Sensō-ji

Sensō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Asakusa of Tokyo, also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple. It’s one of the most colorful and famous temples in Tokyo.

Quick facts

• Name: Sensō-ji
• Location: Tokyo, Japan
• Type of attraction: Architectural/Temple
• Built: 7th century
• Ticket price: Free

The legend says two brothers fished out of the Sumida River a statue of Kannon, the goddess of compassion, in the year 628, and although they placed the statue back in the river, it always returned to them. Sensō-ji was therefore built nearby i honor of the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it the oldest temple in Tokyo.

A 200-metre-long shopping path, called Nakamise, leads from the outer gate to the second gate of the temple, the Hozomon. Various traditional local snacks from the Asakusa region are sold along the Nakamise alongside standard Japanese souvenirs such as yukata and folding fans. The shopping street has many centuries of history.

The temple’s main hall and a five storied pagoda stand beyond the Hozomon Gate. Destroyed during WWII, the buildings have been restored quite recently. Constructed in 1649 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the Asakusa Shrine stands just a few hundred meters to the left of the main building of the temple.

There are different annual events and the largest of these is Sanja Matsuri, the Asakusa Shrine’s annual festival, held in May. There are also Asakusa Samba Carnival in August and the Hagoita-ichi (Hagoita Market).

Sensō-ji Temple is served by the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line and Tobu Railways, and it is a few steps from Asakusa Station.

Interesting facts about Sensō-ji

Here are some interesting facts about this ancient temple.

• Sensō-ji​ temple is the oldest temple in Japan.
• The Sensoji Temple hosts one of the popular, annual festivals called Sanja Matsuri
• The second level of the Hozomon contains Sensoji Temple’s treasures.

Read more: Interesting facts about Sensō-ji