Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo showcases interesting attractions like the Kaminari-mon gate, Nakamise Street, and the Hozo-mon gate. Immerse yourself in omikuji divination, appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms, and enjoy panoramic views.
Welcome to my blog! Today, I am excited to share with you a place I absolutely love and have had the pleasure of visiting multiple times.
Explore the rich history of the temple and treat yourself to delightful dining options nearby. Make a plan to visit this iconic destination for a memorable experience.
The videos I’ve selected from YouTube are right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
A Gateway to Tranquility and Cultural Treasures
Situated in Tokyo’s historic district of Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple is a significant draw for tourists worldwide looking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. While the main hall of the temple closes at night, the temple grounds remain accessible during the early morning and evening hours. Additionally, the temple is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a captivating atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
Kaminari-mon Gate
For many years, visitors have admired the impressive Kaminari-mon gate, which proudly stands at the entrance of Senso-ji Temple. Adorned with large lanterns, it draws the attention of visitors who often take pictures. Beyond this gate, Nakamise Street offers a wide variety of souvenirs to choose from for passersby.
Hozo-mon Gate
As you continue along the path, you will find a beautiful five-story pagoda standing to the left, while a larger gate, even bigger than the Kaminari-mon gate, welcomes you ahead. When you look behind this impressive “Hozo-mon gate,” you will be fascinated by the display of straw-woven sandals, evoking a sense of admiration due to their size and magnificence.
Omikuji
Just beyond the Hozo-mon gate, you will find a building where you can participate in a fascinating Japanese divination practice called “omikuji,” which has become popular among international travelers.
If you happen to receive an unfavorable result, there’s no need to be overly concerned. You can simply tie the omikuji to the slender stick-like string provided nearby to avoid any potential misfortune. However, if you still feel uneasy, it’s even better to offer prayers at the main hall.
On the other hand, if you receive a favorable result, it’s customary to take the omikuji home with you. Nevertheless, it’s important to remain cautious and avoid becoming overly confident, as it is believed that such behavior could invite unfortunate circumstances.
Cherry Blossoms
By the way, among the seasons, springtime when cherry blossoms bloom offers a beautiful view. Senso-ji Temple features several varieties of cherry blossoms, each blooming at slightly different times, providing visitors with an extended opportunity to enjoy their beauty.
In front of Hozo-mon Gate
The weeping cherry tree in front of the Hozo-mon gate blooms slightly earlier than the others. Many visitors enthusiastically take the opportunity to capture memorable photos with the five-story pagoda and the Hozo-mon gate in the background, adorned by the cascading cherry blossoms.
As night falls, the illumination creates a captivating scene, highlighting the weeping cherry trees alongside the illuminated buildings.
Inside the hidden treasure Denboin
Additionally, at the base of the five-story pagoda, you will find a hidden gem known as the “Denboin,” which is usually not accessible to the public. However, during the cherry blossom season, it is specially opened for visitors to enjoy. I strongly suggest taking advantage of this opportunity to visit.
Upon entering, you will be welcomed by a breathtaking Japanese garden. Within this garden stands a magnificent weeping cherry tree, believed to have been on this earth for over 300 years, captivating all those who have the pleasure of visiting.
Along Nakamise street
Furthermore, as you walk along Nakamise Street towards the main hall, you’ll be pleased to see the beautiful view of Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in full bloom along the pathway, adding charm to the temple grounds. The soft pink petals of these blossoms are sure to bring joy to your eyes.
Observation Terrace
Did you know that there’s a place where you can enjoy a wide view of the fully bloomed cherry trees in the spacious temple grounds?
In fact, if you take a short detour from Senso-ji Temple, just cross the street right in front of the Kaminari-mon gate, and you’ll find the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. Take the elevator up to the top floor, and there you’ll find an observation terrace offering panoramic views of Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree. The best part is, admission to the terrace is completely free.
During the daytime, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the cherry blossoms at Senso-ji Temple from this viewpoint.
And if you visit at night, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the illuminated five-story pagoda and gate. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting this spot and experiencing the enchanting spectacle firsthand.
Culture, History, and Traditions
The history of Senso-ji Temple, dating back to the Asuka period (592-710), is rich and fascinating. Notably, the Kaminari-mon gate, believed to have been built during the early Heian period, stands as one of the oldest structures within the temple grounds.
However, despite the temple’s long-standing history, it faced significant challenges in the past century. Devastating events like the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Tokyo air raids during World War II caused substantial losses. Yet, through tireless reconstruction efforts, Senso-ji Temple has emerged as one of Tokyo’s premier tourist destinations, captivating visitors from near and far.
