Sensoji is perhaps the most famous and photographed of Tokyo's temples. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in the capital, and the five-story pagoda, trails of incense and vast eaves will take you back to a Tokyo of time gone by.

Senso-ji is famous primarily for being Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in 645 AD. Located in the Asakusa district, it is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, whose statue was legendary discovered in the Sumida River by two fishermen. The temple is an icon of traditional Japanese culture, recognizable by its massive outer gate, the Kaminari-mon (Thunder Gate), which features a giant red lantern and statues of the gods of wind and thunder. Leading up to the temple is the Nakamise-dori, a 200-meter shopping street that has been selling traditional snacks and souvenirs for centuries. In 2026, it remains Tokyo's most visited religious site, attracting over 30 million people annually. Its stunning five-story pagoda and the constant clouds of incense—believed to have healing properties—offer a rare, atmospheric glimpse into the "Old Tokyo" of the Edo period amidst the city's modern skyscrapers.