Senso-ji

Senso-ji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. Built in 645 AD, it is dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion. Visitors enter through the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), followed by a stroll down Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street leading to the temple's main hall. The temple complex includes the Hozomon Gate, a five-story pagoda, and the Asakusa Shrine. Senso-ji is a vibrant center of activity, hosting numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the famous Sanja Matsuri in May. The temple grounds are always open, with the main hall open from 6:00 to 17:00.