Asakusa's Sensoji Temple: Hours, Night Visits, and Other Tips

Sensoji Temple: A Tokyo Landmark

Established in 628, Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest, as well as one of the most popular spots in the city among locals and tourists alike.

With its stunning design, long history and charming location, it’s no wonder that the temple attracts so many visitors each year.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Admission to Sensoji Temple is entirely free!

The temple’s main hall and amulet shops are open between 6:00 and 17:00 in summer, and from 6:30 until 17:00 in the wintertime.

The temple grounds themselves are open 24 hours, however, and night is a great time to visit!

Nighttime Light-up at Sensoji Temple

Each night the temple buildings (including the famous five-story pagoda) are stunningly illuminated until 23:00, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Sensoji tends to be far less crowded at night time also, making this a fantastic time to visit and capture some stunning photos of this Tokyo icon!

For a Special Experience, We Recommend Kimono Rental

Perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy a visit to Sensoji Temple and the surrounding Asakusa area is while dressed in a Japanese kimono.

Popular among locals and tourists alike, the area’s many kimono rental stores offer visitors the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in Asakusa’s historical atmosphere.

Popular kimono rental shops include Asakusa Taisho Romankan and COCOMO Kimono—each is located in delightfully unique buildings! Some shops such as WARGO also offer children’s sizes.

Many of Asakusa’s kimono rental stores have English-speaking staff, and average rental costs start at around 3,000 yen.

Sensoji Temple Location and Access

Sensoji Temple is located right in the center of the Asakusa area—one of Tokyo’s most beloved ‘shitamachi’, or old-town neighborhoods.

Asakusa is famed for its many shops and restaurants, and the district exudes a particular charm not found in many other parts of the city.

Asakusa is located within walking distance from Ueno Park and Tokyo Skytree—the nation’s tallest tower. Tokyo Skytree houses two of Tokyo’s most popular observation decks, sitting a dizzying 350 and 450 meters above ground and affording 360-degree panoramic city views.

Tokyo Skytree is also home to the Solamachi shopping complex, filled with many beloved character-themed stores including a large store handling items inspired by the animation works of Studio Ghibli.

Asakusa can be accessed via several subway stations, including Asakusa Station and Tobu Asakusa Station.

Nearest Station to Sensoji

Sensoji Temple is located right next to Asakusa Station, which is serviced by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, the Toei Asakusa Line, and the Tobu Skytree Line.

If you come by the Ginza Line, use Exit 1 of Asakusa Station, the nearest to the Kaminarimon Gate of Sensoji.

If you’re using the Toei Asakusa Line, head for Exit A5. From here, it’s a one-minute walk to Kaminarimon Gate, the main entrance to Sensoji’s precincts.

If you come via the Tobu Skytree Line, use the Main Exit to walk to Sensoji. You'll reach Kaminarimon Gate and Naamise-dori in about 2 minutes.

From Sensoji to Tokyo Skytree

Visible from Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree is approximately a 20-minute walk from Sensoji Temple. The main walking route passes through the scenic Tokyo Mizumachi and Sumida River Walk, and the famous Asahi Beer headquarters and monument can also be seen along the way.

Tokyo Skytree is also directly connected to Oshiage Station, which can be accessed within just 3 minutes from Asakusa Station via the Toei Asakusa Line, at a cost of just 178 yen.

From Sensoji to Ueno Park

The walk between Sensoji Temple and Ueno takes approximately 30 - 35 minutes, and passes through Kappabashi—Tokyo’s famous kitchen street.

Asakusa Station is also directly connected to Ueno Station via the Ginza Line; the journey takes just 5 minutes and costs 178 yen.

From Sensoji to Other Major Areas in Tokyo

Asakusa Station can be reached directly from Shibuya Station via the Ginza Line; the journey takes approximately 35 minutes and costs just 252 yen.

