Tennoji Temple (Yanaka), Tokyo - Fushimi Inari Taisha, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Japan
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Tennoji Temple Yanaka Tokyo

4.3
·697 reviews·Taito City, Japan

Discover tranquility at Tennoji Temple, home to a grand bronze Buddha, nestled in Tokyo's historic Yanaka district.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Tennoji Temple (Yanaka), Tokyo - Fushimi Inari Taisha, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Japan

Tennoji Temple Yanaka Tokyo

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover tranquility at Tennoji Temple, home to a grand bronze Buddha, nestled in Tokyo's historic Yanaka district.

4.3
(697 reviews)

"A peaceful oasis with a majestic Buddha, surrounded by the charm of old Tokyo."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wander Yanaka Ginza

Explore the charming Yanaka Ginza street for local snacks and souvenirs. It's a short walk from the temple!

⏰ Go Early for Peace

Arrive in the morning to enjoy the temple's serenity before the day-trippers arrive.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Great Bronze Buddha

Great Bronze Buddha

Main Hall

Marvel at the impressive, large bronze seated Buddha statue, a serene centerpiece of the temple.

Peaceful Temple Grounds

Peaceful Temple Grounds

Entire Temple Complex

Wander through the tranquil gardens and historic structures, offering a peaceful escape.

Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

Adjacent to Tennoji Temple

Experience a traditional Tokyo shopping street with local snacks, crafts, and a nostalgic atmosphere.

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity of Yanaka

Escape the bustling city and find tranquility at Tennoji Temple. This historic gem offers a peaceful retreat, perfect for quiet contemplation and experiencing traditional Japanese temple grounds. Arrive early to avoid crowds and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Explore the Yanaka District

Tennoji Temple is nestled within the charming Yanaka district, one of Tokyo's few remaining old-town areas. Wander through its narrow streets, discover local shops, and experience a slower pace of life. Combine your temple visit with exploring the nearby Yanaka Ginza shopping street for a full cultural immersion.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Spring (March-May)
Why
Cherry blossoms and pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn (September-November)
Why
Vibrant fall foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

MUST BUY souvenir in Japan 🇯🇵 if you love food and cooking like me, be sure to stop in the Japanese district of Kappabashi when you’re in Tokyo, it’s just next to the Sensoji Temple and it’s famous fo...
@kofi.travels
65.8K likes • 906.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Wander Yanaka Ginza

Explore the charming Yanaka Ginza street for local snacks and souvenirs. It's a short walk from the temple! Reddit

⏰ Go Early for Peace

Arrive in the morning to enjoy the temple's serenity before the day-trippers arrive. TikTok

My favorite hidden tokyo neighborhood ✨🍜 📍Gotokuji 豪徳寺 #tokyo #japan #hiddengems #travelguide #tokyotravel #tokyocoffee #thrift
@itsezcape
64.4K likes • 774.8K views
ロマニ先輩、今年初の見仏は谷中の天王寺さんへ! こちらは毎年1/1〜1/10迄の谷中七福神巡りにて、ご開帳されています。台東区指定の平安後期の毘沙門天様♪116、8㎝でヒノキの一木。都内にも素敵な平安仏がいらっしゃいますね。中に入って写真撮影も🆗 そしてブラブラ谷中へ。目指すは角打ち🍶当たり前のように知らない方々とおしゃべり🤭その後はいか焼&ビール🍺ロマニは付き合いきれんという感じで、大人しくして...
rabi_romani
136 likes • 0 views

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple and Yanaka district. Reddit

📸 Capture the Ambiance

The temple grounds and surrounding streets offer beautiful photo opportunities. Instagram

明るいエネルギーにつつまれた一年の始まりは、 天遊の本拠地、日暮里・天王寺の新春・七福神展。 そして新展開としては 「駒込遊庵」→大久保「新宿遊庵」へのmoving! 隔週木曜日の道場です。 ステキな幕開け2024😀 よろしくお願いします!
tenyouartist
78 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wander Yanaka Ginza

Explore the charming Yanaka Ginza street for local snacks and souvenirs. It's a short walk from the temple! Reddit

⏰ Go Early for Peace

Arrive in the morning to enjoy the temple's serenity before the day-trippers arrive. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple and Yanaka district. Reddit

📸 Capture the Ambiance

The temple grounds and surrounding streets offer beautiful photo opportunities. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(697 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Tennoji Temple for its serene atmosphere and the impressive Great Bronze Buddha statue, offering a peaceful escape in Tokyo. The adjacent Yanaka Ginza is a hit for its nostalgic charm and delicious street food. Some find the temple itself to be smaller than expected, but the overall experience of the district is highly regarded.

