Sensoji Temple is a beloved landmark in Tokyo, and visiting this historic site in Asakusa offers families a unique window into the culture of Japan. The iconic Senso-ji Buddhist temple welcomes millions of visitors each year, from families and pilgrims to travelers seeking good fortune beneath its massive red gate. Though sometimes referred to as Senso-ji Shrine, this landmark is a Buddhist temple, not a Shinto shrine, and it’s the perfect place for families to discover the beauty, stories, and flavors of old Tokyo. From the towering red Kaminarimon gate and its giant lantern to the shopping streets filled with snacks and souvenirs, Senso-ji turns sightseeing into a sensory adventure. Whether your family loves legends, lucky charms, or just wandering through a place that feels straight out of a storybook, Senso-ji is a must-do in Tokyo.
EXPLORING OLD TOKYO WITH YOUNG ADVENTURERS?
Check out our full Tokyo Family Travel Guide for seasonal tips, neighborhood breakdowns, and what to pack. Then explore the Tokyo with Kids Hub to find all our attraction guides, itineraries, and family hotel picks near Asakusa and beyond.
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Why Book Ahead? It’s often quicker, avoids long lines, and helps skip language barriers at the ticket counter.
Why It’s Great for Families
- The giant red lantern and temple gates are incredibly photogenic and fun for kids to walk through.
- Kids can draw fortunes, explore incense rituals, and spot statues hiding in the temple grounds.
- The Nakamise Shopping Street is full of kid-approved snacks and quirky souvenirs.
- It blends a peaceful temple experience with lively outdoor fun, a perfect Tokyo balance.
Parent Insight: Temples like Senso-ji can be a sensory overload, incense, crowds, colors, but they’re also rich opportunities to talk about cultural traditions. Help kids stay grounded by focusing on one ritual or story, turning the visit from overwhelming to meaningful with just a simple moment of connection.
Top Family Highlights
- Kaminarimon Gate & Giant Lantern: Walk under the enormous red lantern and look up, it’s even bigger than it looks in photos!
- Nakamise Street: This bustling path to the temple is packed with treats like ningyo-yaki cakes, soft ice cream, and yakitori skewers, plus fun souvenirs like samurai swords and lucky cat keychains.
- Omikuji Fortune Draw: Let the kids shake a box, pick a number, and draw their fortune, good or bad, it’s all part of the experience! (Tie the bad ones on the metal rack for luck.)
- Main Hall & Incense Smoke: Watch people wave incense over themselves for good health. Kids often love copying the ritual, just keep it safe from little noses!
- Asakusa Shrine Next Door: Tucked just behind the main temple, this smaller shrine is usually quieter and a peaceful place to rest before heading out.
Good to Know
- Cost: Free
- Best Age Range: Ages 4+
- Stroller-Friendly? Partially, the temple grounds are flat, but Nakamise Street can get crowded. A baby carrier is helpful during busy times.
- Rest Areas: Public restrooms and benches near the temple; more seating and shade in the nearby Sumida Park
- Food: Tons of snack stands and cafés in the area, great for picky eaters or families who graze
Getting There
- By Train: 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, or Tobu Skytree Line).
- By Bus: Several city buses stop at Asakusa; also accessible by river cruise boats via Sumida River.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Try the fortune draw — even if it’s “bad luck,” tie it up and say your own silly wish out loud! We wished for “a cat that does homework” — still waiting…
Best Family Hotels Near Senso-ji Temple
- Luxury
- The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon by Hulic – Just a few steps from the temple. Gorgeous rooftop views of Asakusa, family suites, and unbeatable access to Senso-ji.
- OMO3 Asakusa by Hoshino Resorts – A true luxury‑boutique experience located just a 1‑minute walk from Senso‑ji Temple. Features spacious, stylish rooms, an upscale café/lounge, and thoughtful family‑friendly amenities like play areas and grab‑and‑go snacks.
- Mid‑Range
- Asakusa Tobu Hotel – 3-minute walk from the temple. Comfortable and clean with triple rooms and friendly service.
- Budget
- Hotel Gracery Asakusa – About a 3-minute walk. Excellent value with modern amenities and a quiet location just off the main street.
BOOKED YOUR TOKYO HOTEL YET?
Our Tokyo Hotel Guide highlights the best family stays near Asakusa, Ueno, and Shinjuku. Ready for more? Explore our Best Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids for epic museums, and neighborhood gems from Harajuku to the bay.
FAQs: Visiting Senso-ji Temple with Kids
Planning a visit to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Japan? These family-focused FAQs cover the best times, rituals, tips, and what to expect with kids.
A: Senso-ji Temple was founded in 645 AD, making it the oldest temple in Tokyo and one of the most visited spiritual sites in Japan.
A: The main hall at Senso-ji Temple opens daily at 6:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. However, the temple grounds and Nakamise shopping street are open 24 hours.
A: Senso-ji Temple is located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, just a 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Ginza and Asakusa subway lines.
A: Early morning (before 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) are the best times to visit Senso-ji with kids for smaller crowds and cooler weather.
A: Yes! Kids enjoy walking through the giant gates, drawing fortunes, spotting statues, and snacking along Nakamise Street. It’s a colorful, interactive place to explore.
A: Senso-ji is known for its giant red Kaminarimon Gate, the five-story pagoda, vibrant Nakamise shopping street, and its spiritual rituals like omikuji fortune slips and incense offerings.
A: Yes, the temple grounds are open 24/7 and beautifully lit at night. It’s a peaceful time to visit with fewer people and a magical atmosphere.
A: Most families spend 1 to 1.5 hours at Senso-ji, with extra time for snacks, souvenir shopping, or relaxing at nearby Sumida Park.
Until Next Time…
With lanterns that stretch above your head, incense that floats through the air, and enough snack stands to fill any stomach, Senso-ji is more than a temple, it’s a living storybook for families to explore together. Whether your kids leave with a lucky charm or a chocolate-covered rice cracker, this Asakusa adventure is one they’ll remember (and snack on) for years.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