Asakusa Station can also be directly accessed from the Ginza area via both the Ginza Line (from Ginza Station) and Toei Asakusa Line (from Higashi-Ginza Station). The journey takes just 20 - 25 minutes and costs 209 yen via the Ginza Line, and 220 yen via the Toei Asakusa Line.

The History of Sensoji Temple

Originally established in the year 628, Sensoji is Tokyo’s oldest temple.

According to legend, two fishermen brothers discovered a statue of Kannon in their nets while fishing in the Sumida River. The temple was built shortly after this event, in order to enshrine the statue.

The iconic Kaminarimon Gate was constructed in 941, as per orders by military commander Taira no Kinmasa.

Since then the temple buildings and gates have been rebuilt multiple times, owing to events such as fires. After being destroyed by fire in 1865, Kaminarimon was famously restored via funding from renowned Panasonic founder Konosuke Matsushita in 1960.

Sensoji Temple Features and Highlights

Sensoji’s historic grounds are surprisingly large, and feature several incredible highlights not to be missed!

Kaminarimon Gate and Lantern

Sensoji’s famous outer entrance, the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is a truly impressive sight. It houses statues of Fujin and Raijin, the gods of wind and thunder (the gate's official name is in fact Fujin Raijinmon).

It also houses the temple’s enormous 3.9 meter tall red chochin lantern—a beloved symbol of Asakusa.

The base of the lantern features an intricate wood carving of a dragon. This water deity is said to protect the Asakusa area from fire.

Nakamise Street

Asakusa’s best-known historical shopping street, Nakamise is a 250-meter alley stretching between Sensoji’s Kaminarimon Gate and Hozomon Gate.

The charming street is filled with shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs, as well as a huge variety of street foods!

The Five-Story Pagoda

Japan’s second largest, Sensoji’s stunning five-story pagoda stands at an impressive 53.32 meters—equivalent to the height of an 18-story building.

Though the interior is off-limits to most of the general public, the building’s exterior is among Tokyo’s most iconic and memorable sights.

The Main Hall

Sensoji’s main prayer hall is stunningly decorated and houses the statue of the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva, the Buddhist deity of mercy.

The hall’s intricately decorated ceiling featured a breathtaking washi paper painting of a dragon, created by renowned artist Ryushi Kawabata (1885- 1966). The painting suddenly peeled from the ceiling in 2023 due to age and is currently being restored.

Omikuji Fortune Slips, Amulets, and Goshuin

A popular activity at the temple is to receive an omikuji, or paper fortune. These cost 100 yen, and can be obtained at the main office in front of Sensoji’s main hall.

Visitors can also purchase amulets for protection at the temple shop, which is open until 17:00 each day. These include specific charms for road safety and academic success.

A goshuin stamp, which certifies a visit to a particular temple or shrine, can also be obtained at Sensoji. There is a special counter for receiving goshuin, and they cost around 500 yen.

Please note that it is customary to place the seal in a special book (‘goshuincho’)—these are also available at the temple, and usually cost about 1,500 yen.

Events at Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple has several unique cultural events which take place throughout the year. Please note that the temple and surrounding area tend to be extremely crowded during these events.

Sanja Matsuri

One of Tokyo’s three great festivals, Sanja Matsuri takes place each year during a 3-day period spanning the third full weekend of May. The lively festival honors the three original founders of Sensoji, and features traditional music and festival floats.

Golden Dragon Dance and White Heron Dance

Twice a year on March 18 and October 18 the temple hosts a spectacular dragon dance known as Kinryu no Mai, during which a traditional golden dragon is paraded in front of the main hall.

Another incredible traditional parade called Shirasagi No Mai (White Heron Dance) is also held at the temple on the 2nd Sunday of April and November 3 every year.

Hozuki Market

Taking place each summer from July 9 until 10, a popular Hozuki Market is set up at Sensoji, selling auspicious Hozuki lantern plants.

Hagoita Market

Photo by Pixta

Held each year from December 17 until 19, the Hagoita Market sells traditional Hagoita wooden paddles, a lucky item that is used to play hanetsuki (a game once popular at New Year).

