If you can, you should try to avoid weekends and public holidays. Japanese sweets, to Star Wars toys, t-shirts and smartphone and iPad covers. Its a great place to buy souvenirs for yourself or small gifts for friends back home. On the left side of Nakamise-dori, there is the Denpo-in, where the monks of Senso-ji live. Where should you Shop & Eat? Its located about a 3 minute walk to the west side of Sensoji temple. This tour starts from Asakusa Station, passes through Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), and walks along Nakamise Street leading to the main hall of Sensoji Temple. About 2 million people attend the festivities every year. is a street on the approach to the temple. Complete Guide to Sensoji Temple: Asakusa in Tokyo their village, Hajino Nakamoto, recognized the sanctity of the statue and enshrined Japan Travel is the leading resource for Japan travel information and the primary destination for visitors planning and traveling to Japan. A popular event that quickly became a tradition is the Golden Dragon Dance or Kinryu no mai. Denpoin japanese garden in sensoji temple asakusa. elevator to the Komagatabashi direction ticket gate on the ticket gate floor. After a minute, you will be able to see Kaminarimon Gate to your right. Turn right at the Shinnakamise entrance across the street and go straight. From there, you will visit the main hall of Sensoji Temple and the five-story pagoda. Come on, lets go to Asakusa with the whole family, This time, we would like to share with you a route from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Sensoji Temple, which is easy to walk even with children or pushing a stroller. The gate started to become referred to as Hozomon (literally translating to treasure cellar) since then, because of the descendent scriptures and precious resources that were stored inside the gate. Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo with a history of about 1,400 years. However, there are actually four stations that are named Asakusa Station. If that appeals to you, then make a plan a visit to Sensoji Temple in Tokyo's Asakusa District. include this famous temple in their itinerary. Kanda Sta.Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / for Asakusa is a Shinto shrine, the Asakusa Shrine. ground of the shrine. After getting off the train, go to the [Kaminarimon-direction ticket gate of Line 2]. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","a7e275396cddfcaddd4b0946324fe6ed");document.getElementById("bba98a9ddb").setAttribute("id","comment"); Save my name and email in this browser until I comment again. This houses the treasures of the temple inside its second story. The original statue Sumida River, however, is not on display but kept hidden from the public. Asakusa Sta.from Exit 6 about a 5-minute walk, Tokyo Sta.JR Yamanote Line / for Ueno Sumida River, which is a 5-minute walk from Senso-ji, is very famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms. Trying the Street Food at Tokyo's Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street! However, Nakamise-dori is still very much loved and appreciated as a traditional shopping street in the Shitamachi area. Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa - Tripadvisor After getting off the train, take the elevator to the Komagatabashi direction ticket gate on the ticket gate floor. . Creative It is a 1 minute walk Exit 1 of Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station, a 2 minute walk from the A4 Exit of Toei Asakusa Station, 3 minutes from Tobu Asakusa Station, and 8 minutes . 1.5 million people visit every year, and they bring an unbelievable load of enthusiasm and vibrancy into town. Suggested duration 1-2 hours We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience. There are more and more exciting shops on the streets parallel to Nakamise-dori and on the street perpendicular to it called, Denpoin-dori. Asakusa Station Guide. Here at Asakusa shrine, Sanja festival is held on the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May. You havent really been to Tokyo if you havent visited the temple. Take exit 1 after arriving with the Ginza Lane and walk straight. The quintessential shopping street stretches over 800 feet and lets you buy souvenirs, enjoy top-notch street food, and stock up on Japanese snacks. The kings refer to the two gods at the side of the gate, together called A-Un. 9,396 reviews #2 of 126 things to do in Asakusa Religious Sites Closed now 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About According to legend, two brothers kept trying to return a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, to the Sumida River only to have it returned to them the next day. For You can buy one to eat while its still warm from the oven, or you can buy a boxed set to take back to your hotel. fans, ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), kimono and other robes, Buddhist scrolls, traditional Asakusa Yokocho: Japanese Food and Izakaya Bar Culture 4. If you find that your fortune is not very good, you need to tie the paper on one of the designated posts, thus changing your destiny. fishermen, the brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari. The lantern weighs just about 1,410 lbs. Asakusa Sta.from Exit 6 about a 5-minute walk, Narita Airport Sta.Keisei Narita Sky Access Line Access Express / for Shinagawa Having such a modern marvel so close to a piece of Japan's history is a sight to behold, and convenient for anyone wishing to visit both while in Tokyo. Senso-ji In recent years, these kinds of shopping streets are losing its liveliness due to the appearance of large shopping malls. Senso is another reading for Asakusa and Ji means temple. Otherwise, you will encounter extreme crowds of visitors and locals alike. According Asakusa's Kaminarimon Gate and Giant Lanten: History and Features Tokyo Ueno / Asakusa / Akihabara In 645, a hall was built for the Kannon by Shonin Shokai. Legend has it that two brothers stumbled upon a golden statue whilst fishing it was is now the Sumida River. Your email address will not be published. At the time, the warriors, called bushi, were paid in rice, and the rice granaries were built in Asakusa. This article focuses on how to enjoy Asakusas picturesque Nakamise Shotengai (shopping street) packed with gift and food stalls. Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo with a history of nearly 1,400 years, and its official name is "Kinryuzan Sensoji Temple". The best selling item is Hagoita, which is like a traditional Japanese badminton racket made of wood. Senso-ji (Sens-ji), widely known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is Tokyo's oldest buddhist temple. There are close to a hundred shops lining the street, selling souvenirs and snacks. Between March and April, Japan is gorgeous with, of course, cherry blossoms. Senso-ji is no exception, as the temple premises are famous for its beauty during the fall. Sensoji: the famous Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Tokyo centuries, pilgrims and tourists flocking to Senso-ji have shopped at the small Note that there is no elevator at the Kaminarimon direction ticket gate near the destination. Today, the two-wheeled carts can be seen dashing through the streets of historical sites, such as Asakusa, Kyoto and Kamakura. Hanayashiki is the oldest theme park in Tokyo. Dubbed as Japanese oldest shopping street, Nakamise-Dori connects Sensoji Temples outer gate and with the inner gate. The Tokyo Skytree is also located close to the Asakusa area, so its a good idea to visit these two places on the same day. In addition, public amusement facilities, such as Mizucha-ya (Japanese tea caf) and Misemono-goya (show tent), helped Asakusa to become one of the busiest areas in Edo. When visiting Asakusa and Senso-ji temple, there are some rules you need to follow, such as: 1. It dates back all the way to 628 AD. Both were put there to guard the temple from storms. It is a 5-minute walk to Senso-ji. Senso-ji temple in Asakusa | Japan Experience When visiting the famous Buddhist Temple, you will first pass through the Kaminarimon Gate before strolling down Nakamise Shopping Street which connects the outer gate with the inner gate. People walk under this lantern and through the gate to enter the temple grounds. It is said that putting the smoke to the part of your body where there are any problems will help cure it in the future. The Dance of the Golden Dragon (; kinryu-no-mai) is also held in October, which you can see in the photo. The inner gate, called Hozomon Gate, ultimately leads you to the temples main complex, housing the main hall, a five-storied pagoda, and Asakusa Shrine. This tour starts from Asakusa Station, passes through Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), and walks along Nakamise Street leading to the main hall of Sensoji Temple. They are easy to spot. Required fields are marked *. At these events many visitors partake in the Buddhist customs around the temple grounds. Catering to the visiting crowds, the surrounding area has many traditional shops The shrine is dedicated to the three men who built Sensoji temple. You can find it just outside Asakusa Station. In front of the main hall of Sensoji Temple, people gather to enjoy the smoke from the large incense burner called Joko Koro. On the left of Hozomon, there is a tall building called Gojuu no tou. Also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple, it is Tokyo's oldest and one of the most significant temples. The Nishinomiya Inari shrine is located On the same day, brightly colored ground cherries are sold in the market. The outside of the bread is sweetened with sugar and has a cross cross pattern like a cantaloupe rind, thus the name melon-pan. Come on, lets go to Asakusa with the whole family. Most notably the main hall has a massive and steep roof which can be seen from a distance above other temple structures. Just by Senso-ji is the Asakusa shrine. This is a very popular area for walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. to the temple itself, is lined with small shops selling souvenirs ranging from You should also expect to stand in line for 10 to 15 minutes since its usually crowded on weekends. to the temple itself. In the year 628, it was believed that two brothers recovered a statue of the goddess Kannon that had sunk into the Sumida river. 