If you’re in the area to visit Tokyo Tower, Zojo-ji Temple in Minato Ward is a good addition to your itinerary. Otherwise, it’s not entirely necessary to go out of your way.
Zojo-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow
Zojo-ji Temple is a sprawling Buddhist temple complex located near Tokyo Tower. Originally founded in 1393 as a seminary for the Pure Land sect of Buddhism, it became the family temple for the Tokugawa clan during the Edo period. Today, it’s the head temple for Pure Land Buddhism, and an important part of local religious life.
Zojo-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow
Though located within the park grounds, Zojo-ji Temple is technically not considered part of Shiba-koen Park - the park was built around the temple grounds.
Zojo-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow
The temple is notable for its Sangadetsumon, or the main temple gate, which is the oldest wooden building in Tokyo dating back to 1622. All the original temple buildings were destroyed in air raids, natural disasters, or fires.
Zojo-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow
Zojo-ji Temple does have several buildings and statues of interest in addition to its impressive main gate, and a Treasure Gallery showcasing Buddhist art. That being said, unless you’re deeply interested in history or Buddhist art, it’s not a must-visit. The temple is a nice addition to your itinerary if you’re already in the area to visit Tokyo Tower or Shiba-koen Park.
English name:
Zojo-ji Temple
Japanese name:
増上寺
English address:
4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0011
Japanese address:
〒105-0011 東京都港区芝公園4-7-35
Opening hours:
Main Hall: 6am-5:30pm
Treasures Gallery: 10am-4pm (last entry 3:45pm), closed Tuesday except national holidays
Admission (Treasures Gallery):
Adults: 700
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 3-minute walk from exit A1 of Onarimon Station on the Toei Mita line.
Train: 10-minute walk from the north exit of Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote line, and Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Zojo-ji Temple on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3432-1431
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Zojo-ji Temple is located in Tokyo's Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa district. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo's Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
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