Zojo-ji Temple in Tokyo

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  • Tokyo Zojo-ji Temple

  • Tokyo Zojo-ji Temple

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Facts & Figures

Zojo-ji Temple in Tokyo is the Great Main Temple of the Jodo-Buddist sect. The Buddhist temple near Tokyo Tower and Roppongi is a picturesque place to enjoy the cherry blossom season. Best Ryokans in Tokyo Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Tokyo Ryokan.
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The huge wooden main gate (Sangedatsumon) is an impressive sight with a height of 21 meters, 28.7 meters in width and 17.6 meters in depth.

  • Zojo-ji Temple
  • Opening Hours - always open (whole day)
  • Admission Fee - free

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History

In 1393 (Muromachi period) Zojo-ji Temple was founded. Later in 1598 Tokugawa Ieyasu decided to relocated the temple from Hibiya (located in Chiyoda district, Tokyo) to its present location. The powerful Tokugawa clan ruled Japan for more than 250 years and Zojo-ji was their family temple. During World War 2 the whole area was completely destroyed, but later most of the structures were rebuilt.

Location

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Zojo-ji Temple is located within the Minato-ku (ward) in central Tokyo.
Address: 4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo 105-0011

How to get to Zojo-ji Temple?

  • from Daimon Subway Station served by Oedo Subway Line or
  • from Shibakoen or Onarimon Station served by Oedo Subway Line or
  • 10min from Hamamatsucho Station served by JR Yamanoto Line

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Sangedatsumon - Main Gate of the Zojoji Temple (Sanmon) was built in 1605, it was the only structure which survived the 1945 air raids

Daiden (Main Hall) - rebuilt in 1974, contains an beautiful decorated golden alter

Tokugawa Graves - 6 of the 15 shoguns are buried in the Mausoleum of the Tokugawa family

Daibonsho (Big Bell) - the huge bell's (15 tons) height is 3.33 meteres and the diameter 1.76 meters

Unborn Children Garden - part of the cemetery displays rows of stone statues of children, these are protector of the souls of stillborn children

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

February

Setsubun Festival (3rd)
The Bean-Throwing Festival is a yearly ritual where people throw soybeans while shouting out loud “Demons out, Luck in,” (Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!) to wish for happiness. These spiritual spring cleaning sessions can be enjoyed at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples everywhere in Tokyo.

July

Zojoji Bon-Odori Matsuri (25th and 26th)
A nice Bon Odori dance festival is held at the Zojoji Temple. Visitors wearing colorful yukatas (summer kimonos) and are allowed to join the professional dancers. The purpose of the celebration is to show gratefulness toward one’s ancestors.

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