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Imperial PalacevsSenso-ji Temple
Imperial Palace and Senso-ji Temple are both highly recommended by professional travelers. On balance, Senso-ji Temple scores significantly better than Imperial Palace. Senso-ji Temple has a TripExpert Score of 92 with recommendations from 7 publications like Fodor's, Lonely Planet and Time Out.
Imperial Palace
Frommer's
Travel + Leisure
Time Out
Michelin Guide
Condé Nast Traveler
1-1 Chiyada, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-8111
From $0/night
"The Imperial Palace, home of the Imperial family, is the heart and soul of Tokyo." Full review
"Located on the former site of the 15th-century Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace is the official residence of Japan's royal family." Full review
"Tokyo's Imperial Palace stands on what was once the site of Edo castle and residence of the Tokugawa shogunate." Full review
1 Star
"The Emperor, who lives there still, opens it to the public on 23 December and 2 January each year. The rest of the year, visitors can wander among the 250,000 trees of Higashi-gyoen Garden." Full review
i
Get a glimpse of the monarch's treasures in the Museum of the Imperial Collections.
"On the emperor’s birthday—December 23—the inner gardens of the Imperial Palace are opened so the populace can come wish the emperor good health and a long life." Full review
Senso-ji Temple
Fodor's
Concierge
Frommer's
Travel + Leisure
Time Out
Michelin Guide
Travel + Leisure
Lonely Planet
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032
From $0/night
"The garden of Dembo-in is ... the best-kept secret in Asakusa." Full review
"Pass through the famous red gates (Kaminarimon) and walk up Nakamise Street along a row of small shops selling everything from tourist trinkets to traditional crafts."
"Tokyo's oldest and most popular temple." Full review
"Tokyo’s oldest temple, completed in A.D. 645, is devoted to Kannon, the Buddhist deity of compassion and mercy." Full review
"With over 30 million visitors a year, Senso-ji holds a special place in local hearts." Full review
2 Stars
"Founded in the 7C and dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, the Buddhist temple of Senso-ji was toppled by the bombings of the Second World War." Full review
"Centrally located in the Asakusa neighborhood, Sensō-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple that houses a rich and vibrant history. "
Tokyo Travel Guide
July 15, 2021
i
Watch those around you for cues on how to act as you approach and enter the temple.
Top choice
"Walk down Nakamise-dōri to reach the temple entrance – to your left you'll spot the Five-Storeyed Pagoda (55m) almost begging you to take its photo." Full review