Convenience and facilities

Sensoji Temple has a very advantageous geographical location and convenient transportation. You can easily get there by taking the subway Ginza Line, Asakusa Line or Tobu Isesaki Line and getting off at Asakusa Station. The facilities in the temple are complete, fully considering the various needs of tourists. There are multiple rest areas for tourists to take a break when they are tired of sightseeing; the toilets are clean and tidy, providing convenience for tourists at any time; the dining area provides a rich and diverse choice, allowing tourists to replenish energy at any time.

In addition, in order to facilitate foreign tourists to better understand the history and culture of Sensoji Temple, there are also multilingual guide signs in the temple, which clearly introduce the background and characteristics of each attraction. At the same time, tourists can also rent an interpreter to get a deeper understanding of every detail of Sensoji Temple.

Local customs or activities

Worship etiquette: When worshipping at Sensoji Temple, following certain etiquette is a sign of respect for local religious beliefs. First, wash your hands and rinse your mouth with water from a ladle in the wash basin. This ritual symbolizes washing away the dust from your body and mind. Then, walk to the main hall, put your hands together, bow twice, clap your hands twice, put your hands together again to make a wish, and finally bow once. This series of actions expresses respect and prayers to Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Drawing lots: Drawing lots is a very popular activity in Sensoji Temple. Visitors can draw a lot from the lot holder and understand their fortune based on the content on the lot. If you draw a lucky lot, you will naturally be filled with joy and can take it home as a good blessing; if you draw a bad lot, you don’t have to be depressed, you can tie it to the rack of the temple, which means leaving the bad luck behind and praying for new good luck.

Cultural activities and festivals

Asakusa Sanja Festival: The Asakusa Sanja Festival, held in mid-May every year, is one of the most grand traditional festivals in Tokyo. During the festival, hundreds of shrines set out from Sensoji Temple and paraded through the streets. The shrines were gorgeously decorated, and the people carrying them wore traditional costumes and shouted loud slogans, creating a spectacular scene. This is not only a religious event, but also a grand event that showcases Japan's traditional culture and folk customs, attracting many tourists to watch.

Guanyin Eye-Opening Offering: The Guanyin Eye-Opening Offering, held every 50 years, is the most solemn religious event in Sensoji Temple. During the event, the temple will hold a grand ceremony to enshrine the Guanyin statue, and believers and tourists from all over the country will gather here to witness this sacred moment together.

Food

Ningyoyaki: Ningyoyaki in Sensoji Temple is a small snack baked with flour, eggs, sugar, etc. It is mostly shaped like various figures or animals, which is very cute. It has a sweet taste and rich fillings, with various flavors such as red bean paste and sweet potatoes. It is one of the specialties of Sensoji Temple.

Japanese confectionery: There are many kinds of Japanese confectionery, such as mochi, dorayaki, and yokan. They are beautifully shaped, like pieces of art, and have a delicate taste. With a cup of hot tea, savoring them carefully in the courtyard of Sensoji Temple is a different kind of enjoyment.

Grilled eel: There are many traditional eel restaurants near Sensoji Temple, and the grilled eel here is a must-try. The skin is crispy, the meat is tender, and it is paired with a special sauce. It tastes delicious and makes people linger.

Shopping

Nakamise Shopping Street is a shopping paradise, where a variety of goods are gathered. In addition to traditional handicrafts and souvenirs, you can also buy a variety of Japanese snacks, stationery, clothing, etc. Visitors can choose Japanese-style fans with exquisite patterns painted on them; painted horses, write down their wishes; and lucky cats, which mean bringing good luck. These souvenirs are not only memories of travel, but also symbols of Japanese culture.

Tips and suggestions

In order to give tourists a better travel experience, here are some tips and suggestions. Try to avoid going to Sensoji Temple during holidays and peak tourist seasons to avoid crowds and affect your mood for viewing and worship. When shopping in Nakamise Shopping Street, you can bargain appropriately, but you must be polite and tactful and respect the merchants. When visiting Sensoji Temple, you must respect local religious beliefs and customs, and keep quiet and tidy. If you want to taste local food, it is recommended to choose some time-honored shops, the quality and taste are more guaranteed.

Sensoji Temple, this charming ancient temple, is waiting for every tourist to explore and experience. Here, you can feel the unique charm of traditional Japanese culture and leave an unforgettable travel memory.