Zojoji Temple
Image source: Wikimedia Commons; license credits as shown.
Overview
Zojoji Temple is a significant Jodo-shu temple located in Minato, Tokyo, next to Tokyo Tower, with a history of over 600 years. It is also an important family temple of the Tokugawa shogunate, known for the San-gate, the Tokugawa family burial site, and the Black Main Deity.
Getting There
Take the Toei Subway Mita Line to Onarimon Station and walk about 3 minutes; or take the Toei Oedo Line / Asakusa Line to Daimon Station and walk about 5 minutes; from JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, or Tokyo Monorail Hamamatsucho Station, walk about 10 minutes.
Highlights
One of the seven major temples of the Jodo-shu, and a highly representative ancient temple in the Kanto region. It has a deep connection with the Tokugawa shogunate, with the Tokugawa family burial site and related cultural heritage visible within the grounds. The San-gate is one of the largest mountain gates in Eastern Japan, holding significant cultural property value. The temple is located adjacent to Shiba Park and Tokyo Tower, creating a striking visual contrast between the ancient temple and the urban landscape.
What to See
San-gate: The most representative mountain gate of the temple, grand in scale. Main Hall: The primary worship space, serving as the core building of Zojoji Temple. Ankoku Hall: A hall dedicated to the Black Main Deity, Amitabha Buddha. Tokugawa Family Burial Site: An important area related to Tokugawa Ieyasu and successive shoguns. Treasure Exhibition Room: Displays historical materials and artifacts related to the temple and the Tokugawa family.
Hours & Admission
General admission to the mountain gate and the temple grounds is mostly free, with opening hours typically from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Ankoku Hall is open from about 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; some sources also indicate that the Main Hall is open until around 5:00 PM. Visiting the Tokugawa family burial site costs about 700 yen, the Treasure Exhibition Room about 500 yen, and a combined admission ticket is about 1,000 yen. Paid areas are usually closed on Tuesdays, and may have adjustments during national holidays.
Address
4-7-35 Shiba Park, Minato, Tokyo
Travel Tips
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking and visiting, with comfortable weather, and it is also suitable to explore Shiba Park and the area around Tokyo Tower. If you wish to visit the paid areas, it is advisable to check the opening and closing status for the day, especially on Tuesdays. The temple offers goshuin (temple stamps) and religious events, providing a relatively complete cultural experience. There are dining and accommodation facilities around Shiba Park, Tokyo Tower, and Hamamatsucho, making it convenient for a half-day trip.
Nearby Dining
Within the temple or nearby, you can find tea houses and light meal spots affiliated with Zojoji Temple. There are several cafes and light meal shops around Shiba Park and Tokyo Tower, ideal for resting after your visit. The area around Hamamatsucho Station has a wider selection of restaurants, ranging from Japanese set meals to cafes.
FAQ
Q: What kind of temple is Zojoji Temple? A: Zojoji Temple is a major Jodo-shu temple located in Minato, Tokyo, and an important family temple of the Tokugawa shogunate. Q: What is the most famous attraction of Zojoji Temple? A: The most famous attractions are the San-gate, the Tokugawa family burial site, and the related beliefs surrounding the Black Main Deity. Q: What is the easiest way to get to Zojoji Temple? A: The easiest way is to walk about 3 minutes from Toei Subway Onarimon Station. Q: Is there an admission fee for Zojoji Temple? A: General admission to the temple grounds is mostly free, but areas like the Tokugawa family burial site and the Treasure Exhibition Room require separate tickets. Q: What other attractions can be arranged with a visit to Zojoji Temple? A: Zojoji Temple can be conveniently arranged with visits to Tokyo Tower, Shiba Park, and nearby attractions in Hamamatsucho.
