Sensoji (σ, Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples.
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 nearby for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple.
When approaching the temple, visitors first enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the outer gate of Sensoji Temple and the symbol of Asakusa and the entire city of Tokyo.
A shopping street of over 200 meters, called Nakamise, leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon. Alongside 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.
Beyond the Hozomon Gate stands the temple's main hall and a five storied pagoda. Destroyed in the war, the buildings are relatively recent reconstructions. The Asakusa Shrine, built in the year 1649 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, stands immediately adjacent to the temple's main building.
Various events are held throughout the year in the Sensoji Temple area. The biggest of them is the Sanja Matsuri, the annual festival of the Asakusa Shrine, held in May. Other events are the Asakusa Samba Carnival in August and the Hagoita-ichi (Hagoita Market) at which decorated wooden paddles used in the traditional game of hanetsuki are sold.
Getting there and around
Sensoji Temple is a few steps from Asakusa Station, served by the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line and Tobu Railway.
From Tokyo Station
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station (2 minutes, 160 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 180 yen).
From Shinjuku Station
Take the Oedo Subway Line from Shinjuku to Bakuroyokoyama and then the Asakusa Subway Line from nearby Higashi-Nihombashi to Asakusa (25 minutes, 280 yen).
Alternatively, take the orange JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station (10 minutes, 210 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 180 yen).
Hours and Fees
Hours
Main hall: 6:00 to 17:00 (from 6:30 from October to March)
Temple grounds: Always open
Temple grounds: Always open
Closed
No closing days
Admission
Free
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Japanese
Hotels around Tokyo
Top rated in Asakusa
Budget:
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Kaminarimon RyokanView on Booking.comPrime Location
Kaminarimon Ryokan in Tokyo offers a central position in the city centre, Taito-ku. Asakusa Public Hall is a 3-minute walk away, while Asakusa Station lies 300 metres nearby. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 22 km from the hotel.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with baths, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a work desk, seating area, and city views. Guests appreciate the room comfort and attentive staff.Dining Experience
An Asian breakfast with local specialities is served daily. The hotel also offers a terrace and balcony for relaxation.Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Drum Museum (500 metres), Asakusa ROX Shopping Centre (5-minute walk), and Sumida Riverside Hall (700 metres). -
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Tokyo Hikari GuesthouseView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse in Tokyo offers air-conditioned rooms with parquet floors and city views. Each room includes a work desk, bidet, and shared bathroom with a shower.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy a garden and free WiFi in public areas. The hostel provides a lounge, shared kitchen, and concierge service. Additional amenities include bicycle parking, express check-in and check-out, and luggage storage.Prime Location
Located 21 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hostel is a short walk from Kuramae Mizu no Yakata and Kuramae Jinja Shrine. Nearby attractions include Choju-in Temple and Kyu Yasuda Garden, each less than 5 km away.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests for its friendly host, convenient location, and excellent public transport options. -
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Tokyo inn Sakura AnView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Tokyo inn Sakura An in Tokyo offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and kitchenettes. Each room includes a dining table, sofa bed, and free WiFi.Convenient Facilities
Guests enjoy free use of bicycles, a 24-hour front desk, and full-day security. Additional amenities include badminton equipment hire, luggage storage, and private check-in and check-out services.Prime Location
Located 22 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the ryokan is a short walk from Tokyo Origami Museum and Asakusa Station. Nearby attractions include Komagatado and Kuramae Jinja Shrine.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its friendly host, convenient location, and excellent location of the property. -
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Ryokan Asakusa ShigetsuSituated in the Asakusa area, Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu has a history of 70 years. The accommodation boasts a view of the Tokyo Skytree from its Hinoki wood bath. There is a bath for each gender on site and both the female and male baths offer a view of Senso-ji Templefs Five-storied Pagoda. Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu is situated a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Subway Station, near Nakamise-dori Street and Senso-ji Temple. Asakusa Subway Station provides direct access to Ueno, Shibuya and Ginza areas, and also to the Narita and Haneda international airports. Japanese-style rooms and Western single rooms are available. Each guest room comes equipped with air conditioning, a satellite TV, a refrigerator and an en suite bathroom. Hairdryers, yukata robes, tea sets and mineral water are provided. The street in front of the hotel is closed to general vehicles during the day and is located in a quiet area. Due to a seven-story building is scheduled for construction north of the hotel, you will not be able to enjoy the view of Sensoji Temple and the five-story pagoda that has been available from some of the north-facing guest rooms for the past 30 years since the hotel was built until autumn 2026. However, Sensoji Temple and the five-story pagoda are only a five-minute walk away.View on Booking.com -
