Sight guide · Tokyo · Japan
Visiting Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple, founded according to tradition in 628, is approached through the Kaminarimon gate with its giant red lantern and along Nakamise-dori, a 250-metre street of snack and souvenir stalls.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Akonnchiroll, CC0
Quick answer
Senso-ji Temple is a religious site in Asakusa, Tokyo. Allow 1–2 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Religious site
- Area
- Asakusa
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, history, after dark and photo spot
- Best months
- December–February
About Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple, founded according to tradition in 628, is approached through the Kaminarimon gate with its giant red lantern and along Nakamise-dori, a 250-metre street of snack and souvenir stalls. In front of the main hall, visitors waft incense smoke over themselves for good health and draw omikuji paper fortunes.
Tip: Come at dawn or after dark, when the buildings are lit and the crowds have gone; the temple grounds stay accessible after the stalls close.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Asakusa, senso-ji temple, old-Tokyo streets and views of the Skytree.
Best time to visit Senso-ji Temple
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- January: 10°C (50°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- February: 11°C (52°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- December: 12°C (54°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Tokyo has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Tokyo itinerary visits Senso-ji Temple on day 1, together with Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya Crossing and Tokyo Skytree.
- No. 1 of the 20 sights in our Tokyo things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 4-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 7-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Tokyo.
If you like Senso-ji Temple
- Meiji Jingu Shrine — Harajuku, 1–1.5 hours
- Shibuya Crossing — Shibuya, 30 minutes
- Shibuya Sky — Shibuya, 1 hour
- Imperial Palace East Gardens — Marunouchi, 1–1.5 hours
Staying near Senso-ji Temple
Stay in Asakusa ($$) to walk here: senso-ji temple, old-Tokyo streets and views of the Skytree. All areas to stay in Tokyo.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Senso-ji Temple?
Plan 1–2 hours.
+Is Senso-ji Temple free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Senso-ji Temple?
December–February, the quietest of the good months. Come at dawn or after dark, when the buildings are lit and the crowds have gone; the temple grounds stay accessible after the stalls close.
+Do I need to book Senso-ji Temple in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.