Our “Temples” category introduces Buddhist temples in Tokyo’s Shitamachi area, located along and east of the Sumida River. We highlight must-see shrines and temples to enhance your sightseeing experience in Tokyo.
In this blog post, we focus on Sensoji Temple, a Buddhist temple of the Sho-Kannon sect in Taito Ward, Tokyo.
Sensoji Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, with a history spanning about 1,400 years. Asakusa Shrine is located on the northeast side of Sensoji Temple’s precincts. Until 1868, Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine were part of the same religious entity.
The principal image of Sensoji Temple is Sho-Kannon Bosatsu, the Goddess of Compassion. Her divine virtues are believed to bring “secular benefits.” In other words, if you sincerely pray to her, she may bring you various blessings during your lifetime.
The official name of Sensoji Temple is “Kinryuzan Sensoji Temple” (Sensoji Temple of Golden Dragon’s Mountain). Locals often call it “Asakusa Kannon” because it enshrines Sho-Kannon Bosatsu.
Sensoji Temple was founded by Haji no Nakamachi, who converted his home into a Buddhist temple to enshrine a statue of Sho-Kannon Bosatsu. This statue was discovered in the Sumida River in 628 by two local fisher brothers.
Sensoji Temple is one of Tokyo’s most iconic tourist attractions. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it welcomed 30 million visitors from around the world each year.
This blog post provides helpful information about Sensoji Temple, including its history, highlights, and transportation options. Be sure to refer to it when planning your visit to Tokyo’s Shitamachi area, especially the Asakusa district.
History
According to Sensoji Temple, its origin dates back to the 7th century. Its history is also closely tied to that of Asakusa Shrine, a Shinto shrine located next to Sensoji Temple.
Haji-no-Nakamachi Era
Around the early 7th century, two fisherman brothers, Hinokuma no Hamanari and Hinokuma no Takenari, lived in the area.
On March 18, 628, the Hinokuma brothers were fishing in the Sumida River when they discovered a Buddhist statue in their casting net. However, they didn’t recognize what it was.
They showed the statue to Haji no Nakamachi, an influential local figure. He identified it as Sho-Kannon Bosatsu, the Goddess of Compassion. Sho-Kannon Bosatsu is considered the original form of Kannon Bosatsu, who appears in various forms to hear people’s sufferings and wishes.
The Hinokuma brothers and the local community built a simple temple to enshrine the statue. Later, Haji no Nakamachi entered the priesthood and transformed his home into a Buddhist temple, where he placed the statue of Sho-Kannon Bosatsu as its principal image. This marked the beginning of Sensoji Temple.
Shokai Era
In 645, a Buddhist monk named Shokai visited Sensoji Temple during his travels. He decided to stay and repaired the temple’s main hall in the same year. Following a divine oracle from Sho-Kannon Bosatsu, Shokai declared the temple’s principal image to be Hibutsu, a sacred statue not open to public viewing.
Since then, the principal image has been kept in a miniature temple-like box called a Zushi, which remains closed to everyone, including the temple’s monks.
Ennin Era
In 857, Ennin, a high-ranking Buddhist monk from Enryakuji Temple in Shiga Prefecture, came to Sensoji Temple. Known as Jikaku Daishi, Ennin was the third Tendai-Zasu, a title for the head of the Tendai sect.
Ennin carved a statue of Sho-Kannon Bosatsu as an Omaedate, a substitute statue for worship since the principal image is hidden. This Omaedate is also considered Hibutsu but is publicly displayed once a year at 2 p.m. on December 13th.
Ennin is also said to have carved the statue of Bato-Kannon Bosatsu for Komagata-Do Hall at Sensoji Temple. For more details about Komagata-Do Hall, please see the linked blog post.
Ennin was additionally involved in establishing Ushijima Shrine, located near Sensoji Temple. For more details about Ushijima Shrine, please refer to the linked article.
