Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
Sensoji is a well-known Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Tokyo where local people go to worship and international visitors can enjoy the cultural aspects of Japan. It’s a place of historical significance and a popular destination for both Tokyo locals and tourists. The festive atomosphere that are busy all around the year make the temple the must visit place for tourist visiting Tokyo.
What Your Experience Will Be Like at Sensoji Temple
Sensoji is a famous Buddhist temple located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan. It’s a place where people go to worship and learn about Buddhism, a religion followed by many people in Japan. Even though the building has rebuilt, the temple has a history that goes back hundreds of years.
When you visit Sensoji, you’ll first come across a large gate called Kaminarimon, which means “Thunder Gate.” It’s an impressive entrance with a huge lantern hanging from it. After passing through the gate, you’ll walk along Nakamise-dori, a lively street filled with shops selling various items like typical souvenirs like mug cups, key chains, snacks, and traditional crafts.
The shops along Nakamise-dori close early around 4 – 5pm, so please make sure to visit in day time if you wish to enjoy shopping.
The popular sweets special from Asaskusa is Ningyoyaki, and a sweet rice cracker called Kaminari-Okoshi. They sell some street foods, but Nakamise streets are not allowed to eat foods as it’s very busy.
As you continue, you’ll reach the main hall of the temple. It’s a significant building where people go to pray and pay their respects. Inside, you might see a statue of the Buddhist goddess Kannon, who represents compassion and mercy. Many visitors light incense sticks as a symbolic gesture and offer prayers for good fortune or blessings.
This site is a temple, so you don’t clap hands twice when you pray which you usually do in shrines.
Around the temple, you hear sound of shaking metals that people are trying to get “Omikuji“. Omikuji is a fortune telling paper that you they tell you the direction of life. It’s 100 yen, so why don’t you try it as experience. 🙂
Visiting Sensoji is not only a religious experience but also a chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture which is hard to find in Tokyo.
(PR)
Visiting Sensoji Temple
Open Hours : Temple Building close at 5pm but you can explore the property anytime.
Admisson : No Cost to Entry
👉 Visiting Tips:
Shops at Nakamise Dori close around 5pm depends on the shops. If you are nearby, it’s good to visit for both day time busy scene and night time quiet light up of the temple buildings.
How to Get to Sensoji Temple
- Subway: Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa Station. From there, it’s a short walk to Sensoji Temple. Follow the signs or the flow of people heading towards the temple, and you will reach the famous Kaminarimon Gate, the entrance to Sensoji Temple.
- JR Train: If you are coming from other parts of Tokyo, you can take the JR Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line to Ueno Station. Transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and ride to Asakusa Station. From there, it’s a short walk to Sensoji Temple.
Where to Visit After Sensoji
Kappabashi Dori
Tokyo Mizumachi
You might also want to read
The Complete Tokyo Travel Guide
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