New Year Hatsumode

The first temple or shrine visit (Hatsumode) of the year is an important event for many people in Japan, and Sensoji Temple is one of the most popular places for this. The first week of the year is particularly busy.

Hotels near Sensoji Temple

Room at OMO3 Asakusa by Hoshino Resorts. Picture courtesy of Booking.com

Due to its popularity as a tourist destination, the area around Sensoji is home to a large number of hotels, both traditional and modern.

For those looking for a traditional Japanese-style stay, Kaminarimon Ryokan is sure to charm guests with its traditional Japanese rooms and atmosphere. The inn is located right next to Kaminarimon Gate, making it the perfect place to stay for those visiting Sensoji.

For those in search of a modern hotel option, Asakusa Tobu Hotel provides comfortable and stylish guest rooms, including two adorably kitsch Hello Kitty-themed rooms! There are also triple and quad rooms available, making it a great choice for families.

For those in search of a unique stay, OMO3 Asakusa by Hoshino Resorts boasts stunningly designed rooms with a blend of both Japanese and Western features. The hotel’s impressive on-site lounge facilities and rooftop terrace are also incredibly stylish and atmospheric.

Dining Near Sensoji: Restaurants, Cafes and Street Food

Traditional desserts at Umezono

The area around Sensoji is home to a wide variety of cafes and restaurants, specializing in everything from Kobe beef to desserts.

Asakusa is known for its many retro Japanese-style ‘kissa’ cafes and traditional sweet shops, including Umezono, Cafe Michikusa, Izumiya, and Funawa.

The area also has a large variety of restaurants specializing in sushi, wagyu beef, ramen, and more. Asakusa is particularly famous for monjayaki, a savory dish similar to okonomiyaki. Popular monjayaki restaurants include Tsurujiro and Kanoya.

Another great place to get dinner is in one of the collection of restaurants located within Asakusa Yokocho, a unique, neon-lit food court.

Nakamise itself is a major street food hub, with shops offering beloved local desserts such as ningyoyaki (red bean-filled pastries), kibi dango (rice millet dumplings in sweet soy powder), ankodama (sweet red bean balls), and many unique varieties of melon pan—-Japan’s famed melon-shaped bread!

Near Sensoji are also several local shops selling taiyaki—another popular Japanese dessert that is famously shaped like a fish.

Other Things to Do Near Sensoji Temple

The Nishi Sando Shopping Street

The area around Sensoji Temple is lined with a vast array of retro shopping arcades—each is home to unique stores as well as its own distinctive character. These include Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street and Nishi Sando Shopping Street.

The Orange Street leading to Hoppy Street

A famous road lined with izakaya (Japanese pubs) called Hoppy Street is also located nearby.

Across the street from Kaminarimon Gate is the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, where visitors can enjoy free views of Tokyo landmarks such as Sensoji and Tokyo Skytree from the center’s 8th-floor observation deck.

To the west of Sensoji is the iconic Asakusa Hanayashiki, believed to be Japan’s oldest amusement park. First opened in 1853, it is still home to ‘panda cars’; a popular symbol of old-school Japanese theme parks.

Sensoji Temple

2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito ward, Tokyo

Sensoji Temple is a temple with a history of over 1300 years. The Kaminarimon Gate with its red lantern has become the symbol of Sensoji Temple. After passing through Kaminarimon, you will find Nakamise Street, the oldest shopping street in Japan. About 180 souvenir shops and Japanese confectionery shops line the 250-meter-long shopping street, which is bustling with visitors every day. Asakusa is famous for sweet potato yokan desserts, deep-fried manju sweets, and other local treats.

Hotels near Sensoji Temple

Akihabara Bay Hotel (Female Only)

Tokyo

4.4 /5

Very Good

64 reviews

$23～

Keikyu EX Inn Akihabara

Tokyo

4.6 /5

Great

100 reviews

$66～

The Tourist Hotel & Cafe Akihabara

Tokyo

4.6 /5

Great

127 reviews

$69～