# Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo's oldest temple through the year

[Senso-ji](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E5%AF%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-3-1) is Tokyo's oldest temple, dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, and it traces its founding to the year 628. It is the busiest sight in Asakusa and still a working temple, with locals praying on the way to work and fairs, dances and festivals all year. The list below is updated daily with events at the temple and right around it.

## What Senso-ji is

The founding story is short and well loved. On a March morning in 628 two fishermen, the brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Takenari, found a small statue of Kannon in their net in the river now called the Sumida, and it was enshrined on this spot. It is a hidden image: nobody sees it, and the figure in front of the altar stands in for it.

In the Edo period shops and theatres gathered around the temple, and Nakamise, its approach street, is counted among the oldest shopping streets in Japan. Most large buildings were lost in 1945 and rebuilt in concrete in their old forms: the main hall in 1958, Hozomon in 1964, the five-storey pagoda in 1973. Kaminarimon had burned down in 1865 and was only rebuilt in 1960, paid for by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic.

- → [Asakusa: temple fairs, festivals and old Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/asakusa.md)
- → [Events in Taito](https://eventstokyo.com/en/taito.md)
- → [Cultural & Ethnic Festivals events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/culture.md)

## What to see, from the gate to the pagoda

[Kaminarimon](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%9B%B7%E9%96%80%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-3-1), officially Furaijinmon, is named after the wind god and the thunder god who guard it on either side. Walk through and look back to see two dragon gods on the inner side. The red lantern is about 3.9 metres tall and weighs around 700 kilograms. From here [Nakamise](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BB%B2%E8%A6%8B%E4%B8%96%E5%95%86%E5%BA%97%E8%A1%97%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%891%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) runs about 250 metres to the second gate, lined with stalls selling rice crackers, ningyo-yaki cakes, fans and souvenirs.

[Hozomon](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E5%AF%BA%20%E5%AE%9D%E8%94%B5%E9%96%80%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-3-1), the second gate, holds two Nio guardians and, on its back side, a pair of straw sandals 4.5 metres long, made by volunteers from Murayama in Yamagata Prefecture. Beyond it, people waft smoke from the big incense burner over themselves for good health before climbing to the main hall, where a dragon by Kawabata Ryushi is painted on the ceiling.

The [five-storey pagoda](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E5%AF%BA%20%E4%BA%94%E9%87%8D%E5%A1%94%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-3-1), about 53 metres tall with a Buddha relic from Sri Lanka in its top storey, stands to the left of the main hall and is not open inside. To the right is [Asakusa Shrine](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-3-1), a hall from 1649 listed as an Important Cultural Property; it honours the three men linked to the statue's discovery and is the home of the Sanja Matsuri. The garden of [Denboin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BC%9D%E6%B3%95%E9%99%A2%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-3-1), the abbot's residence, is normally closed but opens for a few days in some years, with tickets sold in advance.

- Nakamise shops ask you to eat what you buy at the shop or in its eat-in corner, not while walking through the crowd.
- Omikuji fortunes here are known for giving bad luck fairly often. If you draw one, tie it to the rack and leave it behind.

- → [Shrine and temple etiquette for festivals and New Year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shrine-etiquette.md)
- → [What to eat at a Japanese festival](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/festival-food.md)

## The year at Senso-ji

The temple year starts with the New Year services (shushoe), held in the main hall from December 31 to January 6, and in the first days of January the queue to the main hall can reach back past Hozomon. At Setsubun in early February beans are thrown from a stage beside the main hall; the call here is "senshu banzai, fuku wa uchi" and never "oni wa soto", because the temple holds that no demons stand before Kannon. On March 18, the day the statue is said to have appeared, and again on October 18, a golden dragon dance winds through the grounds.

On the third weekend of May, Asakusa Shrine holds the [Sanja Matsuri](https://asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/), when around a hundred neighbourhood mikoshi and then the shrine's own three are carried through the streets. On July 9 and 10 the hozuki-ichi fills the courtyard with potted ground cherries, and a visit on these days is said to equal 46,000 days of prayer. The Tokyo Jidai Matsuri costume parade passes on November 3, and the white heron dance (Shirasagi no mai) is performed in the grounds that day, as it is on the second Sunday of April. In recent autumns an evening event, Asakusa Culture and Lights, has projected images onto the halls, and the year closes with the hagoita-ichi fair of decorated battledores on December 17 to 19 and the temple bell on Bentenyama, rung on the night of December 31.

