Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple (浅草寺) is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, founded in 645 AD. Stepping through the iconic Kaminarimon — the Thunder Gate with its massive red lantern — you enter Nakamise-dori, a lively 250-meter shopping street lined with traditional snacks and handcrafted souvenirs. The temple grounds offer more than sightseeing. Draw an omikuji fortune slip and see what fate has in store, or light incense at the smoke-filled jokoro and wave it over yourself for good health — a ritual locals have practiced for centuries. In the evening, the temple takes on a completely different character. The crowds thin out, lanterns glow softly, and the five-story pagoda is beautifully illuminated against the night sky. It’s one of Tokyo’s most photogenic moments. Sensoji is easily accessible from Asakusa Station and pairs perfectly with a stroll along the Sumida River or a visit to the nearby Hoppy Street for authentic izakaya dining.