse Museum
Zenizuka Jizo Hall
Zenizuka Jizo Hall is a part of Senso-ji Temple, often visited by those who want to pray for their business to prosper.
Nearby Hotels
Super Hotel Asakusa
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Super Hotel Asakusa offers accommodation in Tokyo. Guests can rent a bicycle for free to explore the surroundings.
Via Inn Asakusa
Via Inn Asakusa is located in the cultural area of Asakusa, a 5-minute walk from Senso-ji Temple. It offers modern accommodation with a restaurant, massage serv
Khaosan Tokyo Origami
Located in central Asakusa, Khaosan Tokyo Origami is a 5-minute walk from iconic Kaminari-mon Gate and Senso-ji Temple. Open from October 2014, this hostel offe
Oyado Matsumura
Located a 3-minute walk to Senso-ji Temple in historic Asakusa, Oyado Matsumura offers simple Japanese-style guest rooms and a shared lounge with an electric ke
Sakura Hostel Asakusa
Featuring a fully equipped free-use kitchen and a free internet PC lounge, Sakura Hostel Asakusa is just a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station and famous Senso-j
Richmond Hotel Asakusa
Opened in March 2012, Richmond Hotel Asakusa is a 3-minute walk to Sensoji Temple and boasts free Wi-Fi. Rooms come with a 40-inch LCD TV, and the Italian resta
You may also be interested in
Tokyo: Sensō-ji Temple
Today I'll be talking about Sensō-ji (金龍山浅草寺), one of the most iconic temples in Asakusa, Tokyo. History Sensō-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo which makes it e
Top 5 must-see spots in Tokyo
japan 400.JPG 1.65 MB1. Sensō-ji TempleNo visit to Tokyo is complete without stopping by Sensō-ji Temple. Located in Asakusa, this temple is always bustl
Kaminarimon Gate
Kaminarimon is the gateway to Senso-ji Temple, the largest temple in Asakusa.
Khaosan World Asakusa
This ryokan and hostel is located west of Asakusa station and close to the Senso-ji Temple area.
Asakusa Terakoya-i
Asakusa Terakoya-i is a cultural center located just a 5 minute walk from Senso-ji Temple.