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

Hozomon, the main gate

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)

Folding Fans

Yukata and T-shirts

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

Sensoji main building

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.

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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

hours and fees

Hours:	6:00 to 17:00 (from 6:30 from October to March)
Closed:	No closed days
Admission:	Free

travel community

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16th of 45 most visited sights in Tokyo.
26th of 414 most visited sights nationwide.

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hotels & ryokan

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package tours

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