"Stumbled upon Tennoji Temple while making our way to Yanaka Ginza (went the wrong way). The grounds are beautifully maintained, and we were fortunate enough to see the cherry blossom in bloom."

Isaac Siegel

"A peaceful Temple Complex plus a stunning Garden, especially fancy that seated faithful Buddha Status👍That’s definitely worthy to sit for a while to feel peaceful vibes🌸 even a cute cat pop out and Miao🐈"

Sophia W

"- lovely and small shrine -

We came across this place during our morning walk. Only a few people came to pray before working. The design of the shrine is nice even though there aren't many flowers in the winter. While it's probably not worth a special visit here, you should check it out if you are in the neighborhood."

L

What People Like

Peaceful temple grounds
Impressive Buddha statue
Charming Yanaka Ginza

What People Dislike

Temple size can be small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tennoji Temple is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest stations are Nippori Station (JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Joban Line, Keisei Main Line) and Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line). From Nippori Station, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the temple and Yanaka Ginza. Reddit

Yes, Tennoji Temple is located in the historic Yanaka district, adjacent to Yanaka Ginza shopping street. It's also a reasonable distance from Ueno Park and Asakusa, making it easy to combine with other Tokyo sightseeing. Reddit

Taxis are available in Tokyo, but can be expensive. Public transportation is generally more efficient and cost-effective for reaching Tennoji Temple. If you do take a taxi, ensure your driver knows the Yanaka area. Reddit

Walking is the best way to explore Yanaka and its surroundings, including Tennoji Temple and Yanaka Ginza. This allows you to discover hidden alleys and local shops at your own pace. Reddit

Parking in Tokyo can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation rather than driving to Tennoji Temple. There are limited parking options in the Yanaka area, and they may be costly. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tennoji Temple is generally free to enter and explore its grounds. Donations are always appreciated to help with the temple's upkeep. Instagram

The temple grounds are typically open from morning until late afternoon. Specific hours can vary, so it's advisable to check for any seasonal changes or special events. Instagram

Yes, the impressive Great Bronze Buddha statue is a central feature of Tennoji Temple and is accessible to visitors. TikTok

Tennoji Temple sometimes hosts special events, particularly around New Year's and other significant Japanese holidays. It's worth checking local listings or the temple's official information if available. Instagram+1

No, advance booking is not required for Tennoji Temple as entry to the grounds is free. You can visit spontaneously. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted within the temple grounds, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive shots. Some specific areas might have restrictions. Instagram

The Great Bronze Buddha statue is a must-capture. The temple's serene gardens and traditional architecture also offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Instagram

Drone usage is typically prohibited at temples and shrines in Japan to maintain peace and respect. It's best to avoid bringing drones to Tennoji Temple. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic experience. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed in Yanaka Ginza, allowing you to capture the vibrant street life and local vendors. Be polite and ask permission if photographing individuals up close. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The adjacent Yanaka Ginza shopping street is famous for its street food and local snacks. Look for delicious treats like menchi-katsu (fried minced meat cutlet), sweet potato snacks, and traditional Japanese sweets. TikTokReddit

Yes, the Yanaka district offers a variety of dining options, from small local eateries serving traditional Japanese cuisine to cafes. You can find everything from soba noodles to tempura. Reddit

While traditional Japanese cuisine can be meat and fish-heavy, you can often find vegetarian options like vegetable tempura, vegetable soba, or rice dishes. Exploring local cafes might also yield more diverse choices. TikTok

