Zojoji Temple, located in Minato City, Tokyo, at the foot of Tokyo Tower, is a Jodo sect temple with a history of more than 600 years that attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad.
Its official name is San’en-zan Kodo in Zojoji.
The temple is associated with the Tokugawa shoguns of the Edo period (1603-1868), and there is a cemetery for the Tokugawa family on the temple grounds.
Zojoji Temple Highlights
Despite its location in the center of Tokyo, Zojoji Temple covers a vast area and is home to a variety of attractions, including the Sangedatsumon and Daiden(Main hall), the temple’s iconic structures.
There is also a cafe with a terrace where visitors can taste Japanese tea and sweets.
Care Guardian Deities of Children
Sangedatsumon
Sangedatsumon is the central gate of Zojoji Temple, one of the oldest structures in Tokyo and designated as Important Cultural Property. It is also one of the largest in eastern Japan.
The gate was destroyed by a typhoon in 1621, but was rebuilt a year later in 1622. Sangedatsumon is the only building that retains its original appearance.
Unfortunately, it is not open to the public, statues of Shakyamuni Triads and the Sixteen arhats are enshrined on the second floor of the gate.
The main gate of Zojoji Temple is a short distance away
Shoroudo (Bell Tower)
The Daibonsho (Big Bell) in the Bell Tower is 1.76 meters in diameter, 3.33 meters high, and 15 tons, making it one of the largest bells in eastern Japan and one of the three most famous bells in Edo Period.
It is said to have been cast seven times before it was completed.
The bell, which is struck twice a day, six times in the morning and in the evening, is said to not only tell the time but also purify people of their troubles and lead them to a deep peace of mind.
Daiden (Main Hall)
The main hall, Daiden, is one of the largest halls in the Tokyo metropolitan area, with the main hall on the second floor, a dojo on the third floor, a waiting room for parishioners on the first floor, and an exhibition room for Zojoji treasures in the basement (Fee: 700yen).
The present building was reconstructed in 1974 which was destroyed by fire during the Pacific War.
INFORMATION
NAME
Zojoji Temple (増上寺)
ADDRESS
4 Chome-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011
ACCESS
3-minute walk from Shibakoen Station, Onarimon Station.
5-minute walk from Daimon Station.
7-minute walk from Akabanebashi station.
10-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station, Kamiyacho Station.
STATION INFO
(Toei Transportation) Shibakoen Station
Mita Line
(Toei Transportation) Onarimon Station
Mita Line
(Toei Transportation) Daimon Station
Asakusa Line, Oedo Line
(Toei Transportation) Akabanebashi station
Oedo Line
(JR) Hamamatsucho Station
Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line
(Tokyo Monorail) Hamamatsucho Station
Tokyo Monorail
(Tokyo Metro) Kamiyacho Station
Hibiya Line
LINK