Senso-ji & Nakamise Street
Tokyo's oldest temple, with the atmosphere of an Edo-period shopping street.
Overview
Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon. Its main gate, Kaminarimon, hangs a giant lantern and is one of the city's defining landmarks. The 250-metre Nakamise shopping street runs from Kaminarimon to the main hall, lined with 89 traditional shops selling souvenirs, Japanese sweets and crafts, making it an excellent place to experience traditional Japanese culture.
History
Senso-ji is said to have been founded in AD 628, after three fishermen recovered a statue of Kannon from the Sumida River and enshrined it here. It has been damaged by war and fire several times over the centuries and rebuilt each time, becoming a symbol of Tokyo's continuity. The annual Sanja Matsuri is one of Japan's largest festivals, drawing about two million people.
Highlights
- •The giant lantern at Kaminarimon, a Tokyo landmark
- •Nakamise Street and its traditional souvenirs
- •The main hall of the temple and its precious relics
- •The five-storey pagoda against the Sumida River at night
Practical tips
- •The temple opens at 6 am, when it is quiet and peaceful
- •Weekends and holidays are very crowded
- •Try omikuji fortune slips
- •There is plenty of food nearby, including traditional Edo snacks
Practical information
- Best time
- Year-round
- Tickets
- Free, including the main hall
- Opening hours
- Open all day; the main hall 6:00 to 17:00
- Local food
- Sushi, ramen, tempura and wagyu beef
- Getting around
- The metro and JR network is dense; use an IC transit card and expect crowded rush hours
- Visa
- A visa is required and document requirements vary by consular district. Apply about a month ahead through a designated agency.
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