Sensoji, also known as Asakusa Kannon, is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple that dates back to the 7th century AD

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Asakusa: Temple Senso-Ji Guided Tour

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 90 minute

$14

If you're planning a trip to Tokyo you can't miss Senso-Ji Temple, one of Tokyo's most famous temple...

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Exploring the Wonders of Asakusa Sensō-ji ( Sensoji )Temple

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 1.0 hour

$45

Learn about Senso-ji temple and enjoy local! Explore Asakusa area!!...

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tokyo:sensoji walks with introduction of Japanese culture

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 4.0 hour

$134

We visit sensoji temple with the introduction of it history.we do some local activities in sensoji. ...

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Tokyo Morning Tour: Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace & Sensoji

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 4 hour

$53

Visit the most popular Tokyo sightseeing spots including Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Tow...

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Asakusa Sensoji Temple Walking Tour Tokyo

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 2.0 hour

$23

Walking through the oldest Temple in Tokyo with local guide....

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Tokyo: Sensoji Temple & Izakaya History Walking Eating Tour

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 3.0 hour

$121

Discover Tokyo's history with a river walk, hidden photo spots, and a visit to the ancient Sensoji T...

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Tokyo: Asakusa Senso-ji Private Tour with English Guide

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    9.5 hour

$664

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, Asakusa Senso-ji, with an English guide. See Asakusa’s history and cult...

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Tokyo: Sensoji Temple History Walking Tour

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 1.0 hour

$32

Dive into Tokyo's past with a walk through Sensoji Temple, guided by a knowledgable local guide! Dis...

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Asakusa Sumida River Walk to Senso-ji temple Tour

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 1.5 hour

$45

Let's explore Senso-ji temple! Enjoy nature in center of Tokyo!!...

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Tokyo: Sumida River & Sensoji Temple History Walking Tour

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 2.0 hour

$49

Enjoy a relaxing history walk along the river, discovering hidden photo spots & ending with visiting...

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Hello Tokyo Walking Tour: Meiji Jingu, Senso-ji and Harajuku

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 3 hours

$108

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Asakusa : Sensoji Temple and Sake Brewery Tour

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 3.0 hour

$68

Visit Sensoji Temple and explore Japanese history. Visit Konohanano Sake Brewery, an urban brewery, ...

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Tokyo Skytree: Dining & Walking tour to the Sensoji

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 3.5 hour

$75

Experience the Tokyo Sky Tree and Sensoji Temple at night while enjoying Izakaya. You can also enjoy...

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Tokyo Morning Tour: Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple and Ginza Shopping District

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 4 hours

$45

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Asakusa Walking Tour sensoji Temple, Izakaya from the River

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 2.5 hour

$111

Let's explore Asakusa area!! Enjoy history, Sensoji-temple, Japanese Izakaya!! You will find not onl...

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Tokyo: Book a Local Friend

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 2.0 hour

$105

Discover Tokyo's landmarks and hidden gems on a tour tailored by a local insider. See famous sites l...

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Tokyo Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

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 4.0 hour

$133

Take the stress out of exploring Tokyo on your own on a 7-hour tour with a private guide. Go to the Tsukiji Fish Market ...

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Tokyo Temples & Shrines Morning Tour

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 4 hour

$47

Explore Tokyo's most famous temples, shrines, and gardens on a morning bus tour. See the Meiji Jingu Shrine, Imperial Pa...

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Sensoji, Tokyo

Sensoji, also known as Asakusa Kannon, is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple that dates back to the 7th century AD.

Sensoji, also known as Asakusa Kannon, is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple that dates back to the 7th century AD. Also one of the largest temples in the city, it is a major attraction for Japanese and foreigners alike. It is dedicated to Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Legend has it that a statue of the bodhisattva Kannon (Avalokiteśvara) was found in the Sumida River in 628 AD by two fishermen brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari. This statue was enshrined in the home of the village chief which was remodeled into a small temple. The present structure is from the 20th century reconstruction after the previous building was destroyed in World War II bombings.

The entrance to the temple is marked by the imposing Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), which measures 11.7 metres high and 11.4 metres wide. It features a 4 metre tall red and black chōchin (lantern) in the centre, flanked by statues of the Shinto gods Fūjin (god of wind) and Raijin (god of thunder) in alcoves. The back side of the gate has statues of Buddhist god Tenryū and goddess Kinryū.

Starting from the Kaminarimon, the 250 metre stretch of Nakamise-dori is lined with various shops selling traditional Japanese items and souvenirs. It leads to the Hōzōmon (Treasure House Gate) which is the entrance to the inner complex with a 5-storey pagoda and the Hondo (main hall) devoted to Kannon.

The Hōzōmon is a 2-storey structure, with the lower level housing 2 statues of Niō - the guardian deities of the Buddha, 3 chōchin, and two 4.5 metre long waraji (straw sandals). The upper level houses the Sensoji's precious sutras (ancient texts), including a copy of the Lotus Sutra, and the Issai-kyō, a complete collection of Buddhist scriptures.

The 5-storey pagoda, made of reinforced concrete and aluminum, stands on a 5 metre tall platform and rises to a height of 53 metres. Access to its interiors is restricted. The base has a mausoleum with ihai (spirit tablets), while the uppermost level has a stupa and the ashes of the Buddha which were brought in from the Isurumuniya Temple in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

The Hondo houses the Kannon image, and its ceiling features paintings of a dragon by Kawabata Ryushi, and celestial maidens by Insho Domoto. In front of the hall is a large cauldron with incense with smoke that visitors waft towards themselves, as it is believed to bestow good health. Also in front of the hall is the chozuya (water fountain for ablution) with dragons spouting water for washing hands and mouth before entering the sacred building.

The Nitenmon Gate to the east of the Hondo is one of the few surviving structures from the past, originally built in 1618. It features the Buddhist deities Zochoten and Jikokuten.

The complex has o-mikuji stalls with different fortune-telling scrolls tied to a stick. For a small price (~100 yen), visitors can pick a prophetic chit to learn about their future. The temple also has a tranquil Japanese garden. The various structures are beautifully illuminated every day from sunset until 11 pm.


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About Sensoji

 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 111-0032, Japan

 +81 3-3842-0181

 www.senso-ji.jp

Sensoji and Nearby Sights on Map

Asakusa Jinja

The Asakusa Jinja, also known as Sanja-sama (Shrine of the 3 Gods), is a 17th century Shinto shrine that honors the 3 Japanese men - Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Haji no Nakatomo who established the Senso-ji temple after finding the bodhisattva Kannon statue in the Sumida river

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