Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple)

Overview

Senso-ji Temple, also known as Asakusa Temple, is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. It is a Buddhist temple dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion. The temple is famous for its massive wooden Kaminarimon Gate and the bustling Nakamise shopping street leading up to it.

Senso-ji is a symbol of Tokyo's rich history and has been a center of faith and culture for over 1,400 years. It is one of Japan's most important temples and a popular tourist destination.

Buddhist Temple Historical Site

Location

Address

2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo

Neighborhood: Asakusa

Coordinates

35.710261, 139.790012

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

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

Admission

Adults

Free (donations welcome)

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and a more serene atmosphere

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

Half day including nearby attractions

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild

• Cherry blossoms
• Nakamise street in bloom

summer

Hot and humid

• Summer festivals
• Extended shopping hours

autumn

Cool and pleasant

• Autumn foliage
• Traditional festivals

winter

Cold

• Winter illumination
• New Year's celebrations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Respect temple rules
Dress modestly
Check for festivals

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Cash for offerings Camera

seasonal

Umbrella for rainy season Fan for summer Scarf for winter

not allowed

Loud conversation Photography during ceremonies

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low

• Crowds can be intense
• Pickpocketing in crowded areas

Medical facilities: Nearby hospitals and clinics

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards (major ones)

Currency

Japanese Yen

Typical Costs

entry Free (donations welcome)

parking $5

food $10-20

souvenirs $5-50

Dress Code

Modest and respectful attire, Comfortable shoes for walking, Remove shoes before entering certain buildings, Revealing clothing, Hats in certain areas

Booking Tips

• Not required, but consider booking for special events
• Official website or trusted travel agencies
• Varies by event
• Available for some festivals and events

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Senso-ji Temple Official App

Size: 30 MB

Features: Temple map, Event calendar, Audio guide, Ticket booking

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Nakamise street

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Narita International Airport

Distance: 60 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

train

$15 1 hour 30 minutes

bus

$20 1 hour 45 minutes

taxi

$150 1 hour 30 minutes

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

metro

$2 15 minutes

bus

$1 20 minutes

taxi

$15 10 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historical significance, cultural experiences, and traditional atmosphere

Historical Significance: Founded in 628, it is Tokyo's oldest temple and has witnessed many historical events

Insider Tips

Early morning visits are less crowded and more serene
The best traditional snacks are found at the end of Nakamise street
Check the temple's official website for special events and festivals

Local Recommendations

• Try traditional sweets at Nakamise street
• Visit the nearby Sumida River for a different perspective

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Kon'nichiwa

thank_you Arigatou gozaimasu

where_is Doko desu ka

how_much Ikura desu ka

beautiful Kirei desu

ticket Kippu

Guide Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Kaminarimon Gate

Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

Tips: Wide-angle shots, include the lantern

Result: Iconic temple entrance

#Sensoji #Asakusa #TokyoTemple

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Nakamise street

prohibited areas Inside the main temple buildings, During ceremonies

flash photography Not allowed inside buildings

commercial photography Permit needed

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Tokyo Skytree

Distance: 2 km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Tower

Sumida River

Distance: 1 km

Walking: 15 min

Type: River

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Distance: 1.5 km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Museum

Ueno Park

Distance: 2.5 km

Walking: 30 min

Type: Park

Reviews

4.7

Based on 25,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early for fewer crowds"
"Try the traditional snacks on Nakamise street"
"Check out the temple's official app for additional information"

Contact Information

+81 3-3842-0181

info@senso-ji.jp

www.senso-ji.jp

Social Media

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