Sensoji Temple Tours and Activities

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Sensoji Temple showing a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and heritage architecture
Sensoji Temple which includes religious elements and a temple or place of worship
Sensoji Temple which includes street scenes, a temple or place of worship and religious elements
Photo provided by JNTO


Mercy meets modernity at this centuries-old Buddhist temple which draws thousands of visitors every day.

Much of modern life in Tokyo revolves around the latest technology, but there’s still space for the spirituality of Buddhism. At Sensoji Temple, Buddhist monks practise their ancient way of life in the oldest temple in Tokyo, a five-storey red and white pagoda, set among the high rises of the city. The temple’s history dates back to the seventh century with a tale steeped in legend. The story goes that two brothers were out fishing one day and found a small statue of the Japanese goddess of mercy, Kannon, trapped in their nets. After they tried without avail to return the Bodhisattva Bato-kannon (the statue of Kannon) to the river, they kept it. The brothers and a third man, a wealthy landlord and chief of the village, devoted their lives to Buddhism and built a shrine to honour the goddess and protect the statue. For this reason, the three men are commemorated today along with the statue itself.As the popularity of the temple grew, shops around the temple began to open, selling souvenirs and snacks.The very statue that was rescued from the fishermen’s nets is displayed to the public in the Komagatado Hall on the 19th day of each month, under the watchful eyes of the presiding Buddhist monks. And during May, Sensoji Temple hosts the festival of the Asakusa Shrine with three days of traditional music and dancing as the mikoshi (portable shrines) of the three men are paraded around the temple area. The streets are thronged with people playing flutes and drums, singing and trying to catch a glimpse of the celebrations.The temple complex with its imposing Kaminarimon (Thunder Gates), main hall, pagoda and Asakusa Shrine is a stunning example of Buddhist architecture. When the temple was rebuilt after the Second World War, it became for many a symbol of rebirth, much like a tree in the grounds which, when hit by a bomb, regrew in the charred shell of its old trunk.

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Reviews of Sensoji Temple

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
228
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
176
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
20
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Go early, or late. It gets really crowded really quickly once the shops in the area open.

5/5 - Excellent

Gio

Go at night! The place looks amazing with the lights on at night and you skip the crowds.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Less crowded on a weekday

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lots of people renting kimono and walking around -didn't feel very authentic.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

There is a small amusement park a short walk from the temple where there is a small entrance fee and rides start from 100yen

5/5 - Excellent

Rod

Very accessible. Easy to see sights and surrounding area

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Top Sensoji Temple Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International
Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International
3.5 out of 5
2-6-7 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo
Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International
Asakusa Tobu Hotel
Asakusa Tobu Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1-1-15 Asakusa, Taitoku, Tokyo, Tokyo
Asakusa Tobu Hotel
Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei
Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei
3 out of 5
Asakusa 2-7-26, Taito City, Tokyo, Tokyo
Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo
3.5 out of 5
1-2-2 Kinshi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo
Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
4 out of 5
2-9-10 Asakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo
Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
hotel MONday Asakusa
hotel MONday Asakusa
3.5 out of 5
2-26-7 Asakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo
hotel MONday Asakusa
Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs
Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs
3 out of 5
2-7-20, Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo, Tokyo
Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs
Asakusa View Hotel
Asakusa View Hotel
4 out of 5
3-17-1 Nishiasakusa, Taito, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Asakusa View Hotel
Tosei Hotel Cocone Asakusa
Tosei Hotel Cocone Asakusa
3 out of 5
3-26-10 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo
Tosei Hotel Cocone Asakusa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.