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most visited sights
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16
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of 48 sights
in Tokyo
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| basic
information |
Sensoji (also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, the center of the shitamachi (lit. "low town").
The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built there for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple.
Kaminarimon, the outer gate
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Hozomon, the main gate
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When approaching the temple, visitors first enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the outer gate of the Sensoji and symbol of Asakusa. A shopping street of over 200 meters, called Nakamise, leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon. Besides typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukata and folding fans, various traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area are sold along the Nakamise. The shopping street has a history of several centuries.
Osenbei (rice crackers)
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Folding Fans
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Yukata and T-shirts
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from left to right: Kibidango - Skewered kibi-balls covered with soybean powder; top: Agemanju - deep fried manju (soft cake with red bean paste filling); bottom: Ningyoyaki - small cake with red bean paste filling; Kibidango Shop
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Beyond the Hozomon main gate stands the temple's main building and a five storied pagoda. The Asakusa Shrine, built in the year 1649 by Tokugawa Iemitsu can be found close by the temple's main building.
Five storied pagoda
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Sensoji main building
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Various events are held throughout the year in the Sensoji Temple area. Some of them are:
- Sanja Matsuri - May: one of Tokyo's three major festivals.
- Hozuki-ichi (Hozuki Market) - July: Hozuki are ground cherries, a typical summer plant in Japan.
- Asakusa Samba Carnival - August
- Tokyo Jidai Matsuri - November: a festival commemorating the history of Tokyo and the Edo culture.
- Hagoita-ichi (Hagoita Market) - December: Hagoita is the wooden paddle used in Hanetsuki, a traditional game that resembles badminton. Click here to read more about Hanetsuki and the Hagoita Market.
Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!
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| how
to get there |
Sensoji Temple is a few steps from Asakusa Station, served by the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line and Tobu Railways.
From Tokyo Station
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station (2 minutes, 130 Yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 160 Yen).
From Shinjuku Station
Take the orange JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station (10 minutes, 160 Yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 160 Yen).
Orientation in Tokyo
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| hours
and fees |
| Hours: | 6:00 to 17:00 (from 6:30 from October to March) | | Closed: | No closed days | | Admission: | Free |
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| news
and reports |
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| travel
community |
Users who have been to Tokyo: 2160
Users who have been to Sensoji Temple: 595 16th of 48 most visited sights in Tokyo.
24th of 509 most visited sights nationwide.
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Rating by users:
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recommended (86/100, 336 votes)
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Rating by staff:
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recommended
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Overall Rating:
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outstanding
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| question
forum |
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Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro
Single rooms 6800 yen, doubles from 9000 yen, dormitory beds 3200 yen. 6 mins from Tokyofs second largest station Ikebukuro.
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Oak Hotel
Budget hostel & hotel in the heart of Tokyo. Group booking, ISIC discount accepted.
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Sakura Hostel
Perfect for budget travelers and backpackers! Largest hostel in Tokyo. Friendly staff, cozy rooms, 24-hour internet lounge.
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