Taira-no-Kimimasa Era
Surprisingly, a military commander involved in the Taira no Masakado Rebellion also played a significant role in Sensoji Temple’s history.
In 935, the Taira no Masakado Rebellion broke out as Taira no Masakado, a local ruler in the Kanto region, rebelled against the central government in Kyoto, aiming to establish an independent nation. The rebellion was suppressed in 940, with Taira no Kimimasa, Masakado’s cousin, playing a key role in its defeat.
As a reward, Taira no Kimimasa was appointed chief governor of the Awa-no-Kuni Province (modern-day southern Chiba Prefecture). Dissatisfied with this position, he prayed for a promotion at Sensoji Temple in 941. The following year, he was appointed chief governor of Musashi-no-Kuni Province (modern-day Tokyo, Saitama, and parts of Kanagawa). Grateful, he helped restore Sensoji Temple, which had been damaged during the rebellion.
Kimimasa also contributed to the construction of Komagata-Do Hall, Kaminarimon Gate, and Hozomon Gate. For more details about these structures, see the linked blog posts.
Showa Era
During the Bombing of Tokyo in 1945, much of Sensoji Temple was destroyed. The main hall was rebuilt in 1958, and the five-storied pagoda was reconstructed in 1973.
In 1950, Sensoji Temple transitioned from the Tendai sect to the Holy Kannon sect. As a result, Hashiba Fudoson Temple, a subordinate temple of Sensoji Temple, became affiliated with Hieizan Enryakuji Temple of the Tendai sect. For more information about Hashiba Fudoson Temple, see the linked article.
Enshrined Gods and Their Blessings
Sho-Kanzeon Bosatsu (聖観世音菩薩)
- Other Names: Sho Kannon (聖観音), Sho Kanjizai Bosatsu (聖観自在菩薩), Kannon Bosatsu (観音菩薩), etc.
- Divinity: A Buddhist goddess of mercy
- Blessings: Secular benefits, relief from hardships, disease cures, calamity prevention, good fortune, etc.
Bato-Kannon Bosatsu (馬頭観音菩薩)
- Other Names: Bato Kannon (馬頭観音), Mezu Myoo (馬頭明王), etc.
- Divinity: A Buddhist god of animal protection
- Blessings: Calamity prevention, good health, animal protection, travel safety, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at Komagata-do Hall
Daikouten (大黒天)
- Other Names: Daikoku (大黒), etc.
- Divinity: A Shinto/Buddhist god of food and wealth
- Blessings: Prosperous business, economic fortune, bountiful harvests, career success, matchmaking, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at Yoko-do Hall
Benzaiten (弁財天)
- Other Names: Ichikishima Hime no Mikoto (市杵島姫命), Sayori Hime no Mikoto (狭依毘売命), etc.
- Divinity: A Shinto/Buddhist goddess of water, roads, and the performing arts
- Blessings: Household harmony, prosperous business, matchmaking, performing arts success, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at Benten-do Hall
Yakushi Nyorai (薬師如来)
- Other Names: Yakushi Ruriko Nyorai (薬師瑠璃光如来), Daiio (大医王), etc.
- Divinity: A Buddhist god of medicine
- Blessings: Disease cures (especially eye diseases), good health and longevity, safe delivery, secular benefits, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at Yakushi-do Hall
Amida Nyorai (阿弥陀如来)
- Other Names: Amidabutsu (阿弥陀仏), Muryojobutsu (無量寿仏), Muryokobutsu (無量光仏), etc.
- Divinity: A Buddhist god who ensures a peaceful afterlife
- Blessings: Peaceful death, a tranquil life, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at Yoko-do Hall, Awashima-do Hall, and Denpoin Temple
Kokuzo Bosatsu (虚空蔵菩薩)
- Other Names: Myojo Tenshi (明星天子), Daimyojo Tenno (大明星天王), etc.
