Map
Tokyo's oldest temple and its most visited tourist attraction, drawing over 30 million visitors annually. The Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), Nakamise shopping street, and Five-Storied Pagoda are iconic symbols of Tokyo recognized around the world.
Temple Info
- Sect
- 聖観音宗
- Principal Image
- 聖観世音菩薩
- Founded
- 628年（推古天皇36年）
History & Origins
According to legend, the temple was founded in 628 CE after two fishermen brothers netted a small statue of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) from the Sumida River. During the Edo period, the area around 'Edo's Asakusa' was the vibrant heart of the common people's culture.
Highlights
The Kaminarimon Gate (with its 3.9-meter-tall red lantern), the Nakamise-dori (a 250-meter arcade of traditional souvenir shops), the main hall, and the Five-Storied Pagoda. The fortune-telling slips (omikuji) here are famously likely to draw 'bad luck.'
Visitor Guide
Open year-round, 24 hours a day. The Nakamise shops operate from morning to evening. When combined with exploring the broader Asakusa neighborhood, this makes for a full day of sightseeing. Hugely popular with international visitors.
Best Season
Enjoyable year-round. The Sanja Festival in May and the Hozuki-ichi (ground cherry pod fair) in July are particularly lively occasions.
Attributes
Annual Events
- 5月
三社祭
東京最大の神輿渡御。100基以上の神輿が練り歩く
- 7月9日・10日
ほおずき市
江戸時代からの伝統市。ほおずきが境内に並ぶ
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