- → [New Year in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/new-year.md)
- → [Setsubun in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/setsubun.md)
- → [Matsuri in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/matsuri.md)
- → [The biggest festivals in Tokyo worth planning a trip around](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/best-festivals.md)
- → [Autumn festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/autumn-festivals.md)
- → [Matsuri & Festivals events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/matsuri.md)
- → [Events in Taito](https://eventstokyo.com/en/taito.md)

## Timing, crowds and etiquette

Senso-ji is free. The main hall opens early in the morning and closes in the late afternoon (seasonal times are on the [official site](https://www.senso-ji.jp/about/)), but the grounds stay open and the gates and pagoda are lit up after dark. Weekends from late morning to late afternoon are the busiest; early morning, before Nakamise opens, is when the temple feels most like itself.

This is a Buddhist temple, so you pray quietly with your palms together and do not clap. The two bows and two claps belong at Asakusa Shrine next door. Inside the main hall people are praying, so keep your voice low and step away from the offering box once you are done. On the big days (New Year, the Sanja Matsuri, the fairs) come early or late, carry cash for the stalls and take your rubbish with you.

- For photos of Kaminarimon without a crowd, come on a weekday before about 8am.
- Fair and festival stalls are mostly cash only. Bring coins and 1,000-yen notes.

- → [Taking photos at Tokyo events](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/photography.md)
- → [Shrine and temple etiquette for festivals and New Year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shrine-etiquette.md)
- → [Free events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/free.md)
- → [This weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-weekend.md)

## Getting there and nearby

The nearest station is [Asakusa](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%20%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%891-1-3), on the Ginza Line, the Toei Asakusa Line and the Tobu Skytree Line, a few minutes' walk from Kaminarimon. The Tsukuba Express has its own [Asakusa Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%81%A4%E3%81%8F%E3%81%B0%E3%82%A8%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B9%20%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E8%A5%BF%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%893-1-11&query_place_id=ChIJ8UU86L-OGGARn9PySbX_CnM) a little to the west. On busy days, walk in from [Tawaramachi](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%E9%8A%80%E5%BA%A7%E7%B7%9A%20%E7%94%B0%E5%8E%9F%E7%94%BA%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E8%A5%BF%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%891-1-18), one stop away on the Ginza Line.

Across from Kaminarimon, the [Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E6%96%87%E5%8C%96%E8%A6%B3%E5%85%89%E3%82%BB%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E9%9B%B7%E9%96%802-18-9) has a free top-floor terrace that looks straight down Nakamise to the main hall. [Hanayashiki](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E8%8A%B1%E3%82%84%E3%81%97%E3%81%8D%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-28-1), a small retro amusement park, is a few minutes west of the main hall, [Kappabashi](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%81%8B%E3%81%A3%E3%81%B1%E6%A9%8B%E9%81%93%E5%85%B7%E8%A1%97%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%9D%BE%E3%81%8C%E8%B0%B73%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE&query_place_id=ChIJXYV-6JWOGGAR85vIZbM1RCE) kitchenware street is a little further, and [Tokyo Skytree](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AB%E3%82%A4%E3%83%84%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%A2%A8%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%8A%BC%E4%B8%8A1-1-1) is about 20 minutes on foot across the Sumida River. Ueno is a short ride on the Ginza Line.

