Senso-ji Temple

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
Neighborhood: 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 travelers are saying

  • Compass813167
    Ponta Delgada, Portugal1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Make good use of jet-lag and arrive before 06 am if you aim for solitude.
    November 2022. Arrived there at 05:45 am, thanks to a terrible jet-lag. Completly alone, saw the sunrise behind skytree illuminate the pagoda, and shimmer through all the red and gold of the temples and shrines. Truly a remarkable religious experience. I advise arriving before the 06:00 am service at Senso-ji, and enjoy the silence before the explosion of chants and drums of the morning prayers... Also not to be missed the 06:00 am bell, once heard also by the poet Basho in old Edo times.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written February 17, 2024
  • claude t
    24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exceptional site
    Exceptional site of extraordinary beauty. The temple is easily accessible by walking from the bus station. The walkway to get there is magnificent and dotted with interesting shops and restaurants. The typically Japanese architecture of the buildings near the temple is splendid. Upon entering the temple grounds one immediately feels a state of relaxation and weightlessness. A must-see during your visit to Nagano
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 20, 2024
  • Tara L
    65 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    Very Beautiful. This is worth seeing and is a travellers must . Lovely quaint gift shops before the temple, cafes and restaurants. I personally don’t buy into the giving money for fortune papers this a way of making £. It’s very , very busy. People advise you go early but I think whatever time of day you go it’s always going to be busy unless it’s late evening.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 13, 2024
  • Too Poor 2
    Baltimore, Maryland332 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Senso-Ji Temple, Tokyo
    Senso-ji temple is one of the larger and most revered temples in Tokyo. It is huge and sprawling and allows visitors to sense its importance in Japanese traditions. We admired its architecture, did a prayers at the smoking urn, and took a gamble on the wish shaker near the temple. Unfortunatel, i had a bad fortune and left it on the temple spot for poor fortunes. Grounds allow for plenty of walking and leading up to the temple was many commercial stalls selling wares and food.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 16, 2024
  • Roary
    Vancouver, Canada3,637 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful but touristy
    I’ve been to my fair-share of Buddhist temples, and this place is certainly beautiful architecturally so it makes for some great pictures. However, the market street leading up to it and the temple itself is far too busy with tourists that it really takes away from the religious significance. I’m glad I visited to see it, but would not sure I would recommend it for everyone.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 24, 2024
  • OnAir803420
    Tokyo, Japan29,037 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I experienced the "Buddha's Birthday Ceremony and Flower Festival" held on April 8th.
    April 7, 2024 While admiring the cherry blossoms in the temple grounds, I noticed that the Buddha's Life-Ceremony Flower Festival was being held on April 8th, so I returned. There were three flower shrines here: on the approach to the temple (between the Hozomon Gate and the main hall), in front of the five-story pagoda, and inside the main hall. There was also a Buddha riding a white elephant on the approach to the temple (see attached photo), as it is said that Buddha's mother, Lady Maya, had a dream in which a white elephant entered her body and became pregnant with Buddha. On April 8th, the Buddha's Life-Ceremony Flower Festival is held all over the country, but this was the first time I saw a Buddha riding a white elephant.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written April 8, 2024
  • Daphne M
    Cardiff, United Kingdom257 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Insanely busy!!!!
    We visited on a Sunday mid morning - clearly a popular place to be - never seen so many people in one place!!!! It is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo so worth a visit. Next to the Temple there is a Shinto shrine which was a little quieter and definitely worth visiting. The surrounding area is a mass of stalls selling trinkets and street food. If you can tolerate the crowds it’s an interesting place to spend an hour or two.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 8, 2024
  • DanielMtz90
    Monterrey, Mexico458 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Temple
    Sensō-ji, this bustling temple is surrounded by an array of charming restaurants and bars, making it a picturesque yet lively destination. The place is always brimming with people, adding to its lively atmosphere. Adjacent to the temple is a bustling market, renowned for offering a wide variety of souvenirs at great prices. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to experience the local culture, enjoy delicious food, and shop for unique gifts, all in one lively and beautiful setting.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 11, 2024
  • Miki
    Marseille, France7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful !
    Every time I go to Tokyo, I will visit it. I have already been there at different times of the day with different light. But I prefer the evening because it's much quieter. It is an amazing temple with a rich history, a pagoda and magnificent gardens.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written April 16, 2024
  • martial51
    Vitry-le-Francois, France893 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    a temple to see absolutely
    a temple not to be missed when visiting this monumental city that is Tokyo. A sort of permanent swarm of people passing each other in front of small souvenir shops. Ideal for making last minute purchases. Very beautiful imposing and relaxing temple
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 17, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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SOH KIEN PENG
Singapore, Singapore9,710 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Friends
Senso-ji Temple is the oldest Buddhist Temple and is located near Asakusa metro Station.

I learnt how to take the subway from our tour coordinator. Do not buy the JR pass just buy the tourist subway pass. The tourist subway pass costs 600 yen about S$6/- and you can use the pass to take unlimited trips within the twenty four hours around Tokyo.

