Kaminarimon Thunder Gate
Asakusa Scam Warning
As Asakusa is a major tourist hotspot, it does attract some scammers targeting tourists. In particular, be wary of scammers dressing in temple robes and offering charms or bracelets.
Updated 29 February 2020
About Kaminarimon Thunder Gate
Kaminarimon - The Thunder Gate - is the outermost gate of the approach to Sensoji. It is well known for its large red lantern and statues.
Kaminarimon - The Thunder Gate - is the outermost gate of the approach to Sensoji Temple. It is well known for its large red lantern and statues, and is very popular with both domestic and international tourists.
The 700kg lantern was made in Kyoto and has the kanji characters for “Thunder Gate”. The base is adorned with delicate dragon carvings, which are easily missed by those in a rush.
The gate’s name comes from the statues housed in it. On the left is the God of Thunder, on the right, the Wind God. These benevolent deities are said to protect Sensoji from fire, flood and storm. On the inside of the gate are two more statues - Tenryu and Kinryu, the dragon-tailed gods.
Passing through Kaminarimon leads to the Nakamise Dori Shopping Street shopping street, and onwards to Sensoji itself.