This temple is renowned for its innovative spirit and groundbreaking initiatives. For instance, it proudly features titanium tiles on the roofs of the Hozo-mon gate and the main hall, making it the first in the country to adopt such an architectural innovation.
Moreover, the temple’s beauty is not limited to its rich history and architectural achievements. Its beautiful illumination, a testament to its splendor, has earned widespread acclaim. The permanent lighting installation, skillfully crafted by the esteemed designer Motoko Ishii, adds a captivating aura to the temple’s surroundings. It’s worth noting that Ishii’s expertise has also left an indelible mark on other iconic landmarks like Himeji Castle, Tokyo Tower, and Rainbow Bridge. These remarkable additions only serve to enhance the allure and charm of Senso-ji Temple, making it an irresistible destination for visitors seeking a truly enchanting experience.
Dining Guide
Charming small shops abound around Senso-ji Temple, offering not only souvenirs but also delicious food. Moreover, you’ll discover tempting Japanese sweets and delightful bite-sized traditional dishes, just to name a few. In fact, there are numerous delightful establishments that cannot all be listed here. These shops can be found not only along Nakamise Street but also along the two parallel streets that run alongside Nakamise Street, leading towards Senso-ji Temple.
Furthermore, if you venture into the street where these three roads intersect, you’ll come across a bustling shopping district with even more shops eagerly awaiting your visit.
If you’re planning to visit Senso-ji Temple, I recommend arriving in the morning with an empty stomach, if possible. Take your time throughout the day, leisurely strolling and indulging in Japanese food that suits your preferences.
By doing so, you’ll undoubtedly create cherished memories of your trip to Japan. The vicinity of Senso-ji Temple is filled with recommended shops just waiting to be discovered. So don’t miss the opportunity to explore and enjoy the diverse culinary offerings in this captivating area.
Accommodation
In the vicinity of Senso-ji Temple, you’ll find a wide range of hotels and business hotels that offer accommodation options ranging from approximately 10,000 to 20,000 yen. Additionally, there are budget-friendly accommodations available in the area.
Thanks to its convenient accessibility from major metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, Gunma, and Ibaraki, you can easily search for your desired business hotel or luxury hotel using the internet. However, it may require some effort to find traditional Japanese ryokans in this particular location.
Transportation
You have several options for accessing Senso-ji Temple using different train lines.
By plane
Haneda Airport is widely regarded as the most convenient airport for accessing Tokyo. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, it is recommended to prioritize searching for flights to Haneda Airport. The next closest option is Narita Airport, but reaching the city center of Tokyo from there typically takes more time.
By train
If you’re traveling from areas within Tokyo like Shibuya, Toranomon, or Ginza, the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line offers the most convenient transportation. It provides a direct route to Asakusa and allows for easy transfers to other train lines within Tokyo. Once you arrive at Asakusa Station, simply head towards Exit 3, and you’ll find the Thunder Gate right in front of you.
For those coming from regions served by the Toei Subway, the Toei Asakusa Line is another convenient option similar to the Ginza Line. Traveling from Haneda Airport? The Keikyu Railway offers direct trains to the Asakusa Line. Look for trains heading towards Inzai makinohara (“印西牧の原” or “印西牧”) or Narita. When you arrive at Asakusa Station, use Exit A4, and you’ll step out onto a street where you can immediately see the Thunder Gate.
If you’re coming from Gunma Prefecture, the Tobu Skytree Line from Tobu Railway is your way to go. Asakusa Station, the terminal station, is situated between the Sumida River and Senso-ji Temple. From there, it’s just a pleasant 5-minute stroll through the shopping street to reach the temple.
Traveling from Ibaraki Prefecture? You can rely on the Tsukuba Express . However, do note that Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express line is located quite differently from the other three lines along the Sumida River.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Tokyo Subway Ticket
Tokyo, the bustling capital city, is renowned for its extensive underground railway network that crisscrosses the metropolis, offering seamless transportation to numerous destinations. The subway system in Tokyo is operated by two different companies, and they provide a convenient option called the “Tokyo Subway Ticket” .
This ticket grants unlimited access to all 13 subway lines and is available for three durations: 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours. If you’re planning to explore Tokyo for a few days, I recommend investing in this ticket for a stress-free and unrestricted travel experience throughout the city.
Weather Guide
From late March to early April, Tokyo enjoys a delightful and pleasant season. However, mornings and evenings can be cool, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers and adjust your clothing accordingly.