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Resol Poshtel Tokyo AsakusaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa in Tokyo offers adults-only capsule rooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and shared bathrooms. Each room includes a hairdryer, free toiletries, shower, and slippers.Convenient Facilities
Guests enjoy a lounge, lift, outdoor seating area, full-day security, and luggage storage. The property is highly rated for its bathroom comfort and cleanliness.Prime Location
Located in the city centre, the hotel is 24 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport. Nearby attractions include Asakusa ROX Shopping Center (2-minute walk), Drum Museum (300 metres), and Sogenji Temple (600 metres). -
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Ryokan Kamogawa AsakusaRyokan Kamogawa Asakusa is a 2-minute walk from Kaminarimon and Sensoji Temple. Asakusa Subway Station is a 5-minute walk away. The hotel offers Japanese-style accommodation with a free private bath and free internet. Guestrooms feature tatami-mat flooring and traditional futon bedding. Each room is equipped with a Japanese tea set, a fridge and a flat-screen TV. Kamogawa Asakusa Ryokan is a 5-minute walk from Tobu Train Station and a 10-minute drive from Tokyo City Air Terminal.View on Booking.com -
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cyashitsu ryokan asakusaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa in Tokyo offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a bath, walk-in shower, and free toiletries.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Japanese and sushi cuisines in a traditional and modern ambience. Guests can enjoy dinner in a romantic setting.Relaxing Facilities
The ryokan features a terrace, open-air bath, hot tub, and bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.Prime Location
Located in the city centre, the ryokan is a short walk from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and Nitenmon Gate. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 24 km away. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and excellent service. -
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Asakusa HomeSuites TokyoView on Booking.comPrime Location
Asakusa HomeSuites Tokyo is situated in Tokyo city centre, offering easy access to key attractions. Kappabashi-dori Shopping Street is just a few steps away, while Rinko-ji Temple is a 6-minute walk. Tokyo Haneda Airport lies 23 km from the hotel.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with walk-in showers, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include tea and coffee makers, bidets, hypoallergenic bedding, and soundproofing. Family rooms and ground-floor units are available.Convenient Facilities
Guests benefit from private check-in and check-out, a lift, full-day security, and room service. The hotel provides free toiletries, a work desk, and a dining area. Parking is available on-site.Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Drum Museum (400 metres), Asakusa ROX Shopping Center (4-minute walk), and Matsuba Park (300 metres). Other points of interest include Sogenji Temple and Akiba Shrine, each within a 6-minute walk. -
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GRAND MONday ASAKUSAView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
GRAND MONday ASAKUSA in Tokyo offers family rooms with air-conditioning, kitchenettes, balconies, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a washing machine, dining area, and work desk.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, full-day security, and paid on-site private parking. Additional amenities include streaming services, a work desk, and a dining area.Prime Location
Located in the city centre, the aparthotel is a 2-minute walk from Kappabashi-dori Shopping Street and 300 metres from the Drum Museum. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 29 km away.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its family rooms, convenient location, and room cleanliness. -
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B:CONTE AsakusaOnly a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Subway Station and Tawaramachi Subway Station, B:CONTE Asakusa offers modern accommodations with a kitchen and an in-room launderette. Free Wi-Fi is available at the entire property and Japanese/English-speaking concierge service is available. Senso-ji Temple is a 3-minute walk away. This air-conditioned room features a flat-screen UHDTV and ironing facilities. The kitchen comes with a microwave, a fridge and a stove. Kitchenware is provided as well. Asakusa B:CONTE is a 10-minute train ride from Tokyo Sky Tree and Ryogoku Sumo Hall. JR Ueno and Akihabara Train Stations are both a 5-minute train ride away.View on Booking.com
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Tokyo Restaurants
