If you don't like crowds and want to enjoy Sensoji Temple, go see the night illuminations!

When visiting Asakusa, Tokyo, you can't miss Sensoji Temple.
There are many things to see, such as the huge Kaminarimon Gate, the multi-story pagoda, and the Nakamise shopping arcade.
Recently, it has also become a great spot to view the Skytree from below, so it is always crowded with tourists.

Yes, it's always crowded!
For those who don't like crowds or get motion sickness, this crowded tourist scene is not a pleasant experience. It's
no wonder that some people skip it, even though it's one of Tokyo's most popular tourist destinations.

However, it would be a shame to come all the way to Tokyo and not visit Sensoji Temple!
So, this time we will introduce another side of Sensoji Temple that can only be enjoyed by people who don't like crowds!

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What is Sensoji Temple?

For those who don't know what Sensoji Temple is, let me explain.
Sensoji Temple is a sacred place of Kannon Bodhisattva with a history of nearly 1,400 years.

Even if you're not familiar with Sensoji Temple, you've probably seen the gate with the giant red lantern hanging from it with the word "Kaminarimon" written on it. Its
official name is "Furaijinmon Gate," and it is the main gate of Sensoji Temple, with the wind god and thunder god enshrined on either side of the gate.

Once you pass through Kaminarimon Gate, you will see Nakamise Street.
The main approach to Sensoji Temple stretches for about 250 meters from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate, and vermilion-lacquered stores line both sides of the approach.
This is Nakamise Shopping Street, one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan.
It is incredibly lively, with tourists from Japan and abroad visiting every day.

Next comes the Hozomon Gate.
Previously, it was also called Niomon Gate because of the two Nio statues enshrined on both ends.
After it was destroyed in the Great Tokyo Air Raid, it was rebuilt and given the name Hozomon Gate because it houses the sutras and temple treasures.

And the main hall.
It is also called the Kannon Hall because it enshrines the Bodhisattva Kannon.

Having seen all of this, you can say that you have been to Sensoji Temple for the first time.
There are many other things worth seeing, such as the five-story pagoda, Kagetsu Hall, Yakushi Hall, Awashima Hall, and Denpoin Temple.
However, as it is one of Japan's most famous tourist destinations, it is crowded everywhere. This is
not ideal for people who don't like crowds.
So, what can people like you do to enjoy Sensoji Temple?

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If you're going to Sensoji Temple, we recommend going at night! Here's why!

I wrote earlier that Sensoji Temple is "always" crowded with tourists, but this is actually misleading.
I was using the word "always" to mean "every day."
In fact, there is a time of day when Sensoji Temple is not crowded.
That time is "night."

At night, the Nakamise shopping street closes, and the main hall closes as well.
Tourists assume that there is nothing left to see, and so they don't flock there.
However, Sensoji Temple at night actually has many wonderful sights that you can't see during the day!

The lighting is beautiful!

One of the highlights of Sensoji Temple at night is the illuminations.
The illuminations began on October 1, 2003, as part of a project to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Edo shogunate.

When Sensoji Temple is lit up at night, the main hall, Kaminarimon Gate, five-story pagoda, and Hozomon Gate are illuminated.
Photos of the Hozomon Gate and the five-story pagoda together are particularly spectacular.
Don't forget to take some photos!

Although it is not related to Sensoji Temple, the Skytree, which can be seen from Sensoji Temple, is also beautifully lit up, so we recommend checking it out as well!

Nakamise Shutter Mural "Asakusa Picture Scroll"

Nakamise Street is not only fun during business hours.
In fact, it displays another charm after the shutters are closed.
That is the Nakamise Shutter Mural "Asakusa Emaki."

"Asakusa Emaki" is the face of Nakamise Street at night, completed in 1989.
Painted by a distinguished team under the supervision of Professor Hirayama and Assistant Professor Fukui of Tokyo University of the Arts, the mural is a delight to visitors.

The 400m long mural depicts the history of Asakusa and seasonal events.
It symbolizes Japanese culture and will surely become one of Sensoji's legacies that should be preserved for future generations.

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If you don't like crowds, we recommend going at night

Sensoji Temple is a popular tourist spot for foreigners and school trippers,
which can be a big problem for people who dislike crowds.

If you are one of those people, why not try visiting at night?
Its charm, which is completely different from the daytime, will add color to your trip!

Sensoji Temple <Information>

• Name: Sensoji Temple
• Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032
• Phone number: 03-3842-0181
• Official URL: https://www.senso-ji.jp/

Google Map

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