Senso-ji Temple

浅草寺与雷门

Tokyo's oldest temple, with the giant red lantern of Kaminarimon, the Nakamise shopping street and a five-storey pagoda. Together with kimono rentals and rickshaws, it is the classic picture of 'old Tokyo'.

Sensō-ji was founded in 628 and is the oldest temple in Tokyo. It enshrines the bodhisattva Kannon and draws about 30 million visitors a year. The classic route starts at Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate, where a red lantern weighing 700 kg hangs. It is one of Tokyo's most photographed landmarks. From there, walk 250 m along the Nakamise shopping street, with its ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped cakes), rice crackers, deep-fried manju and kimono accessories, to the Hozomon gate, the five-storey pagoda and the main hall. Inside the main hall, you can donate coins, pray and draw an omikuji fortune slip for 100 yen. If you draw a bad fortune, tie it to the rack. West of the main hall is Asakusa Shrine, the main venue for the Sanja Matsuri festival. On the banks of the Sumida River to the east of the temple, you can see the Tokyo Skytree and the 'golden flame' of the Asahi Beer building. Other things to do nearby include renting a kimono and strolling the area (about 3,000 to 6,000 yen), taking a rickshaw (about 3,000 yen for the first 10 minutes), visiting Denpoin Street and Kappabashi Street for tableware and food replicas, eating sukiyaki at Asakusa Imahan, or having tendon at Daikokuya. After Nakamise closes in the evening, the lit-up Kaminarimon and main hall are quieter and better for photos. Getting there: a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Ginza, Asakusa and Tobu lines. Water buses from Asakusa reach Odaiba. Entry is free. Note that it is extremely crowded during the day, especially at weekends, so visit before 8 am or after 6 pm. Photography is not permitted inside the main hall, and take care on the steps when wearing a kimono.

Senso-ji Temple

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