Top 3 Things to Do at Sensoji Temple | July 2026 Tokyo Guide
If you're planning a trip to Tokyo, a visit to Sensoji Temple is a must. Located in the heart of Asakusa, Sensoji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of the city's most treasured cultural landmarks. Beyond its iconic architecture, the temple offers visitors a chance to experience centuries-old traditions and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Here are the top three things to do during your visit.
Photo Credit: Japan365days
Walk Through Kaminarimon and Explore Nakamise Shopping Street
No visit to Sensoji Temple is complete without passing through the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), famous for its enormous red lantern and guardian statues. It's one of Tokyo's most photographed landmarks and the symbolic entrance to the temple.
Continue along Nakamise Shopping Street, a lively avenue lined with traditional shops that have welcomed visitors for centuries. Here you can browse Japanese souvenirs and sample local specialties such as:
Freshly made ningyo-yaki (sweet sponge cakes filled with red bean paste)
Crispy senbei (rice crackers)
Traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets)
Matcha-flavoured treats
It's the perfect place to experience Tokyo's traditional shopping culture.
2. Experience Traditional Japanese Temple Rituals
Sensoji Temple offers several cultural traditions that visitors are welcome to take part in.
Begin by cleansing your hands and mouth at the temizuya (purification fountain) before approaching the temple. Next, visit the large incense burner, where many people gently fan the fragrant smoke toward themselves for good health and good fortune.
Inside the temple grounds, you can also:
Offer a prayer
Toss a coin into the offering box
Ring the bell (where permitted)
Purchase protective charms (omamori)
Draw an omikuji (fortune slip) to see what your future holds
These rituals provide a meaningful insight into Japanese customs that have been practiced for generations.
3. Visit the Five-Story Pagoda and Asakusa Shrine
While many visitors head straight to the Main Hall, don't miss two of Sensoji's most beautiful landmarks located within the temple grounds.
The striking Five-Story Pagoda is one of Tokyo's most recognizable traditional structures and makes for an excellent photo opportunity. Nearby, you'll find Asakusa Shrine, a peaceful Shinto shrine dedicated to the founders of Sensoji Temple.
Visiting both sites offers a deeper appreciation of Japan's unique blend of Buddhism and Shinto, two religions that have coexisted for centuries.
Sensoji Temple is much more than one of Tokyo's most famous landmarks—it's a place where history, culture, and tradition come together. Whether you're strolling down Nakamise Shopping Street, participating in centuries-old temple rituals, or admiring the beautiful Five-Story Pagoda and Asakusa Shrine, every corner offers a unique glimpse into Japan's rich heritage.
If you'd like to experience Sensoji Temple beyond the guidebooks, join one of our Private Customised Tours. Our knowledgeable local guides will share the stories, history, and hidden details that bring this iconic destination to life, while tailoring the day to your interests for a truly memorable Tokyo experience.
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