2022 Roseau Pensant Inc. All rights reserved. Heres a fun fact: Sensojis name does not arrive from Kannon. Come on, let's go to Asakusa with the whole family Hello everyone! Ueno Zoo: Meet Pandas, Polar Bears & Capybaras at Tokyo's Oldest Zoo! This time, we will provide a route from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree Line to Sensoji Temple that is easy to walk, even with children or pushing a stroller. The original building was destroyed in the firebombing of Tokyo in World War II, so the current temple is a reconstruction, but it still looks just as impressive as it did back in the day! They also sell this bread with a slice in the middle filled with ice cream. The Sublime Sensoji Temple. Generally speaking, you may take pictures outside the buildings, but not inside. . After that, this fishing village on Tokyo Bay turned into a bustling temple town. Formerly associated with the Tendai Sensoji Temple is dedicated to the Kannon Bodhisattva (Avalokitesvara). The Sensoji temple complex occupies a large area in the center of Asakusa. From Tokyo Station Take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station (2 minutes, 150 yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 180 yen). Japanese people have a custom of visiting shrines in the new years and drawing omikuji to test their fortune. Rickshaws were introduced to Japan in the late 19th century and were once a popular form of transport. With merchants and traders in Asakusa dealing rice, there were more people and money in town, which accelerated the economy. Within Among the yearly activities are the Sanja Matsuri in April, the Hagoita Market in December, and New Years festivities in January. Asakusa Station - Senso-ji Temple ( - ) Sensoji Temple, located in Asakusa, Tokyo, is the oldest temple in Tokyo with a history of nearly 1,400 years. length of the street is approximately 250 meters and contains around 89 shops. This temple located in Tokyo's Asakusa district was built to honor her. The temple re-built in 1649 was undamaged for 300 years, which was the longest record, but it was completely destroyed by the second World War. Visiting during the festival may be a worthwhile experience! Enjoy this 1.8-km out-and-back trail near Tokyo, Tokyo. This tower consists of five layers, which is why it is called Goju no to, literally meaning tower of five layers. Today, the two-wheeled carts can be seen dashing through the streets of historical sites, such as Asakusa, Kyoto and Kamakura. During these times the small spaces around the temple can become very crowded. This is especially tasty on a warm day. If you want to learn more about the history and experience the culture firsthand, I would recommend f. who speaks English and knows the area well. On the right of the gate is the god of lightning, and on the left is the god of wind, and they are both worshipped at this temple. Querents shake labelled sticks from enclosed Can I take pictures at Sensoji Temple? From Friday to Sunday, on the third weekend in May, you can watch parades, traditional music, and dancing at Asakusa Temple. Attractions near Senso-ji Temple: (0.01 km) Karaoke-Kan Asakusa Kaminarimon (0.01 km) Sensoji Lost Child Marker Stone (0.01 km) Senso-ji Temple Shinokuyama (0.03 km) Kimono Rental Vasara Asakusa Honten (0.07 km) Tokyo Walking Tours; View all attractions near Senso-ji Temple on Tripadvisor Come on, lets go to Asakusa with the whole family. Sensoji Temple - The Heart of Asakusa - Asakusa Station At most of the shrines in Japan, festivals are held mainly in the summer. were destroyed, then rebuilt in 1925 using concrete, only to be destroyed again At Sensoji, you can admire beautiful examples of Japanese Buddhist architecture. It dates back all the way to 628 AD. Its one of the three greatest festivals in Tokyo and attracts around 2 million people every year. How does Sensoji Temple sound? The route will avoid crowds, be sheltered from the sun by roofs, pass through many places to rest, and have no steep grades. site is an information resource only and is not affiliated with Senso-ji, or related Because the original statue is considered holy, you will only get to see a