Meiji Jingu
Shibuya, Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan Shinto
Tokyo’s major imperial Shinto shrine, set within a vast man-made forest beside Harajuku.
Buddhist TempleBuddhism
Senso-ji
浅草寺 · Asakusa Kannon · Sensoji Temple
Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, centered on devotion to Kannon in historic Asakusa.
Sacred Place Overview
About Senso-ji
Identity, documented context and sacred significance.
Senso-ji is a major Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. The Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise approach and main Kannon hall make it one of Japan’s most visited religious landmarks.
Sacred Place at a Glance
A concise view of the place, tradition, location and heritage details available for this Sacred Place.
Place TypeBuddhist Temple
Religious TraditionBuddhism
Tradition / DenominationIndependent postwar temple; historically Tendai
Associated Buddha / BodhisattvaKannon (Avalokiteshvara)
LocationAsakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan
CountryJapan
Established / PeriodTraditionally 628 CE
ArchitectureTraditional Japanese Buddhist temple complex
Faith, Tradition & Sacred Association
Religious tradition, dedication and sacred associations connected with this place.
Religious TraditionBuddhism
Tradition / DenominationIndependent postwar temple; historically Tendai
Associated Buddha / BodhisattvaKannon (Avalokiteshvara)
History & Sacred Tradition
Documented history, sacred narrative and editorial synthesis are kept visibly separate.
Historical Record
The temple has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt over its long history. The current complex preserves the historic ritual center of Asakusa.
Sacred Tradition
Temple tradition says fishermen recovered an image of Kannon from the Sumida River in 628 and that the temple was established to enshrine it. This is a sacred founding tradition.
Editorial Context
Significance: One of Japan’s best-known Buddhist temples and a major tourist and devotional destination.
Architecture & Sacred Complex
Traditional Japanese Buddhist temple complex
Practices & Visiting Information
Documented worship, observances and practices where available.
Kannon devotion|incense offering|fortune slips
Entry & Visitor Rules
Practical access information and visitor guidance for this Sacred Place.
Entry / Accessfree
Special timingsGrounds remain accessible beyond main hall hours; check the official site for current hall hours.
How to Reach
Road, rail, air and local-access information where documented.
Best Time to Visit
Crowds: Very crowded on weekends, holidays and during Sanja Matsuri and New Year.
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Information Status & Sources
Information Status
- Status
- Source Confirmed
- Last checked
- September 23, 2026
- Primary source
- JNTO