Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo, Japan
Senso-ji, Tokyo
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Photo: Akonnchiroll, CC0, Wikimedia CommonsFit in nearby today
The essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- Free
- Hours
- Grounds 24 hours; main hall 6:00–17:00, from 6:30 October–March
- Time on site
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A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 1 h
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- Main hall
- 6:00–17:00; from 6:30 October–March
officiali
Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - Grounds
- Open 24 hours
- Worshippers
- ≈ 30 million a year
officiali
Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - Nakamise street
- Souvenir and sweet stalls from the gate to the hall
- From Asakusa station
- ≈ 5 minutes on foot (Ginza and Asakusa lines)
Key facts
628the year, by tradition, a Kannon statue was found in the Sumida River
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senso-ji.jp645the monk Shokai built a hall and hid the statue from view
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senso-ji.jpHiddenthe main statue is shown to no one — not even the chief priests
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senso-ji.jp≈ 30 millionworshippers and visitors a year
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senso-ji.jpOldesttemple in Tokyo
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en.wikipediaKaminarimon'Thunder Gate' with a giant red lantern
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en.wikipedia5 storeyson the pagoda beside the main hall
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en.wikipedia13thstop on the Bando 33 Kannon pilgrimage
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en.wikipediaWhat is Senso-ji?
Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon. It's dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of mercy. According to temple tradition, on 18 March 628 two fishermen brothers netted a small Kannon statue from the Sumida River, and in 645 the monk Shokai built a hall for it and, following a vision in a dream, hid the statue from view.
The main statue has been shown to no one since — it's kept in a locked shrine. It's one of the most visited religious sites in the world: the temple says around 30 million people come each year. Next to it stands the Shinto Asakusa Shrine.
How the temple works
The approach begins at Kaminarimon ('Thunder Gate') with its giant red lantern. Then comes Nakamise street: stalls of souvenirs, fans and sweets such as rice crackers and ningyo-yaki cakes. It leads to Hozomon gate, beyond which stand the main hall and the five-storey pagoda.
Entry is free. The grounds are always open, and the main hall, according to the official site, opens 6:00 to 17:00, from 6:30 between October and March. Nakamise stalls usually open around 9–10 and close towards evening.
What to see
- Kaminarimon gate with its giant red lantern.
- Nakamise street — souvenirs and sweets.
- Hozomon gate with its giant straw sandals.
- The main hall of Kannon.
- The five-storey pagoda.
- Asakusa Shrine next door.
How to get to Senso-ji
Tap a route to highlight it on the map.
Where are you starting from?
We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.
On foot
- Tokyo Skytree is about 23 min away on foot.
More tips
- Asakusa station — Ginza and Asakusa metro lines, about 5 minutes on foot to Kaminarimon.
- Tobu line — also to Asakusa station.
- From Tokyo Skytree — about 20 minutes on foot across the Sumida River.
- Water bus — from Odaiba and Hamarikyu Gardens to Asakusa.
- From Haneda airport — direct Keikyu trains to Asakusa, about 40 minutes.
Early morning or midday
| Early morningyou are here | Few | Stalls still shut | Empty gates and hall | Opens 6:00 / 6:30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midday | Very busy | All stalls open | Crowds and atmosphere | Open until 17:00 |
How long do you need?
Allow 1 hour for the temple and Nakamise. In the evening the grounds are lit and nearly empty — a lovely time for a walk, though the hall is closed.
Nearby are Tokyo Skytree, 20 minutes on foot across the river, and the water-bus pier. In May the big Sanja Matsuri festival takes place here.
Is Senso-ji worth visiting?
Yes: it's Tokyo's great historic temple, and old-Tokyo atmosphere is strongest here. Entry is free.
The YesGo take: it's very crowded by day, especially on Nakamise. Come early in the morning or in the evening when the grounds are lit, and buy souvenirs during the day on your way back.
Before you go: checklist
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You are ready for the visit
Tokyo temples: compare and choose
Temples and shrines in Tokyo rated by YesGo. Tap a column heading to sort.
| Senso-jiyou are here | 51 | 1 h | Free | — |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meiji Jingu | 50 | 1 h | free; Gyoen garden paid | 9.8 km |
| Zojo-ji | 42 | 40 min | Free | 7.7 km |
| Nezu Shrine | 39 | 30 min | Free | 3.3 km |
| Yanaka | 36 | 1 h 30 min | Free | 2.7 km |
| Gotoku-ji | 32 | 45 min | Free | 15.3 km |
| Mount Takao | 21 | 4 h | Free | 50.9 km |
Asakusa and Skytree in a day
Senso-ji and Nakamise in the morning, Tokyo Skytree in the afternoon, and Ueno Park in the evening. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.
- Senso-jiyou are here1 h · free
- 24 min walk from the previous stopTokyo Skytree1 h 30 min · from ¥1,800 (350 m), from ¥3,000 (both)
- 62 min walk from the previous stopUeno Park1 h 30 min · park free; zoo ¥600
3 places · about 5 h 26 min with walks · 86 min on foot in total
Nearby — add to your day
How to do it right
- Early morning means empty gates for photos.
- The grounds are lit in the evening.
- Tie a bad omikuji to the rack.
- Souvenirs: Nakamise street.
- Nearby: Tokyo Skytree, 20 minutes on foot.
Questions
How much does Senso-ji cost?
Entry is free.
What time does the main hall open?
At 6:00, or 6:30 from October to March; it closes at 17:00.
Can you visit in the evening?
Yes, the grounds are always open, but the hall closes at 17:00.
Who is the temple dedicated to?
Kannon, the bodhisattva of mercy.
How do I get there?
About 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa station (Ginza and Asakusa lines).
What is an omikuji?
A paper fortune you draw for a donation.
How long do you need?
About an hour with Nakamise street.
What's nearby?
Asakusa Shrine and Tokyo Skytree.
Have you been? Was it worth your time?
1 — no, 5 — absolutely
Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.
Sources and fact-check
- Senso-ji official site (senso-ji.jp) — main hall hours, founding legend, 30 million worshippers, festivals (checked 09.11.2026)
- English Wikipedia: Sensō-ji — buildings, Nakamise, Asakusa Shrine, pilgrimage
- Travel guides — journey times, Nakamise stalls (unofficial)
- Wikidata Q615183 — coordinates
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