Discover the Oldest Temple in Tokyo: Sensoji in Asakusa - Japan Travel Sights

Sensoji: The Foundation of Asakusa’s Prosperity

Sensoji, affectionately known as Asakusa Kannon, is one of Tokyo’s oldest temples, founded in 628 AD.

The iconic red Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon) is a symbol of this temple. During the Edo period, it was designated as a prayer site by the Tokugawa shogunate and flourished greatly.

The temple attracts approximately 30 million visitors annually and hosts various events throughout the year, always bustling with activity.

If you’re on a bus tour, you’ll typically have 60 to 90 minutes of free time at Sensoji.

After praying at the main hall, explore the temple grounds and the bustling Nakamise shopping street. The paths are generally flat and easy to walk.

Kaminarimon: Donated by Konosuke Matsushita

The structures of Sensoji have been rebuilt numerous times due to wars and fires. The Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon) houses statues of the gods of wind and thunder, originally called “Furaijinmon” (Gate of Wind and Thunder Gods). These statues were enshrined to protect the area from disasters such as floods and fires.

The current Kaminarimon was donated in 1960 by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic. His name is inscribed on the metal fittings of the lantern. The base of the lantern features a dragon carving, possibly to protect Asakusa from misfortune.

Always Festive: The Lively Nakamise Street

Nakamise is a shopping street along the approach to Sensoji. It started as a market where vendors were allowed to operate in exchange for cleaning the temple grounds, making it one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan.

The street is lined with shops selling kimonos, traditional Japanese goods, and popular snacks like thunder rice crackers and senbei. It can get crowded, so plan your time accordingly.

Top 3 Nakamise Street Foods

Here are their top food recommendations:

Crunchy and Fluffy: Kagetsudo Melon Bread

Located at the entrance of Nishi-Sando Shopping Street, Kagetsudo is known for its “Jumbo Melon Bread.” The bread is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, made from dough that is slowly fermented. It sells out by evening, so get there early!

Adorably Shaped: Kimuraya Ningyo-yaki

At the end of Nakamise near Sensoji, Kimuraya Ningyo-yaki offers cute doll-shaped cakes in four designs: the five-story pagoda, the thunder god, the lantern, and doves. They also offer versions without sweet bean paste filling. You can often get them freshly baked!

Crispy and Juicy: Asakusa Menchi

Near Nakamise on Denboin Street, Asakusa Menchi is a popular spot selling minced meat cutlets made from high-quality pork. Recently, it has become a favorite, often attracting long lines.

Hidden Gem with a View: Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center

When you need a break, head to the Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center in front of Kaminarimon. The 8th-floor observation terrace is free and offers great views of Nakamise and Tokyo Skytree.

Access

Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: Open all day
Closed: None
Admission Fee: Free