For example, if you buy the pass at 3 pm, you can use it till 3 pm on the following day. If you did not buy the tourist pass, a single trip pass to Asakusa station via the Ginza line would cost you 260 yen. The return trip would add another 260 which amounted to 520 yen. If you decided to travel to Ueno to visit the museums, you would need to buy another 260 yen tickets, it then added another 260 in the cost. With the tourist metro day pass, you only need to pay 600 yen for unlimited travels.

We purchased the tourist passes and our guide gives us a copy of the metro map. From Kasai station where our hotel is located, we took the blue line to Nihombashi station and changed to the yellow line (Ginza line) which took us to Asakusa station at the last stop.

The Senso-ji Temple is a symbol of Tokyo. If we did not come here, we are like never travelled to Tokyo. It is a blessing we came. While the shopping alley at Nikamise Street appears touristy and commercialised, the temple impresses me as a must visit pilgrimage center for everyone.

It was very crowded and I noticed a number of visitors attired in kimono visited the temple. The kimono and the temple blended very well with the exquisite architecture designs of the Buddhist Temple.

Japan is special, the heritage is well preserved and the Buddhist history is etched in her life story.
Written May 16, 2024
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.

SPAZIO_INFINITO
Turin, Italy2,963 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Couples
Traveling around Tokyo we decided to visit the majestic Buddhist complex of Senso-ji.
Located in Tokyo in the district of Asakusa (northeast), not far from the Skytree tower, easily accessible on foot and by public transport (the nearest subway station is Asakusa).
The Senso-ji is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in the city of Tokyo.
It consists of numerous buildings made entirely of wood (painted in bright colors), enclosed within a green area with small Japanese-style gardens (very well maintained) and bodies of water with colorful carp.
There was a very quiet and spiritual atmosphere thanks also to the aromas of incense burning around the temple.
It is a very visited attraction, not only by tourists but also by the Japanese, I recommend stopping at Senso-ji during the week (early morning) if you want to take nice pictures in peace.
Access to the temple is free, only the internal areas are reserved for the faithful. Upon our arrival a religious service was taking place with prayers by Buddhist monks (an emotional moment, very nice).
Appropriate behavior and especially silence near the prayer area is required.
Along the streets leading to the temple there are countless shops where you can buy souvenirs of all kinds.
It takes about an hour to visit the temple complex.
It was a pleasant visit, refreshing and spiritual.
I would definitely recommend it.
Automatically translated
Written December 22, 2024
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.

Rachelle L
Sydney, Australia66 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Family
It's crowded and touristy- but not without reason.
Sensoji is a beautiful part of the city. The temples' many buildings are well kempt and offer the cultural experience tourists search for when coming to Japan. With plenty of stalls for the those looking for souveniers , snacks and even the yukata (summer kimono) there's something for everyone. It is still worth visiting during the day despite the crowds so that you can look inside some of the buildings and if you're lucky you may see some of the monks performing a ceremony. Also check out the omikuji to see your luck!
I personally love being here later in the day to watch the sunset over the buildings and when there are vastly less people around. Shops are also often closed by now but it does provide a contast to the beginning and middle of the day. It is much quieter and more serene though the mosquitos are also out so avoid the bushes and ponds during summer.
Written September 22, 2024
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.

SydneyTraveller
Sydney477 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Family
We went to this temple on a weekend, which was probably a bad idea, because the whole area including the temple were very crowded.

The temple itself was beautiful, but we probably enjoyed wandering through the surrounding markets leading up to it more, especially the massive fried chicken schnitzels from Asakusa Anshinya which were fresh and delicious and only 600yen each.

We also went to the top of the Asakusa culture tourist informtion centre (free lookout) and looked down on the temple/ markets and out across the city. It was a nice view but not amazing.
Written July 2, 2024
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.

OnAir803420
Tokyo, Japan29,037 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
I visited Sensoji Temple after learning that I would be able to worship the Gozentachi Honzon at the Gotendai Opening Ceremony (see attached photo) held at 14:00 on December 13th. The Gotendai in the inner sanctuary is 4.5m wide and 6m high, and is made of eight ridgepole roofs with three-sided karahafu and chidorihafu, making it very impressive (photography is prohibited inside the main hall, so I cannot show you in photos). The Kannon statue, which is the Gozentachi Honzon, is said to have been made by Jikaku Daishi, and there were standing statues of Bonten and Taishakuten on both sides in front of the Kannon statue. The Gotendai Opening Ceremony was only open during the recitation of the Kannon Sutra, so it was only about 15 minutes, but I was able to experience a different atmosphere from the usual Sensoji Temple. The Gozentachi Honzon is only open to the public once a year, but if you can make the time, I recommend it.
Google
Written December 13, 2023
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.

