Visit Senso-Ji Temple

Senso-Ji Temple is Tokyo’s most famous and oldest temple that tourists visit. If this is your first time in Tokyo, I highly recommend a visit. In association with the 7th century, this period is known as the Edo period. You can hop off the Tokyo Asakusa Station and take a short walk to the Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate). A giant red lantern hangs in the center of the main gate and is considered the main temple.

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As we walked toward the temple, we noticed a map and realized this entire area is bigger than we thought. Yes, you will hear people talking, but the talking is at a minimum noise level. You will smell incense in the air. This place is a temple after all and people are worshipping.

We arrived to Senso-Ji Temple around 9am Tokyo time and it was already busy here. It does get busier throughout the day, so I suggest getting here as early as you can. There is a shopping street and you can grab food here as well.

Here at the base of the temple people worship by clapping their hands and forming them in praying formation. It was come to my attention that people clap their hands to show respect and get the attention of the spirits to listen to their prayers.

Just a short walk away from Senso-Ji Temple is a nearby Kimono rental storefront called Yae. It was about $50 for an all day kimono rental plus hairdo. These make great photos at the temple! Men outfits are also available.

What I love most about Japanese temples is the architecture. I love the height of the layers and the peaks that flare up at the corners. The colors are bold and since red is my favorite color its no wonder I love these structures so much. I just think it looks stunning! This 5-story pagoda is one of Tokyo’s tallest.

For a small fee, you can receive a paper fortune called omikuji through a box. If you receive a bad fortune, you can tie it to a designated area and leave it behind. This symbolizes that you’ve left the “bad” luck behind.

panoramic view of Senso-Ji — Panoramic view of Senso-Ji Temple grounds.

Ueno Park

With only a 7 minute walk away, you can visit Ueno Park. We didn’t walk too much around here, but it looks like a great place to visit especially during cherry blossom season. It is a large park that is famous for many museums: Tokyo National Museum, National Science Museum, National Museum for Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and also is home to Ueno Zoo.

If you’re especially visiting Tokyo for the first time, make sure you don’t miss visiting Senso-Ji Temple. You will never forget your experience at Tokyo’s most famous and oldest temple.

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