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Senso-ji Temple

The Asakusa neighbourhood of Tokyo draws visitors to admire the city’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, founded in AD628 with a quaint legend attached to it. The story goes that two young brothers fishing in the nearby river netted a golden image of Kan’non, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, and were inspired to enshrine it in the temple. The statuette is still inside, but never shown to the public, though pilgrims flock here every day seeking the favour of the goddess. There are also numerous festivals associated with the shrine, and a hugely popular firework display is held on the Sumida River every summer. Tourists enjoy the visit to the temple mainly because the approach is a colourful pedestrian lane, Nakamise Dori, lined with shops and souvenir stalls. Nearby, the Demboin Garden is a good spot to grab a break from the city crowds.

Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa Taito-ku, Shitamachi (downtown)
Telephone: (0)3 3842 0181
Transport: Subway to Asakusa station
Opening time: Daily 6am to 5pm
Admission: Free