Located in the heart of Tokyo, Sensō-ji Temple is one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in Japan. Built in 645 CE by Prince Shotoku, it is dedicated to the Buddhist goddess Kannon and features a 90-meter-tall wooden tower covered in thousands of colorful paper lanterns, known as 'nakamaidara.' Visitors can explore the temple's impressive architecture, including its five-story pagoda and numerous shrines. The temple grounds also house several traditional tea houses and shops selling souvenirs and local specialties.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 35.5482336, 139.6220621
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, consider visiting Sensō-ji during the week or early in the morning. Also, be mindful of the temple's rules regarding clothing and photography.
Cultural notes
While not strictly Shinto, Sensō-ji is built on a site that was originally dedicated to the Shinto god of learning, Bishamon-tai. The temple's architecture reflects this dual nature, with elements of both Buddhist and Shinto styles. Visitors can still see evidence of the original Shinto shrine on the premises.