Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa district is an entire building complex with Japanese style gates, a 5 story pagoda, and a huge main temple building that you can go inside.
If youβre looking for the biggest and best temple to see in Tokyo, this is it! Itβs also fairly easy to reach from any part of the city center.
This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!Where To Stay In Tokyo
History Of The Temple
Senso-ji Temple was built in 645 AD, making it the oldest temple in Tokyo.
The original building was destroyed in the firebombing of Tokyo in World War II, so the current temple is a reconstruction, but it still looks just as impressive as it did back in the day!
Today, Sensoji is one of the most visited religious site in the world, bringing in over 30 million people per year.
Visiting Sensoji Temple
The first thing greeting you when you arrive at Sensoji is an oversized Torri gate with a massive red paper lantern. This is a popular photo spot, but itβs also the most crowded.
Youβll get much better photo ops later. The paper lantern is cool, but thereβs another one later on at the main temple that is just as big.
Street Shops
The approach to the temple takes you through a street lined with almost 100 souvenir and snack shops.
It might sound kind of like a tourist trap, but most of these shops date back to the 1700s, and it was actually some of the best shopping I found during my time in Tokyo.
The shops sell everything from A to Z. Paper fans, kimonos, straw sandals, Japan fridge magnets, Godzilla boxers, minion keychains, and of course just about every kind of Japanese candy imaginable. The strawberry Mochi is where itβs at!
Pagoda
At the end of the street youβll reach the main temple and pagoda.
The pagoda has 5 stories and itβs pretty nice in its own right, but you canβt go inside, just admire and take some pics from below.
Main Temple
The main temple at Sensoji is massive and you can go inside for free, but youβll have to wait in line.
Photos arenβt allowed on the inside, and it doesnβt take very long to stroll through, but itβs still worth a look. The outside of the main temple is my favorite photo spot.
The scale of the main building is crazy and it almost reminded me of Todaiji Temple in Nara. You can look back at the previous gate from here too and take some cool pictures of that.
All in all, you could easily spend 1 or 2 hours exploring everything at Sensoji Temple. In my opinion itβs one of the best free things to do in Tokyo!
Sensoji At Night
After dark, the whole Sensoji temple complex is lit up and makes for some great night photos.
The entrance to go inside the main hall is closed at night, but you can still explore the rest of the temple grounds and itβs free to enter, just like in the day time.
This is a great time to get some unique photos of the temple when the crowds are a lot smaller.
Hours & Entrance Fees
- Summer Hours: 6 AM β 5 PM (April to September)
- Winter Hours: 6:30 AM β 5 PM (October to March)
- Days: Open Every Day
- Admission: Free
(The hours above are just for going inside the main hall of the temple. The rest of the temple grounds are open 24/7, and the buildings are lit up after dark)
How To Get To Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple is located in the Taito ward, near central Tokyo.
Using the rail network, Sensoji is easy to reach from most parts of Tokyo.
The temple is just a short walk from Asakusa Station.
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See Also
- Best Things To Do In Tokyo City In Japan
- Best Things To Do In Japan - What To Do In The Islands
- Japanese Temple Guide β Best Traditional Shrines & Temples To Visit In Japan
- Tokyo Pictures That Will Make You Want To Visit Japan
- Japan Travel Guide β Food, Castles, & Temples