Sensoji (σ, Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples.
The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple.
When approaching the temple, visitors first enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the outer gate of Sensoji Temple and the symbol of Asakusa and the entire city of Tokyo.
A shopping street of over 200 meters, called Nakamise, leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon. Alongside typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukata and folding fans, various traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area are sold along the Nakamise. The shopping street has a history of several centuries.
Beyond the Hozomon Gate stands the temple's main hall and a five storied pagoda. Destroyed in the war, the buildings are relatively recent reconstructions. The Asakusa Shrine, built in the year 1649 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, stands immediately adjacent to the temple's main building.
Various events are held throughout the year in the Sensoji Temple area. The biggest of them is the Sanja Matsuri, the annual festival of the Asakusa Shrine, held in May. Other events are the Asakusa Samba Carnival in August and the Hagoita-ichi (Hagoita Market) at which decorated wooden paddles used in the traditional game of hanetsuki are sold.
Getting there and around
Sensoji Temple is a few steps from Asakusa Station, served by the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line and Tobu Railway.
From Tokyo Station
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station (2 minutes, 160 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 180 yen).
From Shinjuku Station
Take the Oedo Subway Line from Shinjuku to Bakuroyokoyama and then the Asakusa Subway Line from nearby Higashi-Nihombashi to Asakusa (25 minutes, 280 yen).
Alternatively, take the orange JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station (10 minutes, 210 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 180 yen).
Hours and Fees
Hours
Main hall: 6:00 to 17:00 (from 6:30 from October to March)
Temple grounds: Always open
Temple grounds: Always open
Closed
No closing days
Admission
Free
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Japanese
Hotels around Tokyo
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Kaminarimon RyokanView on Booking.comPrime Location
Kaminarimon Ryokan in Tokyo offers a convenient base in the city centre, Taito-ku. Located 22 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hotel provides easy access to key attractions.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with baths, and modern amenities such as free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and work desks. Guests enjoy city views from balconies and terraces.Dining Experience
A daily Asian breakfast is served, including local specialities. The on-site restaurant offers a variety of dining options, catering to diverse preferences.Exceptional Service
The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and daily housekeeping. Additional facilities include a lift, luggage storage, and full-day security. Highly rated for its convenient location, attentive staff, and comfortable rooms. -
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Tokyo Hikari GuesthouseView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse in Tokyo offers a 2-star hostel experience with air-conditioning, parquet floors, and city views. Each room includes a work desk, bath, and bidet.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy a garden and free WiFi in public areas. The property features a lounge, shared kitchen, and daily housekeeping service. Additional amenities include bicycle parking, express check-in and check-out, and luggage storage.Convenient Location
Located 21 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hostel is highly rated for its host, convenient location, and nearby public transport options. Walking tours are available for exploring the city. -
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Ryokan Asakusa ShigetsuSituated in the Asakusa area, Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu has a history of 70 years. The accommodation boasts a view of the Tokyo Skytree from its Hinoki wood bath. There is a bath for each gender on site and both the female and male baths offer a view of Senso-ji Templefs Five-storied Pagoda. Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu is situated a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Subway Station, near Nakamise-dori Street and Senso-ji Temple. Asakusa Subway Station provides direct access to Ueno, Shibuya and Ginza areas, and also to the Narita and Haneda international airports. Japanese-style rooms and Western single rooms are available. Each guest room comes equipped with air conditioning, a satellite TV, a refrigerator and an en suite bathroom. Hairdryers, yukata robes, tea sets and mineral water are provided. The street in front of the hotel is closed to general vehicles during the day and is located in a quiet area. Due to a seven-story building is scheduled for construction north of the hotel, you will not be able to enjoy the view of Sensoji Temple and the five-story pagoda that has been available from some of the north-facing guest rooms for the past 30 years since the hotel was built until autumn 2026. However, Sensoji Temple and the five-story pagoda are only a five-minute walk away.View on Booking.com -