OnAir803420
Tokyo, Japan29,037 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Solo
When I visited on November 16, 2024, the 《Owaraji no Sato: Murayama City Tourism Products Exhibition (November 16-17, 2024)》 was being held. I knew that the Great Straw (4.5m long, see attached photo) was dedicated to the Hozomon Gate in the precincts, but I first heard that the Great Straw Village: Murayama City Tourist Products Exhibition was held every November. According to a local, he is holding the "Great Waraji no Sato: Murayama City Tourist Products Exhibition" in Yamagata Prefecture due to the dedication of "The Great Waraji" to Sensoji Temple. Murayama's specialty products (fruits, vegetables, confectionery, etc.) will be on sale, along with Tokunai Bayashi and Iaido on the 17th. The Treasure Gate's "Owaraji" is replaced once every ten years, the last time it was replaced was in October 2018, and the next time it was replaced is scheduled for October 2028.
Automatically translated
Written November 17, 2024
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.

Shannon
Melbourne, Australia1,154 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
Heavily overcrowded with no crowd control. The main temple doesn't offer much to see inside, but the structures condition is still superb. The pagoda area seems inaccessible, the sakura trees within the area were partly bloomed, but the streets leading up to it were decorated with fake ones on our April 1 visit. Recommend coming in the early hours of a weekday to beat crowds.
Written April 5, 2024
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.

Gustavo Woltmann
London, UK54 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Family
Our visit to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, was a wonderfully immersive experience for our family, blending history, spirituality, and vibrant culture. As we approached the temple, the first thing that grabbed our attention was the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), with its massive red lantern. This sight alone excited the kids, and it set the tone for the rest of the visit.

Walking through the bustling Nakamise-dori, the lively street leading to the temple, was a sensory experience in itself. The street is lined with shops selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and beautiful crafts. My children loved trying some of the local treats like taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries) and senbei (rice crackers), while my spouse and I browsed for some unique keepsakes.

When we finally arrived at the temple grounds, we were struck by the sheer size and beauty of the Hondo (Main Hall). The vibrant colors and intricate details of the building’s architecture were breathtaking. We participated in the tradition of purifying ourselves at the temizuya, a water basin near the entrance, which the kids found fascinating as it added a sense of ritual to the experience.

Inside the temple, the atmosphere was serene despite the many visitors. The act of lighting incense and offering prayers at the main hall felt meaningful, and it was a great opportunity to explain some aspects of Buddhist practices to the children. They were particularly interested in drawing omikuji (fortune-telling slips). After pulling our fortunes, we tied them to the designated racks, hoping for good luck in the future.

Exploring the surrounding temple grounds was another highlight. We wandered around the picturesque five-story pagoda and the beautiful gardens nearby, which offered a peaceful retreat from the bustling city outside. The mix of historical structures and natural beauty gave us a sense of calm, making it a perfect spot for reflection.

Our visit to Senso-ji Temple was a delightful blend of cultural education, spiritual exploration, and family fun. The lively energy of Asakusa, paired with the temple's deep sense of history, created a memorable experience that left us with a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rich cultural heritage. I would highly recommend it as a must-see for families visiting Tokyo!
Written September 15, 2024
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.

Зина Х
Moscow, Russia94 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Family
Interesting and large-scale, where crowds of tourists walk.
I can recommend it as a vivid manifestation of the country’s architecture and religious rituals.
There are many elements that you want to look at and then take as a souvenir. These are altar parts, as well as paintings on the ceiling, and wooden figures. As well as several entrance gates.
There is also the opportunity to replenish your supplies of souvenirs, as well as have a snack, but there are no trash cans. In some places you can't take photos, and there are a lot of plants there.
The toilets are clean and tidy, and there are places where the whole complex is described in detail.
Google
Written June 17, 2024
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.

Brun066
Florence, Italy13,969 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Couples
Senso-ji was completely destroyed by the US bombing of March 10, 1945. But apparently for the Japanese population this didn't diminish the strength of the veneration for this place: promptly rebuilt in all its parts in the 1950s, it annually attracts as many as 30 millions of visitors. In fact, during our two visits (in July 2024 and, before that, in July 2012) we struggled to even walk through the crowds.
Evidently the problem of the authenticity of monuments isn't as felt as in the Western world, as the Japanese people are accustomed to the perishability of their buildings (wooden in most cases) and are also accustomed to venerating the spirit of a place, I would say its "dàimon", rather than the material remains.
Given this, we can better explain the veneration of the population (but also the interest of scholars) for a building that has its roots in the mythical 645AD, the year when the first temple was founded, and when therefore the temple has hosted the statuette of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteśvara (Kannon in the Japanese version), found according to tradition a few years earlier, in 628AD, by two fishermen brothers in the Sumida river.
This is an era distant enough to give the statuette and the temple an aura of enormous veneration. 645AD is a remote era for Western Europe, but it's even more so for Japan, which - to name just one fact - only began writing its own language in the 5th century AD.
It can therefore be said that Senso-ji is inherent to the origins themselves of Japan.
Written September 26, 2024
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.

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Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

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