A Mini Guide to Senso-Ji Tokyo: My Honest Review 2026

Compared to cities like Kyoto, Tokyo definitely feels more modern and fast-paced, with a bit less shrines, temples and history and tradition woven into everyday life. That said, it’s not without it at all. One of my favorite temples I visited in Tokyo was actually Sensō-ji.

Sensō-ji is located in Asakusa and is directly connected to the famous Nakamise Shopping Street. The temple itself is beautiful, with massive lanterns, striking red buildings, and a really lively atmosphere. I loved walking around, exploring, and even participating in some of the traditional rituals you do when visiting a temple in Japan.

This article is a mini guide to visiting Sensō-ji Tokyo. The idea is to get you properly prepared before you go, so you know what to expect and how to make the most of your visit. Let’s get into it.

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A Mini Guide to Senso-Ji Tokyo: My Honest Review 2026

A Quick Overview: Sensō-ji

Entrance: Free

Opening hours: 6:00am – 5:00pm (outer grounds are accessible earlier and later)

How to get there: Asakusa Station

Good to know: It gets very busy. Be respectful, it’s an active temple, even if it’s one of the most touristy spots in Tokyo.

Is Senso-Ji Tokyo Worth Visiting?

From my own experience, yes, I definitely think it’s worth visiting. The temple itself is beautiful, and I genuinely enjoyed spending time there. I took plenty of photos, did the purification ritual, and donated a small amount of money as a thank you.

I was there with a local tour guide, Yuki, who explained a lot of the customs and rituals, which made the whole visit much more meaningful because I actually knew what I was doing.

Another big plus is the location. Sensō-ji sits right in the heart of Asakusa and directly next to Nakamise Shopping Street. I visited the temple first, then wandered through the shopping street to pick up souvenirs. On the same day, I also walked over to Tokyo Skytree and visited an onsen (Mikokuyu). Everything is within walking distance, which makes planning your day incredibly easy.

I’ll be honest though, Sensō-ji isn’t the most beautiful or impressive temple in all of Japan. But it’s a great temple in a fantastic location, it’s free to visit, and it offers a really nice introduction to Tokyo’s more traditional side. Just be prepared: it can get very busy.

What is Senso-Ji Temple Tokyo

Senso-Ji is an ancient Buddhist temple and, according to what my local guide Yuki explained (and what I later double-checked), it’s the oldest temple in Tokyo, dating all the way back to 645 AD. That alone already makes it pretty special and it’s wild to think this place has been here for almost 1,400 years while the rest of Tokyo kept reinventing itself around it.

The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion, which is why you’ll see a lot of prayer rituals happening throughout the grounds.

Senso-Ji has several entrances, but most people (including me) enter through the Kaminarimon Gate, the one connected to Nakamise Shopping Street. It’s definitely the busiest entrance and also the most photographed, thanks to the massive red lantern hanging in the middle.

Once inside, you’ll pass the incense burner, where people waft the smoke over themselves for good health, before reaching the main hall, where visitors pray and make small offerings. There’s also a beautiful five-story pagoda on the temple grounds.

If you want a quieter experience, it’s good to know there are side entrances as well, which are noticeably less crowded and feel a bit more peaceful, especially early in the morning.

The Best Time to Visit Senso-Ji Tokyo

I personally went around 11am (if I remember correctly), and honestly, that was a huge mistake. It was insanely crowded. From the main gate, straight through Nakamise Shopping Street, and into the temple grounds, I was basically stuck in a constant stream of people. That one’s on me though and in hindsight, I should’ve arrived much earlier.

If you want a quieter experience (or at least a chance at photos without hundreds of people in them), I’d recommend coming early in the morning. The temple opens at 6am, and that’s by far the best time if you want to enjoy it a bit more peacefully. Late afternoon can also be better than midday, but early mornings are still your safest bet.

One more thing worth mentioning: I saw loads of people renting traditional outfits here for photos. After spending a full month in Japan, I can honestly say there are much better places to do this. At Senso-Ji, it felt overpriced and way too hectic.

If wearing traditional clothing is on your list, I’d save that experience for Kyoto, where it feels more atmospheric and less chaotic.

FAQs About Senso-Ji Temple Tokyo

What are the best temples in Tokyo?

My personal favorite temples and shrines in Tokyo are Senso-Ji in Asakusa and Meiji Jingu near Shibuya. I visited both, and while they’re very different in atmosphere, I genuinely enjoyed each one and think they’re both worth visiting.

Is Tokyo worth visiting?

100%. Tokyo is one of the most exciting, iconic, and fun cities I’ve ever been to. In my opinion, it’s an absolute must on any Japan itinerary.

Is Senso-Ji worth visiting?

Yes. Is it the most stunning temple I’ve seen in all of Japan? Probably not. But is it still worth visiting when you’re in Tokyo? Definitely. It’s beautiful, culturally important, and located in a super convenient area right in Asakusa.

How to get to Sensoji Temple?

The easiest way to get to Senso-Ji (and exactly what I did) is taking the subway to Asakusa Station. There are multiple train lines that stop here, and from the station it’s only about a 5-minute walk to the temple.

What are the best things to do in Tokyo Japan?

Some of my favorite things to do in Tokyo include exploring Shinjuku and Shibuya, heading up to Shibuya Sky, visiting teamLab Planets, and of course stopping by Senso-Ji Temple in Asakusa.

Final Thoughts on Tokyo Senso-Ji

I’ll wrap this up quickly since this is meant to be a mini guide and I feel like I’ve already stretched it a bit. But yes, Senso-Ji is a beautiful ancient temple that’s over 1,400 years old, so it’s obviously worth visiting.

I had a great time here and found it really interesting, even though it was very busy when I visited. My biggest tip is to go early in the morning and you’ll have a much better experience. I also highly recommend doing what I did and using your time in Asakusa to explore the area. Between Tokyo Skytree, great restaurants, bars, and little streets to wander, it’s a really fun part of the city.

Happy travels and enjoy the visit.