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Sensō-ji & Asakusa 🇯🇵

Tokyo’s oldest temple, its great red lantern and the old-town lanes around it.

CountryJapan RegionKanto Best timeMar · May · Oct · Nov TypeAttraction
© Akonnchiroll / CC0
Must-seeTokyo’s oldest temple with a giant red lantern and old-town buzz — free, best early or after dark.

Sensō-ji, founded in 645, draws crowds through the Kaminarimon gate and down Nakamise shopping street to the great incense cauldron and main hall in Asakusa.

Maarten Heerlien from Voorschoten, The Netherlands / CC BY 2.0
© Maarten Heerlien from Voorschoten, The Netherlands / CC BY 2.0

What to see at Sensō-ji & Asakusa

  • The Kaminarimon lantern and Nakamise street of snacks and crafts.
  • Waft the incense smoke over you for health.
  • Draw an omikuji fortune (a bad one? tie it up and leave it).
  • The Skytree looms behind for a great combined photo.

Visiting tips

Come at opening or in the evening when the grounds are lit and the day-trippers have gone.

How long: 1–1.5 hours · Best time: Early morning or evening.

How to get there & what’s nearby

Sensō-ji & Asakusa is easy to reach on Tokyo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Shibuya Crossing and Meiji Shrine. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tokyo travel guide.

Plan your trip

See the full Tokyo travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.

01 Weather

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Wed Light rain 73° 70° ☔ 100%
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Frequently asked about Sensō-ji & Asakusa

Is Sensō-ji & Asakusa worth visiting?
Yes — it is one of the top things to do in Tokyo. Tokyo’s oldest temple, its great red lantern and the old-town lanes around it.
Do you need a ticket for Sensō-ji & Asakusa?
No — it is free to visit.
How much time do you need at Sensō-ji & Asakusa?
Most visitors spend from under an hour to a few hours, depending on how much they want to see.
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