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

When sightseeing in Asakusa, Tokyo, Senso-ji Temple is an absolute must
-see. It boasts numerous attractions, including the massive Kaminarimon Gate, the multi-story pagoda, and the Nakamise shopping street.
Recently, it has also become a prime spot for viewing the Tokyo Skytree from below, making it a constantly bustling tourist destination.

Yes, it's always packed!
For those who dislike crowds or get overwhelmed by them, this state of being teeming with tourists is not very pleasant. It's
understandable that some people skip this place, even though it's one of Tokyo's top tourist destinations.

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

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What is Sensoji Temple?

For those who are unfamiliar with Senso-ji Temple, let me explain.
Senso-ji Temple is a sacred site dedicated to Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) with a history of nearly 1400 years.

Even those unfamiliar with Senso-ji Temple have likely seen the gate with its giant red lantern bearing the words "Kaminarimon" (Thunder Gate).
Its official name is "Fūraijinmon" (Wind and Thunder God Gate), and it is the main gate of Senso-ji Temple, with statues of the wind god and thunder god on either side of the gate.

Passing through the Kaminarimon Gate, you'll find yourself in Nakamise.
Asakusa Temple has a main approach, approximately 250 meters long, stretching from the Kaminarimon Gate to the Hozomon Gate, lined on both sides with vermilion-painted shops.
This is Nakamise Shopping Street, one of Japan's oldest shopping streets.
It's incredibly lively, and tourists from both Japan and abroad visit every day.

Next comes the Hozomon Gate.
Previously, it was also called the Niomon Gate because it housed Nio statues on both ends.
After being destroyed in the Tokyo air raids, it was rebuilt and renamed Hozomon (Treasure Gate) because it housed scriptures and temple treasures.

And then there's the main hall.
This building is also called the Kannon Hall because it enshrines the Bodhisattva Kannon.

Only after seeing all of this can you truly say you've toured Senso-ji Temple.
There are many other points of interest to see, such as the five-story pagoda, the Yōkōdō Hall, the Yakushidō Hall, the Awashimadō Hall, and the Denpōin Temple.
However, as one of Japan's most representative tourist destinations, it's crowded everywhere. This
isn't ideal for people who dislike crowds. So
how can such people enjoy Senso-ji Temple?

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

Earlier, I wrote that Senso-ji Temple is "always" crowded with tourists, but that's actually misleading.
I meant "every day" when I used the word "always."
In fact, there are times when Senso-ji Temple isn't crowded.
That time is "at night."

At night, when the Nakamise shopping street and the main hall are closed,
tourists tend to assume there's nothing left to see and don't come around often.
However, there are actually many wonderful sights to see at Senso-ji Temple at night that you can't see during the day!

The lighting is beautiful!

One of the highlights of Senso-ji Temple at night is its illumination.
The Senso-ji Temple illumination began on October 1, 2003, as part of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Edo (Tokyo).

During the evening illumination of Senso-ji Temple, the main hall, Kaminarimon Gate, five-story pagoda, and Hozomon Gate are lit up.
A photograph of the Hozomon Gate and the five-story pagoda together is particularly breathtaking.
Don't forget to capture it with your camera!

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 isn't just fun during opening hours.
In fact, it reveals a different kind of charm once the shutters are closed.
That is the Nakamise shutter mural, "Asakusa Emaki" (Asakusa Picture Scroll).

"Asakusa Emaki" (The Asakusa Picture Scroll) is the nighttime face of Nakamise Street, completed in 1989.
Under the supervision of Professor Hirayama and Assistant Professor Fukui of Tokyo University of the Arts, the mural, painted by a distinguished group of artists, delights the eyes of visiting tourists.

This 400-meter-long mural depicts the history of Asakusa and its seasonal events.
It will undoubtedly become one of Senso-ji Temple's legacies that symbolizes Japanese culture and should be preserved for future generations.

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

Senso-ji Temple is a very popular tourist spot for foreigners and school groups.
For people who dislike crowds, this is a big problem.

If that sounds like you, why not try visiting at night?
It offers a different kind of charm than during the day, and it will surely enhance 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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