Experts' Choice Award Senso-ji Temple
What the experts agree on
Tokyo's oldest temple (founded 645 AD) dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, draws 30+ million visitors annually. The iconic red gate and photogenic five-story pagoda frame the atmospheric Nakamise shopping street leading to the entrance.
“Tokyo's oldest temple is said to have originated in 628 when fishermen found a small gold statue of Kannon in their nets.”
– Condé Nast Traveler
Fodor's "The garden of Dembo-in is ... the best-kept secret in Asakusa." Full review
Concierge "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."
Frommer's "Tokyo's oldest and most popular temple." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Tokyo’s oldest temple, completed in A.D. 645, is devoted to Kannon, the Buddhist deity of compassion and mercy." Full review
Time Out "With over 30 million visitors a year, Senso-ji holds a special place in local hearts." Full review
Michelin Guide 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
Travel + Leisure "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
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Watch those around you for cues on how to act as you approach and enter the temple.
Lonely PlanetTop 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
National Geographic "From the roofed gateways and five-story pagoda at Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple, west to Asakusa's backstreet yakitori-ya, and then through to the catering industry stores along neighboring..."
National Geographic "Tokyo's oldest Buddhist house of worship, the Sensoji Temple, is the jewel in the crown of the city's well-preserved Asakusa historic district. Constructed in 638 A.D., the temple houses..."