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Udatsu SushiAwarded One Star in 2024 - People from around the world visit to experience Mr. Udatsu's sushi. Inside the restaurant, which resembles an art gallery with its modern decor and numerous artworks, guests can enjoy sushi crafted from the highest quality ingredients. While the foundation is traditional nigiri, the menu also features original creations born from the chef's relentless curiosity and innovation.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Fry-yaExquisite fried dishes crafted by a head chef with experience earning stars in both Switzerland and Japan. The remarkably light tonkatsu is a favorite not only among Japanese diners but also among visitors to Japan. With the theme of "small portions, many varieties," guests can enjoy sampling a wide selection of tonkatsu in smaller portions.View on JapanEatinerary -
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TEMPURA & WINE SHINOThe kind of restaurant that is known only to true gourmets, serving as a sort of "Hidden gem". In a chic space with black walls and a ceiling adorned in gold, you can enjoy tempura with a light and elegant texture, delicately fried using refined techniques to achieve a thin, white batter that minimizes the aroma of oil. Savor tempura that maximizes the flavors of the ingredients, paired with Champagne and Burgundy wines carefully selected by the sommelier.View on JapanEatinerary -
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HikarimonoWith a prime location and quality that rivals high-end sushi restaurants, this restaurant maintains the goal of being a place for everyday dining. It offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere, free from stiffness or formality. The signature "Hikari-maki," featuring ingredients such as sardines, pickled plum, and bettarazuke (sweet pickled radish), boasts unique flavors that are especially popular among international visitors.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Daikanyama Issai KassaiThe owner, Shinji Odahara, boasts a 30-year career in Japanese cuisine and has the remarkable achievement of opening a Japanese restaurant in New York that earned a star. Guests can enjoy exquisite charcoal-grilled meat dishes and rice cooked in a clay pot, all within a modern interior with dim lighting that sparks adult curiosity.View on JapanEatinerary -
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SudachiYou can enjoy dishes that make the most of seasonal ingredients, transcending the traditional boundaries of Japanese cuisine. While rooted in the traditions of Japanese cooking, the menu features unique offerings such as dishes incorporating shark fin - rarely seen in Japanese cuisine - and sushi that reflects the chef's background in sushi restaurants. At the open kitchen counter, where the lively atmosphere comes alive, you can savor the culinary creations with all five senses.View on JapanEatinerary -
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TorinaoIn a relaxed and serene atmosphere, you can enjoy exquisite yakitori made with "Koshu Kenmidori" chicken, grilled to perfection over Kishu Binchotan charcoal for a delightful aroma. The tender and fluffy tsukune (chicken meatball) is particularly popular for its juicy flavor. Additionally, the carefully selected Japanese sake, chosen by the owner, pairs wonderfully with the yakitori.View on JapanEatinerary -
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IchiuChef Hamano is renowned for his experience training at three different two-star restaurants. In addition to sushi, he has honed his skills in Japanese cuisine at the esteemed Akasaka Kikunoi, giving him a strong foundation in traditional Japanese culinary techniques. When it comes to nigiri, he is meticulous not only about the toppings but also the rice. He uses a premium rice variety from Akita, enhanced with two types of red vinegar and plum vinegar to create a refreshing flavor.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Yakiniku OnukiThe restaurant is proud of its "Tare Yakiniku" (grilled meat with sauce), which is made from Japanese black beef that has inherited the "excellent sauce" from the main restaurant, and is so tender that it melts in your mouth.The beef tongue is also superb. The thickly cut beef tongue is very difficult to grill, so the waiter grills it and serves it to you. Enjoy a blissful moment with wine that pairs well with the meat.View on JapanEatinerary
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Experiences around Tokyo
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Asakusa Kimono&Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Asakusa in Main Branch**Klook Exclusive Free Next Day Return! Limited Time Only!** Show this message and return your Kimono the next day for FREE for rental during Sep 15 - Dec 15, 2023. Exclusions applied to Formal Kimono Furisode and Homongi. See What to Expect for more detailsView on Klook -
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Sushi Making Tokyo Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi ClassYou can learn how to make **Maki-Sushi (Roll-Sushi) & Temari-Sushi** or **Maki-Sushi (Roll-Sushi) & Nigiri Sushi**View on Klook -
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Tokyo Asakusa Kimono&Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Asakusa StationEnjoy visiting Asakusa or Ueno while wearing a Japanese traditional kimono by Kimono MiyabiView on Klook -
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Tokyo Asakusa Kimono & Furisode Rental ExperienceTake the subway to Asakusa Station (Ginza Line) Exit 4 and walk for 20 seconds. It is 220 meters away from Sensoji Kaminarimon Gate. The location is perfect!View on Klook
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