Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Senso-ji Temple. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and Old Tokyo Walking Tour

• Tokyo: Asakusa Temple & Old Town Walking Tour

• Tokyo: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Old Town Walking Tour

• Tokyo: Private Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple Tour with 3 Food Stops

• Tokyo Asakusa Rickshaw Tour

Senso-ji Temple is free to visit; however, if you’d like to learn more about the temple’s history and architecture, there are plenty of tour options available. Walking tours of the temple and the surrounding Asakusa district start at US$15, or you can explore on your own with a self-guided audio tour from US$6.

Yes, Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple and one of the city's most photographed landmarks. The temple represents centuries of Japanese history and Buddhist heritage; consider visiting with a guide, who will teach you about its cultural significance, temple etiquette, and the many architectural details.

Per one customer who booked the Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and Old Tokyo Walking Tour, "Glenda was a phenomenal tour guide! She was very knowledgeable and pointed out so many aspects of the temples I wouldn't have caught without her. She gave us historical context while also allowing some free time to roam and take pictures. She walked us through how to purify ourselves, get our fortunes, and proper guidelines for praying at the Temple. I was most excited for Senso-ji but ended up really enjoying the tour of Hoppy Street and Shin Nakamise as well!"

Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple) was founded in 645 AD and is one of Tokyo's oldest temples. Legend says two fishermen found a Kannon statue in the Sumida River and built the temple as a dedication to the Bodhisattva of compassion. Over centuries, it has become a significant cultural and spiritual site, attracting millions of visitors annually.

The nearest station to Senso-ji Temple is Asakusa Station, which is served by the Toei Asakusa subway line, the Ginza subway line, and the Tobu Railway. If traveling from Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda station and switch to the Ginza line, which takes you to Asakusa in around 10 minutes.

Senso-ji Temple features several prominent attractions, such as the Kaminarimon Gate (also known as the Thunder Gate), which is famous for its giant red lantern. Also you can find Nakamise-dori Shopping Street, the Hōzōmon Gate, and the five-storied pagoda, which makes a fantastic photo opportunity.

The best time to visit Senso-ji Temple is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak crowds. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends and holidays. As for the time of year, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) typically boast mild weather and either cherry blossoms or fall foliage.

Senso-ji Temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Sanja Matsuri, known for being one of Tokyo's largest and most vibrant festivals. Taking place typically on the third weekend of May, it attracts between 1.5 million and 2 million visitors each year, who come for its street parades, music, and dancing.

The Kaminarimon Gate is significant for being the main gateway to Senso-ji Temple. Dating back over 1,000 years, it has been rebuilt multiple times due to fires. The current gate dates back to 1960 and is adorned by a large red lantern and statues of Shinto and Buddhist gods for protection.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Senso-ji Temple. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Tokyo: 

• Tokyo Tower

• Shibuya

• Tokyo Imperial Palace

• Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)

• Akihabara

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Tokyo.