What do people do at Sensoji?

Sensoji Temple is lit up every evening from sunset until around 11 p.m. Enjoy a walk in this spiritual and historical epicenter as you gaze at the ethereal illuminations. After exploring the grounds, head back out to Nakamise-dori street, one of Japan's oldest shopping arcades.



At Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, the experience is a blend of spiritual ritual and vibrant commerce. Visitors begin by passing through the massive Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and walking down Nakamise-dori, a 250-meter shopping street lined with nearly 100 stalls selling traditional snacks like ningyo-yaki (cake filled with red bean) and souvenirs. Once at the temple, common rituals include "purifying" oneself with smoke from a large incense burner (jokoro)—it is believed that waving the smoke over parts of your body that ache can bring healing. People then proceed to the Main Hall to offer a coin and a silent prayer to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Many visitors also pay 100 yen to receive an Omikuji (paper fortune) from a shaken metal box; if the fortune is "bad," the tradition is to tie the paper to a nearby wire rack to leave the bad luck behind. The grounds are also a popular spot for professional kimono photo shoots and nighttime strolls when the pagoda is illuminated.

People Also Ask

Visiting Sensoji Temple is an absolute must when in Tokyo. It's the city's oldest temple and its size is simply stunning.

MORE DETAILS

There is no strict dress code in Japanese temples and shrines but it's recommended to stick to smart casual or comfy but conservative clothing. It's important to remember that many locals visit these places for prayer.

MORE DETAILS

Sensoji is extremely crowded at times. You can't even walk Nakamise. Early morning on weekdays are least crowded.

MORE DETAILS

Asakusa has a long and rich history dating back over a thousand years. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Asakusa became a popular entertainment district, known for its theaters, teahouses, and restaurants. It was also a center of education, with many scholars and artists living and working in the area.

MORE DETAILS

The ideal duration to explore Tokyo is at least 5 days to discover the main areas of the city and the outskirts of the prefecture. To explore Japan's best, spend at least 2 weeks here. Even then, you will realize that there are so many things to discover in Japan.

MORE DETAILS

Asakusa is a little slice of Kyoto in the heart of Tokyo. If you imagine your Tokyo vacation with Japanese rickshaws and temples, Asakusa is the place to be. Although there aren't many huge malls around, there are lots of small shops and eateries in Asakusa.

MORE DETAILS

Traditional mochi and dango, fried menchi (minced meat) croquets, and fluffy melon-pan are just the start of the amazing street food available in Asakusa! But if you'd like a chance to sit and relax, Asakusa is also home to many traditional cafes and tea houses.

MORE DETAILS

That's not to say you shouldn't visit; Sensoji is a fantastic attraction. But if you've had enough of crowds and souvenir shopping for one day, you could always visit Sensoji at night. Even though the temple grounds are open 24 hours, Sensoji technically closes at 5:00 pm.

MORE DETAILS

Tokyo's oldest and grandest temple is wildly busy during the day, but visiting after dark is usually far more rewarding: crowds are manageable, the mighty temple structures are lit up until 11pm, and the closed rolling doors of the 250m Nakamise-dori shopping street are straight out of an Ikuo Hirayama painting.

MORE DETAILS