If you’re looking for the biggest and best historical landmark in Tokyo, look no further than Sensoji Temple. A Buddhist landmark in Asakusa, Tokyo’s old entertainment district, Sensoji Temple is the world’s most visited spiritual site annually. The temple is also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple and Senso-Ji.
The complex, which dates back to 645AD, features a main temple with enormous lanterns at its gate and a picturesque five-storey pagoda. There’s also a shopping street on approach to the temple. Called Nakimase Street, it bustles with people and has over 100 stalls selling Japanese souvenirs, crafts and snacks. It’s busy, it’s atmospheric and it’s a great place for photographs.
Read up on temple etiquette before you go so you can confidently say a prayer, buy a charm or fortune, or cleanse yourself with incense when you visit.
Visit at night if you want to avoid the crowds. The complex is open 24 hours, with the main buildings spectacularly lit up until 11pm. Note however that you can’t access the main hall after 5pm and the shops close early.
It’s also worth exploring the broader Asakusa area while you’re there. Drink and dine at one of the numerous traditional bars and restaurants or pay for a ride around the local streets in an old-fashioned rickshaw. Hanayashiki, Tokyo’s oldest amusement park, is also located near the temple.
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku,Tokyo
Getting there: 10 minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tobu Skytree, Ginza and Asakusa Lines)
Nearby: Hanayashiki, Tokyo Skytree
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