ZOJOJI TEMPLE

Zojoji temple was built in 1393 as the Jodo-shu sect of Buddhism (Pure Land Buddhism) for the eastern region of Japan (Kanto). It moved to it’s current location in 1598, when Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to Tokyo and began ruling as shogun. Under Shogun Tokugawa’s rule, Zojoji Temple became the family temple. It also served as the center for religious studies and activities for Jodo-shu Buddhism. Since then, it has been destroyed by fires and air raids during World War II and rebuilt to it’s current form now. This temple is special in that it features the Tokyo Tower in the background, making it a unique contrast between the past and the present.

Entrance fee: Free

Photo credit: Go Tokyo

Address: 4-7-35 Shibakoen Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011 Japan

Website: https://www.zojoji.or.jp/en/

How to get there: A 10 minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Lines, a 3 minute walk from Onarimon Station on the Mita Line and 5 minute walk from Daimon Station on the Toei Asakusa and Oedo Lines.