Sensoji Temple

Overview

Tokyo has approximately 150,000 temples and shrines but none are older than Senso-ji, an ancient Buddhist monument first completed in 645 CE. It's been rebuilt several times since, most recently in 1958

From Asakusa Station, it's just a short walk to the temple's ancient outer gate, Kanimarimon, which marks the bottom of Nakamise-dōri. This 17th-century shopping arcade filled with with souvenirs and street food stretches for 250 metres to the fascinating surrounds of the temple.

Here, a soaring main hall and the colourful five-story pagoda offer a glimpse of Tokyo's distant past.