Sensoji, Tokyo
The "Thunder Gate" of Sensoji Temple by night. Photo
Julie Ahn.
Closer look at the Thunder Gate. Photo
Julie Ahn.
Sacred sake at Sensoji. Photo
pulpmojo.
Night procession at Sensoji during Sanja Matsura festival. Photo
Yu.
Lanterns and temple building in daytime. Photo
Yu.
Location map and aerial view of Sensoji. For a larger interactive view, see our Tokyo Map.
Sensoji (Kinryū-zan Sensōji; also known as Asakusa Temple) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, a central part of downtown (old town) Tokyo.
History
Sensoji is Tokyo's oldest temple foundation, dating back to 628 AD. According to legend, two brothers kept trying to return a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, to the Sumida River only to have it returned to them the next day. This temple was built to honor her.
Formerly associated with the Tendai sect, Senso-ji became independent after World War II, when it burned down after a bombing raid. The reconstruction of the temple was funded by donations from the public.
What to See
Dominating the entrance to the temple is the kaminari-mon or "Thunder Gate." This imposing Buddhist structure features a massive paper lantern dramatically painted in vivid red-and-black tones to suggest thunderclouds and lightning. Within the precincts stand a stately five-story pagoda and the main hall, devoted to Kannon Bosatsu.
Within the temple is a quiet contemplative garden kept in the distinctive Japanese style. Adjacent to the temple is a Shinto shrine, the Asakusa Jinja.
Many tourists, both Japanese and foreign, visit Sensōji every year. Catering to the visiting crowds, the surrounding area has many traditional shops and eating places that feature traditional dishes. Nakamise-dori, the street leading from the Thunder Gate to the temple itself, is lined with small shops selling omiyage (souvenirs) ranging from fans, ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), kimono and other robes, Buddhist scrolls, traditional sweets, to Godzilla toys, t-shirts, and cell-phone trinkets. These shops themselves are part of a living tradition of selling to pilgrims who walked to Sensōji.
Festivals and Events
Sensōji is the focus of Tokyo's largest and most popular matsuri (Shinto festival). The festival takes place over 3–4 days in late spring, and sees the surrounding streets closed to traffic from dawn until late evening.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Sensoji; Asakusa Kannon |
| Location: | Tokyo, Kanto, Japan |
| Faith: | Buddhism |
| Denomination: | Original/Primary: Tendai Current/Secondary: independent |
| Dedication: | Kannon |
| Category: | Buddhist Temples |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | founded 628; rebuilt 1950s |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 35.71475° N, 139.796761° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Address: | 2-3-1 Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan |
| Phone: | 03/3842-0181 |
| Opening hours: | Daily 6am-5pm (4:30pm in winter) |
| Cost: | Free |
| Public transport: | Metro to Asakusa (then 2 min. walk) |
Travel Resources
- Tokyo Map - our detailed interactive map of Tokyo, plus hand-picked links to more
- Tokyo Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
- Tokyo Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Tokyo
- Tokyo Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Tokyo Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to Tokyo
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Sensō-ji - Wikipedia
- Sensoji - Japan Guide
- Sensoji Temple - Frommer's Japan
Last updated on October 5, 2009.
