A Tranquil Corner Under Tokyo Tower｜Zojoji Temple

#TokyoItinerary

In Tokyo, Zojoji Temple is a must-visit spot. It stands alongside Tokyo Tower, where the classical and modern blend wonderfully, and the charm of history meets the energy of the present to create a unique spark✨

Zojoji Temple is a Jodo sect temple, with the mountain name Sanyenzan, and its full official name is Sanyenzan Kodo-in Zojoji Temple. Tracing its origins, it was originally Komyoji, a Shingon sect temple founded by Kukai’s disciple, Soei. In 1393, the eighth patriarch of the Jodo sect, Shoson, took over, converting it to the Jodo sect and renaming it Zojoji. In 1590, Tokugawa Ieyasu converted to Zojoji, and it was designated as one of the Tokugawa family’s mausoleums, beginning a glorious chapter. The temple expanded continuously and held significant influence in both religious and political circles at the time. Later, it suffered from the Meiji Restoration’s separation of Shinto and Buddhism, multiple fires, and World War II air raids, enduring great damage before being rebuilt after the war.

Today, when visiting Zojoji, the Sanmeidomon Gate is a must-see. It is the oldest building in Tokyo and the largest gate in eastern Japan, built in 1622. The second floor houses statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and the Sixteen Arhats. Then there is the Sutra Repository, built with the help of Tokugawa Ieyasu, featuring an octagonal structure that preserves various sutras from the Song, Yuan, and Goryeo periods, many of which are designated important cultural properties of Japan. The Bell Tower, though rebuilt after the war, holds a bronze bell cast in 1673, the largest bell in eastern Japan and one of the three famous bells of the Edo period.

Looking from Zojoji toward Tokyo Tower, the red lacquered gate, the classical architecture, and the modern Tokyo Tower frame a perfect shot📸 If you visit during the spring cherry blossom season, the cherry blossoms, ancient temple, and tower complement each other beautifully, leaving you speechless; in autumn, the maple leaves dress Zojoji in a brilliant coat, paired with Tokyo Tower for another enchanting view. When tired from walking, sit on the temple lawn to soak up the sun and enjoy this uniquely Tokyo leisurely afternoon.

📍Transportation: Take the JR line or Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, about a 10-minute walk; or take the Toei Mita Line to Onarimon Station or Shibakoen Station, only about a 3-minute walk
🎫Admission: Free
🕙Opening Hours: 09:00 - 17:00, the outer courtyard is open all day

#TokyoZojojiTemple #TokyoTower #TokyoPhotoSpot #LeisurelyAfternoon

Post by 夏天-1 | Apr 27, 2025