- Divinity: A Buddhist god of wisdom
- Blessings: Academic achievement, memory improvement, mental clarity, prosperous business, performing arts success, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at Awashima-do Hall
Awashima Myojin (淡島明神)
- Other Names: Awashima no Kami (淡島神), Awashima-sama (淡島さま), etc.
- Divinity: A Buddhist goddess who protects women
- Blessings: Cure for women’s diseases, safe delivery, pregnancy, matchmaking, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at Awashima-do Hall
Highlights of Sensoji Temple
Komagata-Do Hall
Located near the Komagata Bridge over the Sumida River, Komagata-do Hall holds historical and spiritual significance. According to legend, this site marks where the Hinokuma brothers discovered the Kannon statue over 1,400 years ago. It also used to serve as the main gate of Sensoji Temple.
The original hall was built in 942 but has been repeatedly rebuilt due to fires. The current structure dates back to 2003.
Komagata-do enshrines Hayagriva (Horse Head Kannon), a deity with a fierce expression and a horse atop her head. Known for crushing anguish and evil with her anger, she symbolizes protection and the eradication of worldly desires.
Kaminarimon Gate
The iconic Kaminarimon Gate (Gate of Thunder) serves as the main entrance to Sensoji Temple and is a symbol of Asakusa. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, this spot was bustling with visitors capturing its grandeur.
The gate’s official name is Furaijinmon Gate, as it enshrines Fujin (god of storms) and Raijin (god of thunder) on either side. These gods were placed here to protect the temple from water-related disasters.
A massive lantern, measuring 3.9m high, 3.3m wide, and weighing 700kg, hangs prominently at the center of the gate. Don’t miss the intricately carved dragon at its base.
For an exceptional view, visit the free observation terrace atop the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, where you can take in Kaminarimon Gate, the temple grounds, and the five-storied pagoda.
Bentenyama Hill
To the southeast of the main hall lies Bentenyama Hill, home to Bentendo Hall and the bell tower known as Toki-no-Kane (Bell of Time).
Bentendo Hall enshrines Benzaiten, the only goddess among Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods. Benzaiten at Sensoji Temple is depicted as an older woman, earning her the nickname “Older Woman Benten.” Known for bestowing good luck, financial fortune, and artistic success, she is highly revered.
This Benzaiten is one of the Three Famous Benten of Kanto, alongside Enoshima Benzaiten in Kanagawa and Fuse Benzaiten in Chiba. Nearby, Yoshiwara Shrine, also dedicated to Benzaiten, is popular among young women.
Every morning at 6:00 am, monks ring the Bell of Time, signaling the start of the day in Asakusa. Visitors are welcome to observe this serene ritual and enjoy a peaceful morning stroll around the quiet temple grounds.
Lighting Up the Temple
Since 2003, Sensoji Temple has been illuminated nightly, showcasing the beauty of its historic architecture, including the main hall, five-storied pagoda, Kaminarimon Gate, and Hozomon Gate.
The lights are typically on from sunset until 11:00 pm, though hours may vary for special occasions, such as during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, when the lights stayed on until 4:00 am.
The glowing temple is a breathtaking sight, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
The Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa
Sensoji Temple enshrines Daikokuten, the Shinto god of economy and business, known for bringing prosperous business, economic fortune, and career success.
Daikokuten is part of the Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa, a group of deities worshipped across nine shrines and temples in Tokyo’s Taito and Arakawa Wards. Pilgrims often visit all nine sites, making it a delightful way to explore Asakusa’s cultural heritage.
Other Useful Information
Opening Hours
- 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Contact Information
- Phone: 03-3842-0181
- Address: Asakusa 2-3-1, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032
- Google Map:
Public Transport (Train)
Sensoji Temple is conveniently accessible from several train stations:
- 7 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
- 7 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station (Toei Subway Asakusa Line)
- 7 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station (Tobu Isesaki Line)
- 10 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express Line)
Public Restroom Availability
- Yes, there are multiple restrooms located within the temple precincts.
- Additional restrooms can be found along the Nakamise shopping streets nearby.