- → [Asakusa: temple fairs, festivals and old Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/asakusa.md)
- → [Ueno and Yanaka: museums, parks and old streets](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/ueno.md)
- → [Theme parks around Tokyo and their seasonal events](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/theme-parks.md)
- → [Date ideas in Tokyo, built around events](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/date-ideas.md)
- → [Events in Taito](https://eventstokyo.com/en/taito.md)
- → [Events in Sumida](https://eventstokyo.com/en/sumida.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[Hatsumode at Sensoji 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hatsumode-at-sensoji-2027-7919)** — Fri, Jan 1, 2027 – Sun, Jan 3, 2027 (JST) · Sensoji Temple (Taito) · Free entry
- **[Hagoita-ichi Battledore Market 2026 (Sensoji)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hagoita-ichi-battledore-market-2026-sensoji-7925)** — Thu, Dec 17, 2026 – Sat, Dec 19, 2026 (JST) · Sensoji Temple (Taito) · Free entry
- **[ASAKUSA CULTURE & LIGHTS 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/asakusa-culture-lights-2026)** — Fri, Oct 30, 2026 18:00 – Tue, Nov 3, 2026 (JST) · Sensoji Temple (Taito) · Free entry
- **[Setsubun Bean-Throwing 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/setsubun-bean-throwing-2027-7924)** — Wed, Feb 3, 2027 (JST) · Sensoji Temple (Taito) · Free entry
- **[Smiling Towards Spring in Asakusa: Taito Traditional Performing Arts Show – 9th Edo Town Taito Performing Arts Festival](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/smiling-towards-spring-in-asakusa-taito-traditional-performing)** — Sat, Jan 30, 2027 14:00 (JST) · Asakusa Public Hall · ¥2,000–¥3,800
- **[Park Junyoung](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/park-junyoung)** — Mon, Oct 26, 2026 15:00 (JST) · Asakusa Public Hall · ¥6,600
- **[Comedy Song Festival: Bursting with Rhythm and Laughter](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/comedy-song-festival-bursting-with-rhythm-and-laughter)** — Sun, Nov 8, 2026 13:00 (JST) · Asakusa Public Hall · price on the official site
- **[Japanese Dance Possibilities Vol. 8: 'Moji Spring and Autumn' & 'Cautious Barber: The Barber of Seville Adaptation'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/vol8-3)** — Fri, Nov 13, 2026 – Sat, Nov 14, 2026 (JST) · Asakusa Public Hall · price on the official site
- **[New Year Asakusa Kabuki <Exclusive Eplus Performance> – One Lucky Flower Viewing in Asakusa](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/new-year-asakusa-kabuki-exclusive-eplus-performance-one-lucky)** — Fri, Jan 22, 2027 11:00 (JST) · Asakusa Public Hall · ¥3,500〜
- **[Solo Musical 'BLACK BOX'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/black-box)** — Wed, Oct 28, 2026 18:30 – Sun, Nov 1, 2026 (JST) · Asakusa Kyugeki · ¥9,800〜¥14,000
- **[Konomi Mori](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/konomi-mori)** — Thu, Feb 18, 2027 14:00 (JST) · Asakusa Public Hall · ¥7,000〜
- **[Tokyo Seaside Stroll 🎃 | Walk, Chat, and Exchange Sweets! Halloween Evening Walk from Asakusa to Oshiage, October 31 (Sat)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-seaside-stroll-walk-chat-and)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 20:00 (JST) · FamilyMart Kaminari-mon 2-chome Store (Taito) · ¥1,000
- **[Officially Approved by MU: Nostalgic Urban Legends and Spooky Hanayashiki](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/officially-approved-by-mu-nostalgic-urban-legends-and-spooky-hanayashiki)** — Wed, Sep 30, 2026 – Sun, Nov 1, 2026 (JST) · Asakusa Hanayashiki (Taito) · ¥1,600〜
- **[Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- Pop-up Street at Asakusa Nishi-Sando Shopping Street](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/re-pop-up-street-in)** — Fri, Oct 2, 2026 11:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Okuyama Omairimachi & Asakusa Nishi Sando Shopping Street (Taito) · Free entry
- **[Asakusa Nighttime Horror Event](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/asakusa-nighttime-horror-event)** — Sun, Oct 4, 2026 – Fri, Oct 30, 2026 (JST) · Asakusa Hanayashiki (Taito) · ¥4,000〜¥5,800
- **[Asakusa Geisha Parlor Dance 2026 Autumn](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/asakusa-geisha-parlor-dance-2026-autumn)** — Sat, Oct 3, 2026 – Sat, Nov 14, 2026 (JST) · Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center 6F Multipurpose Space (Taito) · price on the official site
- **[Kimono Discount at Hanayashiki 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kimono-discount-at-hanayashiki-2026)** — Wed, Sep 2, 2026 – Sat, Oct 31, 2026 (JST) · Asakusa Hanayashiki (Taito) · Free entry
- **[Hanayashiki Halloween 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hanayashiki-halloween-2026)** — Wed, Sep 30, 2026 – Tue, Nov 3, 2026 (JST) · Asakusa Hanayashiki (Taito) · ¥1,600

## Questions people ask

**Is Senso-ji free to visit?**
Yes. There is no fee for the temple, the main hall or the grounds. Only occasional special openings, such as the Denboin garden, are ticketed.

**How long do you need at Senso-ji?**
About 30 to 45 minutes for the walk from Kaminarimon to the main hall and the pagoda. Allow one to two hours if you add Asakusa Shrine, snacks on Nakamise and the backstreets.

**Can you visit Senso-ji at night?**
Yes. The main hall closes in the late afternoon, but the grounds stay open and the gates and pagoda are lit up after dark, when it is far quieter.

**What is the difference between Senso-ji and Asakusa Shrine?**
Senso-ji is a Buddhist temple to Kannon. Asakusa Shrine, beside its main hall, is a Shinto shrine to the three men linked with the temple's founding. At the temple you pray quietly; at the shrine you bow twice, clap twice and bow once.

**Is New Year at Senso-ji very crowded?**
Yes. From late on December 31 through the first three days of January the queue to the main hall can stretch back to the gates. Later in the first week it is much easier.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/sensoji