Even those with little interest in religious architecture should include this top sight on their Tokyo itinerary. Senso-ji Temple is unlike anything else in the city—and as one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions, it’s on many city sightseeing tours that may also visit the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace Plaza, the Tsukiji Fish Market, and the Nakamise-Dori shopping district. For in-depth experiences in the Asakusa area, opt for walking, rickshaw, or evening food tours.
Senso-ji Temple is a must-see for first-time visitors to Tokyo.
It’s possible to experience the temple on themed tours of the Asakusa neighborhood or on comprehensive city sightseeing tours.
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for a variety of surfaces.
Don’t forget your wallet—interesting shops dot the area.
Senso-ji Temple is in Asakusa, within central Tokyo’s Taito district. The temple is just a few steps away from Asakusa Station, served by Tobu Railways and the Ginza and Asakusa subway lines. Nitemmon Gate is the nearest bus stop on Umamichi dori Street.
The temple grounds are always open. The main hall is open from 6am to sunset each day, but many of the shops don’t open until late morning. The temple can get crowded around midday, particularly on weekends, so if you’d like more elbow room, visit before 10am or after 6pm.
According to local legend, in AD 628 a pair of fishermen discovered a golden statue of the goddess Kannon in the nearby Sumida River. The statue was allegedly enshrined at the site during its construction 17 years later, but it has never been on public display. It’s hard to say whether the ancient image of Kannon exists, but it hasn’t stopped Asakusa from becoming Tokyo’s most visited temple.