Don't miss out on the 'menchi-katsu' (fried meat cutlet), 'yakitori' (grilled skewers), and various 'wagashi' (Japanese sweets). Many vendors offer samples. TikTok

Eating in Yanaka Ginza can be quite affordable, especially if you stick to street food and local snacks. Restaurants might offer a range of price points. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tennoji Temple and the Yanaka area can be a delightful experience for families. The Great Bronze Buddha is often a captivating sight for children, sparking their imagination. The Yanaka Ginza shopping street offers a fun opportunity to try new snacks and find small souvenirs. TikTok

Keep in mind that while the temple grounds are peaceful, younger children might need supervision to ensure they respect the sacred space. The Yanaka district itself is relatively flat and walkable, making it manageable for strollers. Consider a visit during a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds and allow children to explore more freely. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Tennoji Temple is an excellent choice for budget travelers as entry to the temple grounds is free. The adjacent Yanaka Ginza offers a fantastic array of affordable street food and snacks, allowing you to enjoy delicious local flavors without breaking the bank. TikTokReddit

Utilizing Tokyo's efficient public transportation system, like the JR Yamanote Line to Nippori Station, is also cost-effective for reaching the area. By focusing on free attractions like the temple and affordable dining options, you can have a rich cultural experience in Yanaka on a budget. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Tennoji Temple and the Yanaka district offer a wealth of visual opportunities. The Great Bronze Buddha provides a striking subject, especially with the right lighting. The temple's serene gardens and traditional architecture are perfect for capturing atmospheric shots. Instagram+1

Don't miss Yanaka Ginza for vibrant street photography, capturing the daily life, colorful stalls, and unique characters. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light, and exploring the quieter side streets of Yanaka can reveal hidden architectural gems and charming scenes. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Tennoji Temple

Founded in 1274, Tennoji Temple (天王寺) in Yanaka, Tokyo, boasts a rich history, though it has undergone reconstructions over the centuries. Its most prominent feature is the Great Bronze Seated Buddha, a testament to the enduring artistry and spiritual devotion of the era. The temple serves as a peaceful sanctuary, offering a glimpse into Tokyo's past amidst the modern cityscape. Its location in the Yanaka district, one of Tokyo's few surviving old-town areas, further enhances its historical charm. Instagram+1

The temple's significance extends beyond its architecture; it's a place of quiet reflection and a connection to traditional Japanese Buddhist practices. Visitors often find solace in its serene grounds, a stark contrast to the surrounding urban environment. The presence of the large Buddha statue is particularly awe-inspiring, drawing visitors seeking both spiritual connection and historical appreciation. Instagram

While the temple itself is a historical landmark, its integration into the vibrant Yanaka neighborhood adds another layer to its appeal. The surrounding streets, including the bustling Yanaka Ginza, offer a living history of Tokyo's traditional lifestyle, making a visit to Tennoji Temple a holistic cultural experience. Reddit

Exploring the Yanaka District and Yanaka Ginza

Tennoji Temple is a gateway to the enchanting Yanaka district, a neighborhood that has retained much of its old Tokyo charm. Known for its temples, traditional wooden houses, and a slower pace of life, Yanaka offers a refreshing escape from the city's hustle. A must-visit within this district is Yanaka Ginza, a lively shopping street that feels like stepping back in time. Reddit+1

Yanaka Ginza is a vibrant hub where locals and tourists alike can find a variety of goods. From delicious street food like 'menchi-katsu' and 'yakitori' to unique crafts and souvenirs, the street offers a sensory delight. It's the perfect place to sample local delicacies and experience the friendly atmosphere of a traditional Japanese 'shotengai' (shopping street). TikTokReddit

Beyond the shopping street, the Yanaka area is dotted with numerous smaller temples and shrines, quiet residential streets, and charming cafes. It's an ideal area for leisurely strolls, allowing you to discover hidden gems and soak in the authentic atmosphere of old Tokyo. Combining a visit to Tennoji Temple with an exploration of Yanaka Ginza provides a comprehensive taste of Tokyo's historical and cultural heart. Reddit

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