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CROSS Suites TOKYO ASAKUSAView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
CROSS Suites TOKYO ASAKUSA in Tokyo offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, free toiletries, microwave, shower, slippers, TV, electric kettle, and wardrobe.Convenient Facilities
Guests can enjoy a lounge, fitness room, lift, 24-hour front desk, shared kitchen, minimarket, daily housekeeping service, full-day security, and interconnected rooms. Additional amenities include a washing machine, bath, dining table, tatami floor, work desk, and sofa.Prime Location
Located in the city centre, the hotel is 26 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport. Nearby attractions include Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine. -
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Resol Poshtel Tokyo AsakusaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa in Tokyo offers capsule rooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and shared bathrooms. Each room includes a shower, free toiletries, and slippers.Convenient Facilities
Guests can enjoy a lounge, outdoor seating area, lift, full-day security, and luggage storage. The property is highly rated for its bathroom comfort and cleanliness.Prime Location
Located in the city centre, the hotel is 24 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport. Nearby attractions include Asakusa and Ueno. -
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Ryokan Kamogawa AsakusaRyokan Kamogawa Asakusa is a 2-minute walk from Kaminarimon and Sensoji Temple. Asakusa Subway Station is a 5-minute walk away. The hotel offers Japanese-style accommodation with a free private bath and free internet. Guestrooms feature tatami-mat flooring and traditional futon bedding. Each room is equipped with a Japanese tea set, a fridge and a flat-screen TV. Kamogawa Asakusa Ryokan is a 5-minute walk from Tobu Train Station and a 10-minute drive from Tokyo City Air Terminal.View on Booking.com -
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cyashitsu ryokan asakusaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa in Tokyo offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a bath, walk-in shower, and free toiletries.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Japanese and sushi cuisines in a traditional and modern ambience. Guests can enjoy dinner in a romantic setting.Relaxing Facilities
The ryokan features a terrace, open-air bath, hot tub, and bar. Additional amenities include a lounge, lift, and concierge service.Convenient Location
Located 24 km from Tokyo's Haneda Airport, the ryokan is situated in the city centre. Nearby attractions include Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine. -
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Asakusa HomeSuites TokyoView on Booking.comPrime Location
Asakusa HomeSuites Tokyo is situated in Tokyo city centre, offering easy access to key attractions. Tokyo Haneda Airport lies 23 km away, providing convenient travel options.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with walk-in showers, and modern amenities such as free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and work desks. Family rooms and ground-floor units cater to various needs.Convenient Services
Guests benefit from free WiFi, private check-in and check-out, lift access, room service, and full-day security. Additional facilities include a dining area, work desk, and soundproofing.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its convenient location, attentive host, and impeccable room cleanliness, Asakusa HomeSuites Tokyo ensures a pleasant stay for all visitors. -
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GRAND MONday ASAKUSAView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
GRAND MONday ASAKUSA in Tokyo offers family rooms with air-conditioning, kitchenettes, balconies, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a washing machine, dining area, and work desk.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, full-day security, and paid on-site private parking. Additional amenities include streaming services, a work desk, and a dining area.Convenient Location
Located in the city centre, the aparthotel is 29 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport. Nearby attractions include Asakusa and Ueno. Guests appreciate the convenient location and room cleanliness. -
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B:CONTE AsakusaOnly a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Subway Station and Tawaramachi Subway Station, B:CONTE Asakusa offers modern accommodations with a kitchen and an in-room launderette. Free Wi-Fi is available at the entire property and Japanese/English-speaking concierge service is available. Senso-ji Temple is a 3-minute walk away. This air-conditioned room features a flat-screen UHDTV and ironing facilities. The kitchen comes with a microwave, a fridge and a stove. Kitchenware is provided as well. Asakusa B:CONTE is a 10-minute train ride from Tokyo Sky Tree and Ryogoku Sumo Hall. JR Ueno and Akihabara Train Stations are both a 5-minute train ride away.View on Booking.com
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