Zojoji Temple

What to know

Zojoji Temple (増上寺, Zōjōji) is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism in the Kanto region. Located next to Tokyo Tower, the temple grounds feature impressive structures, a Tokugawa family mausoleum, and a small museum.

Most of Zojoji's current buildings are recent reconstructions, except for the main gate, the Sangedatsumon, which dates from 1622 and has survived many fires, earthquakes, and wars.

The temple was originally built in 1393 and moved to its present location in 1598 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who chose it as his family temple. The mausoleum at the back of the complex contains the tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns.

The small museum in the basement of the main hall focuses on the former Tokugawa Mausoleum, which included ornate buildings before being severely damaged during World War II. In addition to documents, the museum features a video about the mausoleum's construction and a 1:10 scale model of the original buildings.

The closest subway stations are Onarimon and Shibakoen on the Mita Line, and Daimon on the Oedo Line. The temple is also a ten-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines.