Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple
4.5
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
According to legend, two brothers kept trying to return a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, to the Sumida River only to have it returned to them the next day. This temple located in Tokyo's Asakusa district was built to honor her.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Ueno, Asakusa
Traces of the history and culture of the Edo (old Tokyo) era remain vividly in Ueno and Asakusa. Spacious Ueno Park is a great place to relax and visit a variety of different museums and galleries. At Ameyoko which starts in front of Ueno station, the grocery stores and clothing shops are crammed alongside fishmongers. It gets particularly busy at the end of the year, when many people go on shopping sprees. The town of Asakusa, developed around Sensoji temple, has many shops selling goods and clothing from old Japan, making it a great place for souvenir hunting. It's also known for various annual festivals, and the whole district gets involved with the huge Sanja Festival in May.
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See what travellers are saying
- Sue SKingston, Canada379 contributionsDefinitely worth a visit!Arrived on a Saturday evening and it was jam-packed but well worth seeing! And bonus.....it's free! This iconic temple was very impressive. There was also a long street with numerous vendors selling souvenirs and incense. Off to the side, there were food stalls that sold delicious snacks (crab cakes, tempura fish just to name a few). The temple is only a few subway stops from Tokyo Skytree. This is a must-see if visiting Tokyo.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 October 2023
- MelissaL0715Tampa, Florida912 contributionsBusy, but beautiful temple - lots of shoppingWe visited Senso-ji temple with our daughter and her Japanese friends on our recent trip from the US.. As we reach the area, we immediately noticed the massive amount of street market retailers. From what we can tell, the only way to reach the temple is to go through the market, which was really busy. If you haven’t done any souvenir shopping, this is definitely the place to do it as there were a ton of handmade gifts as well as manufactured as well. Mostly made in Japan, which is nice. The temple itself is very large and beautiful. Quite colorful and aesthetically pleasing. Worth a visitVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 October 2023
- JuliaNottingham, United Kingdom53 contributionsMust see in TokyoDefinitely place to visit. Has great temple (although comparing to Tokyo to touristic), pictures small garden with fish and heron (it was one at time). Great view of Padoga at sunset. From other side it’s overcrowded, but also good place for souvenirs (long streets of boots).Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 20 October 2023
- Wraxall_TravellersBristol, United Kingdom1,066 contributionsBusy Temple with Shops NearbyThere are some beautiful buildings here and well worth a visit. Expect the main buildings to be busy too. The building on the edge are less busy. There are shops nearby which are interesting. There are toilets on site too.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 November 2023
- SagaloutsTourGerrards Cross, United Kingdom1,147 contributionsOne Of The Must SeeWe visited here with our guide, very impressive busy Temple, with many souvenir stalls leading to it. There is a smoking wishing well, where you put smoke over your head for good luck and health. You can buy Japanese written good wishes for many things to give to your family. To the right hand side is a very simple shrine, where you give thanks Very interesting visit to help understand Japanese cultureVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 November 2023
- Anne SLeeds, United Kingdom600 contributionsA Must-SeeVisited on a Sunday and it was very busy and atmospheric. All the buildings were very impressive. On the road leading up to the gate there were lots of shops selling a multitude of things including street food, patisserie and gifts. The area is very interesting and not to be missed.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 November 2023
- vickicorkTampa, Florida429 contributionsMust see in TokyoGreat place to visit . We took the train from Tokyo station , saw the shrine , had our fortune read there and then took train to Akihabara from there. Really liked Nakamise Dori streetVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 December 2023
- pearlypearlSingapore, Singapore691 contributionsYou can’t miss thisWe only had 1 day in Tokyo and I decided to choose this temple due to its convenient location. Lots of tourists like us taking pics at the Kaminarimon gate. Loved the souvenir n food shops on both sides of the passage way towards the temple. Though it was crowded, we had a great time looking through the souvenir shops.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 December 2023
- Ezra BHowick, New Zealand414 contributionsBeautiful and must visitA must-see in Tokyo - Senso-Ji and its surrounding area is a sight to behold. Because of this though you can expect it to be quite busy when visiting, but even with crowds it is well worth it. Before or after visiting the shrine you can buy food from the surrounding stalls. It is easy to get to as the metro station is right next door.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 December 2023
- Anuj SrivastavaChicago, Illinois889 contributionsBeautiful Shrine worth visitingSenso-ji temple is the most prominent shrine in Tokyo that you must visit if you are in Tokyo. Lot of options for shopping and street food around temple campus. It becomes crowded in evening and hence you need to factor some time if you are visiting this place.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 January 2024
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Itravel0ne
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia2,457 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
This is a big temple and worthy of visit and photo taking. At the entrance to the temple is the Kaminarimon or "Thunder Gate" which features a massive paper lantern dramatically painted in vivid red-and-black tones to suggest thunderclouds and lightning. The approach to the temple is lined with interesting shops selling souvenir items, food and traditional Japanese products. So the visit actually begin here. Adjacent to the temple is a five-story pagoda, the Asakusa Shinto shrine. At the temple the active activity is the omikuji where you can try your fortune telling with a small payment of 100¥.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen6945
Perth, Australia42 contributions
Feb 2020
Just a must see thing to do in Tokyo. Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple. There are heaps of traditional shops lining an entry street to the Temple. The big lantern at the front is always shown in pictures of Japan. Recommend the area for a visit. Just go there.
For those with a JR Pass, make your way to the Ueno Station and then swap train lines to pay to get to Asakusa (or even JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa).
For those with a JR Pass, make your way to the Ueno Station and then swap train lines to pay to get to Asakusa (or even JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa).
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davesamtt
Trinidad and Tobago56 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
This is an impressive temple in Tokyo so if you are looking for one to go to get a flavor for what the fuss is about, this is an excellent choice. Fyi, Temples are for Buddhism worship while shrines are for Shintoism worship. “Ji” means temple.
The entrance is super large with extra large lanterns and god like statutes. After you enter, look out for a counter where you can take part in traditional fortune telling Japanese style. There you get the fortune written in paper by shaking a box. If you don’t like what it says you can leave it behind tying it to nearby poles.
The temples grounds is a collection of ornately designed buildings including a 5 storey pagoda.
The main temple is impressive with large statutes, incense burning, customary golds and reds in the design and squares of intricate art work and paintings on ceiling. There you can burn some incense and you can imagine there is a lot of that happening. People will be trying to cover themselves in this holy smoke. Lots of crowds and tourists but important to keep the solemnity of the visit as it’s a temple - though Japanese crowds are very respectful so there is no jostling.
The environs of the building has some interesting nuggets like an Shinto shrine with the iconic torri gate and a street market with delicious street food. You can try a little of everything.
This temple was impressive due to its large size and statues. There are many to choose from in Tokyo but after research this was on of the top options. This tour here and environs was organized by Novaland Tours who did a great job in putting it all together and providing a helpful guide. Other things you can fit into on the day you visit Sensoji Temple are Tokyo SkyTower, Akihabara area, Club Sega VR (Game Center with virtual reality options) and maybe try a Maid Cafe for a laugh..emphasis on maybe... ;-)
The entrance is super large with extra large lanterns and god like statutes. After you enter, look out for a counter where you can take part in traditional fortune telling Japanese style. There you get the fortune written in paper by shaking a box. If you don’t like what it says you can leave it behind tying it to nearby poles.
The temples grounds is a collection of ornately designed buildings including a 5 storey pagoda.
The main temple is impressive with large statutes, incense burning, customary golds and reds in the design and squares of intricate art work and paintings on ceiling. There you can burn some incense and you can imagine there is a lot of that happening. People will be trying to cover themselves in this holy smoke. Lots of crowds and tourists but important to keep the solemnity of the visit as it’s a temple - though Japanese crowds are very respectful so there is no jostling.
The environs of the building has some interesting nuggets like an Shinto shrine with the iconic torri gate and a street market with delicious street food. You can try a little of everything.
This temple was impressive due to its large size and statues. There are many to choose from in Tokyo but after research this was on of the top options. This tour here and environs was organized by Novaland Tours who did a great job in putting it all together and providing a helpful guide. Other things you can fit into on the day you visit Sensoji Temple are Tokyo SkyTower, Akihabara area, Club Sega VR (Game Center with virtual reality options) and maybe try a Maid Cafe for a laugh..emphasis on maybe... ;-)
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thorneta
Brisbane, Australia326 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Visited on 2nd January at about 1pm - the corridors leading to the temple was just a sea of people. I bailed out as it was going to take too long to get to the temple.
I returned the following day at 8am - significantly smaller crowds and easy to move around the site with ease.
The temple is a sprawling expanse of smaller temples - plenty to see and take in. Best temple in Tokyo for mine.
I returned the following day at 8am - significantly smaller crowds and easy to move around the site with ease.
The temple is a sprawling expanse of smaller temples - plenty to see and take in. Best temple in Tokyo for mine.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne, Australia12,173 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
This is a must visit and the busier the day the better the atmosphere. Located in the heart of the city, it is a large temple that is surrounded by other smaller temples including the five storey pagoda. There are gardens, waterways and on weekends many, many stalls of food. Plus there are places for offerings, blessings and good fortune.
To be in the sway and melee of people all moving from one end of the temple to the other is quite a unique experience and one that’ll stay with me for a long time.
Plenty of toilets nearby.
Wheelchair accessible. Kid friendly. Lots of food and refreshments.
To be in the sway and melee of people all moving from one end of the temple to the other is quite a unique experience and one that’ll stay with me for a long time.
Plenty of toilets nearby.
Wheelchair accessible. Kid friendly. Lots of food and refreshments.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma C
Godalming, UK3,052 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
I find myself drawn here each and every time I am in Tokyo. On my first few visits I went during the day time which was always packed so nowadays I go in the evening. It's a lot quieter (but still busy) and it's all so well lit up I think it looks even more beautiful. I tend to avoid any of the lucky charms and head straight to pay my respects and then wander around. This time I went around the back of the main hall and found ponds, koi, buddhas and peace. Lovely!
I like to have a mooch around the shops the line the street that leads to the main hall. Always interesting and full of life.
Head to Asakusa station on the Asakusa or Ginza line. The station is not set up for those with mobility issues or in wheelchairs though...they are working on it.
I like to have a mooch around the shops the line the street that leads to the main hall. Always interesting and full of life.
Head to Asakusa station on the Asakusa or Ginza line. The station is not set up for those with mobility issues or in wheelchairs though...they are working on it.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KitGen
Makati, Philippines8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We went twice, one at daytime when the way leading to the main temple was flooded eith tourists, and then we came back early evening. There were fewer people and the temple was lit up. We also opted to visit the stores at the back of the main souvenir shops. If you want a more special souvenir, try visiting them. They would gladly make a special packaging if you mention that you intend to give it as a gift. The person will truly feel special.
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
milcah889
Quezon City, Philippines1,063 contributions
Dec 2019
The architecture of the temples and shrines in Asakusa is undeniably beautiful. Donned in brilliantly bright hues of festive reds and yellows, these religious structures are definitely something to marvel at.
Unfortunately, as the place draws both Buddhists and tourists alike, the place was jam-packed when we visited the area.
Admittedly though, I enjoyed eating my way through Asakusa (trying out their tempura dishes and browsing through shops along Nakamise Shopping Street) than the actual visit to the Senso-ji Temple and the Asakusa Shrine.
If you're in Asakusa for a limited time, it's best to just defer your temple run to some other time.
Unfortunately, as the place draws both Buddhists and tourists alike, the place was jam-packed when we visited the area.
Admittedly though, I enjoyed eating my way through Asakusa (trying out their tempura dishes and browsing through shops along Nakamise Shopping Street) than the actual visit to the Senso-ji Temple and the Asakusa Shrine.
If you're in Asakusa for a limited time, it's best to just defer your temple run to some other time.
Written 21 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erkki N
Finland884 contributions
Oct 2019
Probably the best known temple in Tokyo this Asakusa treat is highly recommended for any Tokyo visitor. The huge lantern at the outer gate is iconic for the site, followed by Nakamise Shopping street, a market area with stalls of small vendors providing a wide variety of Japanese traditional items good for souvenirs. The temple itself is active among locals, so you can see them visiting the place for prayers. We visited around dusk and had the opportunity to see the temple both in daylight and later illuminated in the darkening evening.
There isn’t much of a garden in this temple, but the buildings, including a five-store pagoda are beautiful. The area has a special atmosphere in the area unlike other parts of Tokyo I have visited. If you are into Japanese temples and gardens, you should visit Kyoto rather than Tokyo, but if you are only staying in Tokyo for a couple of days, here you can at least get a glimpse of what they are about.
Visiting the temple is free of charge. In addition to subway you can get there by Sumida river cruise. Tokyo Skytree is close nearby for further excursion. There are also several restaurants next to the area, I particularly like the conveyor-belt sushi place Ganso Sushi.
There isn’t much of a garden in this temple, but the buildings, including a five-store pagoda are beautiful. The area has a special atmosphere in the area unlike other parts of Tokyo I have visited. If you are into Japanese temples and gardens, you should visit Kyoto rather than Tokyo, but if you are only staying in Tokyo for a couple of days, here you can at least get a glimpse of what they are about.
Visiting the temple is free of charge. In addition to subway you can get there by Sumida river cruise. Tokyo Skytree is close nearby for further excursion. There are also several restaurants next to the area, I particularly like the conveyor-belt sushi place Ganso Sushi.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juhi K
Sydney, Australia412 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Absolutely sensational temple. The architecture, atmosphere and colours all come together to create an abundant experience. I highly recommend going as early as its open to have less crowds in your pics and have a calmer experience
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
They were open about 10am and closed about 3pm when we went :) they do not open late like other stores but they are open every day.
Written 6 October 2023
Do I need reservations to go to the Senso-Ji Temple and is there an admission fee? Thanks!
Written 31 March 2019
no reservation needed. If your itinerary includes Kyoto or Nikko or similar, safe to skip altogether. Visit the fish market instead :)
Written 13 April 2019
There are so many places near by - we found a hidden Gem of a cafe where the owner had model trains set out and cabinets with collectables. Think it was called Sunrise or Sunset worth looking out for. Everywhere was open when we were out until around 9pm may be open later but we were tired by then. If you are there late try going up the sky tree not too far from here 15 -20 minute walk.
Written 1 January 2019
Hello
I saw at google maps that the complex is so huge.
If I come from the Asakusa Station, I should walk to west and then north all the way through the market.
But since I plan to go to Hanayashiki, should I back and out from the same gate?
How many gates this place have?
Written 1 July 2018
You can take the exit 1 or 3.. Or the easiest way you can see on the subway sign board Kaminarimon gate exit.. Kaminarimon Gate is the main gate of Nakamise Street and Sensoji Temple (gate with big lantern).. For Hanayashiki is the left side of Sensoji Area (when you facing to Sensoji Temple).. If i'm not wrong,there are 3 gates... But just Kaminarimon Gate is the most important one...
Written 2 July 2018
Je ne pense pas qu'il faille se déplacer au temple Senso ji pour un massage.C'est un lieu de culte avant d'être un lieu touristique.
A moins que Marie Laure est un scoop à nous annoncer sur les massages à Akasuka !!!...
Written 25 March 2018
C’est un lieu de culte
Il est visité les premiers jours de l’année par plus de 3 millions de personnes pour prié
Written 26 March 2018
Hi ! i just want to know is there have any Kimono for rent shop so i can hire and wear to take a photo thank you
Written 22 March 2018
I'm not sure if you can rent one. There are many to buy for decent prices but since I didn't need one I didn't look for it. Sorry that I can't help
Written 22 March 2018
Thanks for your review. Question: did you go on a weekend or weekday? Wondering if it is OK to visit on a Saturday or if it is really just too busy. Or would it be Ok if we get there really early? What time does it open anyway?
Written 11 March 2018
Went on a Saturday. It was pretty busy and crowded, so if you have an issue with crowds I wouldn’t go on a weekend, otherwise the experience wasn’t any less for my husband and me
Written 11 April 2018
浅草寺様を中心に、数多くご案内出来るところががあると思います
ぜひぜひ、いろいろな歴史的な背景を含め、ご案内されたらいかがでしょうか
江戸時代からの成り立ち、まだ勉強中ですが、哀しい歴史もあるようですし、繁華街を作って、人を通わせ、道の整備をさせたとか、大火の話、牢獄、差別、つい戦後だけでも、栄枯盛衰、笑いあり、涙ありだと思います
お相手次第のところはありますが、道具街、隅田川、見るだけでも楽しいところではありますが、歴史的なところも調べられ、ご案内されてはいかがでしょうか
Written 25 October 2017
Hello can you tell me how to go Senso-Ji Temple from Narita airport using public transportation?
Written 24 August 2017
Going to sound funny but use google maps it will show you the Exact trains you need to be on. That's what I did worked wonders
Written 27 October 2017
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