temple sensoji route

Sensoji Temple Route

Then we propose the following route through the Sensoji temple, to enjoy all its corners and buildings. Naturally, you can visit the temple as you please, but with this route you make sure to see all the most important buildings.

THE KAMINARIMON DOOR

We can reach the Sensoji temple in many ways, but the most typical and without a doubt the most advisable is crossing the door of thunder or Kaminarimon (雷 門), the outer door of the temple and authentic symbol of the Asakusa neighborhood and the city of Tokyo

During the months of September and October 2017, the Kaminarimon gate will be covered by scaffolding that have a large impact on the visit.

THE NAKAMISE STREET

Crossing the Kaminarimon gate we arrive at Nakamise or Nakamise-dori street (仲 見 世 通 り), a 250-meter long shopping street full of 89 small shops and stalls selling souvenirs and souvenirs such as kimonos or fans to ningyoyaki cookies, agemanju buns or sembei rice crackers, all typical of Asakusa.

Although it may seem like a modern invention to attract tourists, the truth is that in the Edo period there were shops here willing to call the attention of the pilgrims who visited the Sensoji temple, so you should not feel guilty or consumerist if you fall into the temptation to buy souvenirs here ... it's tradition! :)

THE FIVE FLOOR PAYMENT

When we cross the Hozomon gate we finally enter the central esplanade of the temple. On our left we will see the imposing five-story pagoda. The original pagoda was a construction of the 10th century, but it was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times until it was finally destroyed during the bombings of World War II. Thus, the construction we see today is a modern reconstruction, although it remains equally impressive.

The pagoda is not open to the public, as it functions as a kind of cemetery, to understand us, since it keeps inside the mortuary tablets of thousands of families, as well as some relics of the Buddha.