substitute. After passing the various stores, youll see the Hozomon Gate. For many, Asakusa Temple is easier to remember as they already know the name of the district. If you cant find a tour that will take you to all the places you want to go, you canrequest a tourand create your own tour with the help of a local tour guide. This is optimal for people who need a bit of help getting around or are in wheelchairs. "Easy to walk even with a stroller!" Directions to Sensoji Temple from is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. In the early years of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Senso-ji According to legend, you can receive forty six thousand days worth of grace if you go to the temple on this day. it by remodeling his own house into a small temple in Asakusa so that the villagers Nakamise-Dori, the street leading from the Thunder Gate Quick Facts Built in 628 AD, Sensoji Temple has been rebuilt almost 20 times throughout history You may find it strange to see a temple and a shrine on the same grounds, but Buddhism and Shintoism are religions that are non-exclusive so youll see this kind of arrangement a lot in Japan. Sensoji temple was completed in the year 645 and is the oldest temple in Tokyo. The shrine is dedicated to the three men who built Sensoji temple. Asakusa (Sensoji Temple) | Traveling Japan There are few elevators, so if you use one, make sure you have plenty of room. first temple was founded in 645 CE, which makes it the oldest temple in Tokyo. Sensoji Temple is one of the most famous places in Tokyo. For a suggested donation of 100 yen, visitors may consult the oracle and This stately red structure stands on the path of most tourists coming to discover one of the main religious sites of Tokyo. It was open for entry during the Edo era, but is now closed to the public. After shopping at Nakamise, you will arrive at Hozomon Gate, guarding the Asakusa Temple and its treasures against enemies. Since March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic started affecting Japan, Asakusa has gone . Not knowing much about the Buddha statue, they released it back into the river, but the statue kept getting caught in their net. During the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake many of the shops It is Tokyo's Heres a list of the different sights, starting from the outside and working our way towards the main complex: Kaminarimon is the gateway to Sensoji Temple. Behold the dreamy kingdom of cats at Kichijoji Petit Mura (village), Travel Hakone on a Budget! Asakusa in 2023: A Recommended Walking Route | MATCHA - JAPAN TRAVEL The brothers then brought it back home, since they believed it was something special. As one would expect, the temple is considered a national treasure and is visited by people from all over the world each year. On every 18th of the month during the winter, small festivals and markets will be held in Senso-ji. This article focuses on how to enjoy Asakusas picturesque Nakamise Shotengai (shopping street) packed with gift and food stalls. Kanda Sta.Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / for Asakusa A multipurpose restroom with a diaper-changing seat is located just inside Sensoji Temple. Omikuji is available year round for just 100 yen, so you can test your fortune! After seeing the main temple, you can also try your luck by buying an omikuji. who made the journey to Senso-ji. Watch for signs that prohibit photography. There are too many shops to go in to, and you will find yourself intrigued in every one of them! While it may seem unusual to build a Shinto Shrine so close to a Buddhist Temple, history shows that the two religions were closely connected. Sensoji Temple,Tokyo | Japan Travel Guide Watch on History of Sensoji and General Information Sensoji Temple Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo (map) Access: a 5 minute walk from Asakusa Station Hours: 6 am to 5 pm (opens at 6:30 am from October through March) Sensoji temple was completed in the year 645 and is the oldest temple in Tokyo. Senso Ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Asakusa Sensoji is the spot on place to enjoy Japanese culture, food, and entertainment. Sumida River Cruise - Discover Asakusa from a Different Angle 6. Speaking of restaurants, if you're hungry when you visit Sensoji, there are options for all kinds of tastes here. The Go straight through the arcade on Kannon-Dori Street. The hall contains 12 protective Buddha statues, one for each year of the zodiac cycle. In the era of the Tokugawa shogunate, Ieyasu Tokugawa, designated Sensoji as the tutelary temple of the Tokugawa clan. Senso-ji (Asakusa Kannon Temple), Tokyo - Tourist in Japan Just explore, trust your nose, and you're sure to find a place that will hit the spot. Recently, this is understood as wafting the smoke on to your head will make you smarter.