Kaminarimon Gate (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Kaminarimon Gate?
What makes it 76% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 enjoy the bright gate, street snacks, omikuji fortune draw, and nearby stroller-free paths; toilets with change tables help, but lack of play space and crowds trim the score.
Positives:
- Cultural experience: Kids learn by touching traditions like omikuji and lantern art.
- Free photo spots: No fee to snap pictures under the iconic red lantern.
Challenges:
- Crowded paths: Narrow walkways fill quickly, slowing strollers.
- Summer heat: Temperatures spike in July and August without shade.
What is Kaminarimon Gate?
- A 10-meter-high outer gate that marks the entrance to Sensō-ji temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa district
- A towering structure that bears a 3.9-meter-tall red paper lantern inscribed with the gate’s name in bold kanji
- A historic monument first erected in 941 CE, relocated in 1635 and reconstructed in 1960 after successive fires
What is so special about Kaminarimon Gate for with kids?
- Iconic photo under a massive 3.9 m lantern
- Sweet snack sampling on a historic shopping street
- Fun family rickshaw ride through Asakusa
- Simple cultural ritual drawing a fortune slip
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time for photos, snacks, short rickshaw ride, and family activities without rushing younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Kaminarimon Gate
Snap a family photo under the giant red lantern:
Stand together beneath the 3.9 m lantern at the gate entrance.
Tip: Arrive early or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
Browse sweet stalls on Nakamise-dōri:
Let kids choose melon pan, ningyō-yaki or taiyaki from colorful shops.
Tip: Share small portions and set a ¥300 limit per snack.
Ride a family rickshaw around Asakusa:
Take a 20-minute pull from Ebisuya or Jidaiya near Kaminarimon.
Tip: Book at the booth beside the gate and reserve seats for two kids plus one adult.
Draw an omikuji (fortune slip) at Senso-ji:
Shake the box, draw your paper fortune and see your luck.
Tip: Bring four ¥100 coins and tie any bad fortunes on the nearby rack.
When is the best time to visit Kaminarimon Gate (Tokyo, Japan)?
Spring: spot cherry blossoms along the approach. Summer: cool off at the mist station near Hōzōmon. Winter: enjoy soft gate illumination at dusk. Avoid midday heat in summer by visiting before 11 AM.
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Reviews of Kaminarimon Gate (Tokyo)
Daniela Carolina Caruso
It is just a lovely place to go, not only because of the temple itself but because it also has a nice market at the entrance of the temple where you can find anything you can imagine. Food, souvenirs and more!
Vanessa Heath
Very busy place but the space can handle it. It is beautiful, peaceful (even with all the people), and the strip of vendors are friendly and fun. The cross streets on the way to the temple are full of quaint but quality stores. As we were leaving, the street lanterns were just turning on. The vendors were closing but I felt that was really the perfect time to be there and hang out.
Linlin Chai
It was our first time visiting this area, beautiful architecture! Always busy ! So much to buy and so much to eat ! Not far from Shibuya , very convenient to just hop on the bus to get there! Would be recommended for a half day trip around the same area!
Steve Tong
There were tons of people, there were school field trips too so everyone was competing for a good shot. I really didn't feel anything special about this place but maybe due to so many people, we all got a bit excited. But the kid still putted it as a tourist trap (the area around the shrine that is)! XD
Calvin Law
I went on the weekends and it was really really crowded. Shoulder to shoulder and slow moving. Subjectively speaking the place is great. Iconic and clean, lively in nature and not overly expensive. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the area shopping and eating.
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Street-food snacks | JPY 1,000 |
| Family rickshaw ride | JPY 3,500 |
| Omikuji slips for four | JPY 400 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 4,900 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Kaminarimon Gate
- Visit early: Arrive at 9 AM when shops open and crowds are smaller.
- Use stroller rental: Pick up a free Combi stroller at Asakusa Tourist Center (9 AM–7 PM).
Map of Kaminarimon Gate
Address: 2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
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About Kaminarimon Gate
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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