Sensō-Ji, Tokyo’s Oldest Temple
Sensō-ji temple, located in Asakusa is Tokyo’s oldest establish Buddhist temple, and the most widely visited religious site in the world.
Originally established in 645 AD but destroyed on the 10th of March firebombing air raid on Tokyo, during WW2. The main hall was rebuilt between the years of 1951 and 1958. The Kaminarimon gate was rebuilt in 1960, the Hōzōmon gate in 1964, and the iconic five story pagoda in 1973.
Sensō-ji, also known as Asakusa Kannon, is dedicated to the bodhisattva of compassion.
Go-Shuin, Shrine & Temple Stamps
A Go-shuin is a seal stamp offered to worshipers and visitors to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan, often collected in a dedicated book called a shuinchō.
Sensō-ji temple and the Asakusa shrine, both provide go-shuin for visitors in exchange for a ¥500 donation.
Some shrines and temples will use pre-made rubber stamps for the entire process, while others such as Sensō-ji temple and Asakusa shrine will complete the calligraphy entirely by hand.
Tokyo Skytree and Asahi HQ
A short walk from Sensō-ji is a great place to view the iconic skyline of the Tokyo Skytree and Asahi HQ buildings, from the opposite side of Sumida river.
The tall golden building, part of Asahi HQ is designed to resemble a glass of beer, with the foam rising out of the top of the glass!
If you can find the right spot along the river, there is a secret “Golden Skytree” treat for you to observe as a reflection in the Asahi building…
Night-Time Light-Up
As the sun sets and the night falls, the whole area transforms into a beautiful display of lights and colours!
The Skytree regularly changes colour and the Sumida river reflects the bridges stretching over it..
Sensō-Ji Light-Up
Snacks & Refreshments
The area around the temple had many offerings for snack and refreshments.
My personal recommendations are giant senbei rice cracker with octopus, and iced matcha, or matcha beer!
Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by at a monjayaki place for a classic Asakusa’s take on okonomiyaki. It might look a little messy, but trust me… You will absolutely NOT regret it!
Getting There
Asakusa has no surface level train station connected to the main lines of Tokyo, unfortunately, but there are a couple of options available for public transport.
Asakusa station is an underground/metro station which is serviced by the Tozai line, Ginza line and Asakusa line.
The nearest surface level train station is Ueno, about a 20 minute walk from Sensō-ji. However, if you wish to avoid the walk then you will be pleased to know that you can take the aforementioned Ginza subway from Ueno station.
Sensō-Ji Temple and Asakusa, Tokyo
For more photos of Sensō-ji and Asakusa, please visit my photography page.
Thank you for reading!
