Sensoji Temple in Photos
Sensoji is Tokyo’s oldest and most vibrant temple. This iconic destination is a photographer’s paradise. There are endless photo opportunities, from the Kaminarimon to the bustling Nakamise Street. It has everything. There is history, grand architecture, and lively festivals. It promises a visual feast. Let’s explore the best spots and tips for your visit!
The main entrance is the magnificent Kaminarimon (or Thunder Gate). It has a gigantic red lantern and guardian deity statues. Everyone takes group photos and selfies in front and under it. Don’t be surprised if you must wait ages to get your own. Seriously, it can be crowded!
Beyond Thunder Gate is Nakamise-Dori (or Nakamise street). It’s the famous 200-meter-long shopping street. Whatever a Japanophile could want is there. It has senbei (rice crackers), chopsticks, fans, swords, handbags, and ninja suits. All your Japan souvenirs and snacks await.
The street can be incredibly crowded at times. So, you might find yourself walking at a snail’s pace to get through it, especially during festivals. I don’t shoot here much as some shops don’t allow photos.
After you reach the end of Nakamise, it is all excellent photo opportunities. There is another big gate, the Hozomon. It is red and has a massive red lantern with guardian deities on either side. You might catch some walking through it in kimonos.
To the left of the gate is the pagoda. It is my favorite in the city. At 53.32 meters tall, it is the biggest in Tokyo. If you like architectural photography, this is for you.
After that is the main hall with the beautiful sloping roofs common at Japanese shrines. If you go inside, look up. The artwork on the ceiling is impressive. Buddhist scenes cover it. Even after the building’s doors close at night, people walk around it.
But that isn’t the end of it!! There are other minor halls, a pagoda, gates, and even a tiny waterfall on the grounds. Next door is an old amusement park, Hanayashiki, but don’t expect it to be like Disneyland. It is very retro!
The temple is home to a huge festival, the Sanja. It happens on the third weekend in May (photo guide here). Asakusa shrine runs it to honor the men who established and founded Sensoji. People carry mikoshi (portable shrines) around the temple area. The crowds are massive. Three million people are said to attend it over its three days. This event is amazing! New Year’s is another popular one.
A Brief History of the Temple
Sensoji temple is a great Tokyo cultural and religious icon. Its history dates back to 628. The story goes that two brothers often fished in the nearby Sumida River. One day, they caught something very unusual. It was a small gold statue of Bodhisattva Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and happiness.
A temple was erected in the goddess’s honor, and it houses that statue. It has done a lot of good over the years. Because of it, many people have come to the temple. They flock to it to seek the goddess’s favors.
The flow of worshippers would have helped develop Nakamise-Dori and the surrounding area. They also dug deep to assist with the temple’s rebuilding in the post-war period. Kannon would have been happy about that.
Why photograph Sensoji Temple?
- It has many minor halls like Awashimado, Bentendo, Chingodo, and Yogodo. There is even a unique one (read about it below).
- the five-story pagoda.
- Kaminarimon, Hozomon and Nitenmon. By the way, mon means gate.
- Next door is Tokyo’s oldest amusement park, Hanayashiki. It is retro, so it isn’t Disneyland. Families love this place as the rides are on the slower side. It is great for younger children.
- Many people go there in kimono or yukata. Summer is perfect for this type of photo. It’s the season for the Bon Odori festival held near Kaminarimon.
- It is home to the Sanja Festival, one of the biggest cultural events in Tokyo.
- Sensoji’s side streets are filled with cafes, restaurants, and izakayas. You won’t go hungry. I’m sure foodies will find something for Instagram.
As you can see there is much to photograph. You’ll be able to get some photos of an iconic place in Tokyo. It won’t take much effort to get them.
Photography tips for the temple
- You need to consider how many people will be there at different times. If you want crowds, go during the day or on weekends. Early morning might be better for those who like to photograph solitary people.
- Go around noon if you want naturally lit temple and gates. The front of those buildings should have enough light on them. Early morning or late afternoon have more shadows.
- The area has many places to stay. If your hotel were nearby, it would be easy to get up early in the morning and walk to the temple. For many photographers, that might be the thrill of a lifetime.
The ultimate Nakamise-Dori photo
Earlier I wrote I don’t photograph Nakamise due to it being so crowded. But it does offer one great photo. Once you pass Kaminarion raise your camera as high as possible over your head. Aim it towards Hozomon (Hozo Gate), 250 meters away.
For this shot, you need Nakamise to be crowded. But with so many people there you’ll get bumped and pushed a lot. Getting the perfect photo here can be difficult, so take it many times. You need to persevere. Also, play around with the focus point.
Sensoji super photo spot!
Over the road from Kaminarimon is the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. Take the elevator up to the roof. The deck has great views of Nakamise-Dori and Sensoji. It is a fantastic photo spot.
The Hexagon temple
Many smaller temples surround Sensoji. One of them, Sensoji Rokkakudo, is super interesting. It is a wooden hexagon (hence the name) and dates from 1618, making it the oldest building there. It is unique.
As you know, many people make wishes at temples. You can do that at Rokkakudo, but you must designate a time. For example, don’t just dream to lose weight. Say you’ll achieve your goal in 6 months and act upon it.
Where is Sensoji Temple?
It’s in Asakusa, a short walk from the subway station.
Location: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
Here it is a Google map:
Closest train/subway station:
Asakusa (Metro Ginza Line).
Opening hours:
- Main hall: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm (from 6:30 from October to March)
- Temple grounds: open 24/7
Photo spots near Sensoji Temple
- Hanayashiki (amusement park)
- Imado Shrine (Beckoning cats)
- Sumida River (cherry blossoms in spring and summer for fireworks)
- Tokyo Skytree
- Ueno station (a little far, but within walking distance).
Conclusion
Sensoji Temple is a dream destination for photographers. You could be there for hours with its crowds, architecture, and history. It is big enough that you’ll find things I haven’t discussed in this article! There is much to photograph. It is perfect for those with limited time or knowledge of Tokyo. You won’t have to work hard to get something nice.
When the crowds have gone at the end of the day, Sensoji is very different. It’s a tranquil, serene place. The lights are on until 11 PM, which gives plenty of time for photos. Click the article link below to see pictures of it at night.
By the way, were you wondering about that golden statue? Unfortunately, it’s never shown to the public. I’d like to see that too. Maybe one day!
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
Here are more temple articles:
External related websites:
- Sensoji Temple (official website)