Senso-ji (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Senso-ji?
What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: Children enjoy the huge lantern, snack stalls and fortune sticks, but constant crowds and incense require hands-on supervision and offer no play area.
Positives:
- Free entry: Temple grounds and most activities like the lantern and deck are free for the whole family.
- Stroller-friendly paths: Flat, paved walkways on Nakamise and around the hall work well with a stroller.
Challenges:
- Crowded alley: Nakamise Street narrows midday; hold kids’ hands and watch for locals.
- Limited shade: Few covered spots on the main street; bring hats or umbrella for sun protection.
What is Senso-ji?
- An ancient Buddhist temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa district, established in 645 CE
- Dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and anchored by the monumental Kaminarimon Gate and five-story pagoda
- Rebuilt after World War II to preserve its centuries-old architecture and religious traditions
What is so special about Senso-ji for with kids?
- Walk under the iconic Kaminarimon lantern together
- Taste and share bite-size snacks on Nakamise Street
- Try omikuji fortunes and incense smoke blessing
- Explore a nearby vintage amusement park for gentle rides
- Enjoy free viewing deck and stroller-friendly routes
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Short walk covers the gate, main hall, shopping street and one activity without tiring kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Senso-ji
Walk under Kaminarimon giant lantern:
See the massive red paper lantern at the temple entrance.
Tip: Snap photos early to avoid crowds and let kids compare its height to theirs.
Snack hunt on Nakamise Street:
Taste local treats like ningyo-yaki cakes, dango and soft-serve ice cream.
Tip: Buy small portions to share and rest on benches along the alley.
Draw an omikuji fortune:
Shake the wooden box and pick a paper slip with your family’s fortune.
Tip: Spend ¥100–¥200 each and read simple English translations at the stand.
Incense smoke blessing:
Waft incense smoke from the burning sticks for good health.
Tip: Let kids stand near the burner and cover their hands in smoke for fun.
Ride Asakusa Hanayashiki Amusement Park:
Enjoy gentle rides and a small roller coaster near the temple.
Tip: Buy entry and ride tickets together to save time in lines.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Senso-ji
- Visit early: Arrive before 9 AM to enjoy quieter paths and shorter snack lines.
- Use observation deck: Stop at the 8th-floor deck in the Asakusa Info Center for a free break and views.
Reviews of Senso-ji
César Agosti
Excellent place! We joined a free walking tour about the history of the Dragon Temples and the meaning behind each one. They even read your fortune — mine wasn’t great, so I tied it to a rack for the monks to cleanse it. The tour also includes the famous shopping street and ends at the final temple, where the goddess resides.
Watcharee T.
I went there early in the morning. Shops near the entrance weren’t open yet. The temple atmosphere was still as lovely as before, but Japan in June is extremely hot. I first came here 8–9 years ago and bought a lucky charm. Today, I bought one again to pray for my family, loved ones, and myself. It’s a beautiful place. Lots of tasty food around. I recommend the green tea shop and melon pan in a sm...
Andres F. Collazos
Great sights and photo opportunities. Definitely a must when visiting Tokyo, and even during peak hours with lots of visitors, you can always find great photo compositions, things to do and food to try. Upon arrival, I went first to the tourism/visitors building across the street, since one can go to a high floor to see the temple and preceding vendor streets in their true dimension.
Theo Kink
The temple is very beautiful, it's very crowded in the day, but at night it's very nice. The shrine itself is very beautiful and the whole temple is definitely a necessity in Tokyo. You should absolutely visit it. The only thing I have to say ,is that it's very commercialized as there are too many shops that have nothing to do with the temple.
Subha Biswas
The senso-ji temple is very beautiful. Especially due to the street vendors in front of the temple. It really brings a colorful and vibrant environment to the place. You will find numerous souvenirs such as fridge magnets, post cards, maneki neko cat, and varieties of food. Try exploring the restaurants located in the branches of the main road. There are quite good ramen shops situated over there ...
When is the best time to visit Senso-ji (Tokyo, Japan)?
Join the spring Sanja Matsuri to see portable shrines and street performances but go early to beat the 2 million visitors.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Omikuji fortune slips (4) | JPY 800 |
| Snacks on Nakamise (4) | JPY 2,000 |
| Asakusa Hanayashiki entry (4) | JPY 4,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 6,800 |
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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Map of Senso-ji
Address: 2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
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