Senso-ji Temple (1): East of Nisonbutsu-mae
Designated smoking area · Taito City, Tokyo
Hours
Open 24 Hours
Days
Open every day
Type
Outdoor
Fee
Free
Address
Senso-ji Temple (1): East of Nisonbutsu-mae
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City
Senso-ji Temple (1): East of Nisonbutsu-mae Smoking Guide: Location & Hours
If you are exploring the historic streets of Asakusa and need a legal place to smoke, this designated outdoor smoking area right on the grounds of Senso-ji Temple is your best option. Tucked away just east of the famous Nisonbutsu (the two large bronze Buddha statues), this spot is highly convenient for tourists walking down Nakamise-dori or arriving from Asakusa Station. It is a simple, open-air zone equipped with public ash receptacles, making it a quick and easy stop during your sightseeing itinerary.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exact Location | 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo (Just east of the Nisonbutsu statues) |
| Access | A 5 to 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree Line) |
| Type | Outdoor (Designated area with standing ashtrays) |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 Hours |
| Open Days | Open 365 days a year |
| Fee | Free |
How to Find It & Local Rules
To locate this smoking area, head toward the Senso-ji Temple Main Hall (Hondo). If you are facing the main temple entrance, walk to the right (east) side of the main plaza. You will spot the Nisonbutsu, two prominent, historic bronze Buddha statues cast in 1687. Just to the east of these statues, you will find the green-and-gray partitioned public smoking zone.
Important Local Rules: Taito City (Taito-ku) enforces a strict ban on street smoking. Lighting up while walking or outside of designated zones is illegal and carries an on-the-spot fine of 2,000 JPY. Please be respectful of the sacred temple grounds and ensure you keep your smoke within the marked boundaries of this specific booth.
Nearby Landmarks
Orienting yourself in Asakusa is easy if you keep these major landmarks in mind, all located within a 1-to-2-minute walk from the smoking area:
- Nisonbutsu Statues: These twin bronze Buddhas (Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta) sit directly west of the smoking area and serve as the perfect visual landmark.
- Senso-ji Main Hall (Hondo): Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temple hall is located just a short walk to the west.
- Asakusa Shrine (Sanja-sama): Located directly northeast of the smoking zone, this historic Shinto shrine is famous for hosting the massive Sanja Matsuri festival in May.
- Nakamise-dori Shopping Street: The bustling market street packed with traditional souvenirs and snacks ends just south of this location.