Zojoji Temple

Zojoji (増上寺) is the head temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect of Japanese Buddhism and served as the primary funerary temple for the Tokugawa Shogunate. Its origins date back to the 9th century, though it was originally a Shingon sect temple located in Kaizuka. In 1393, the temple converted to the Jodo sect, and its fate changed forever in 1598 when the first Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, moved the complex to its current site. Strategically positioned to the southwest of Edo Castle, the temple was intended to act as a spiritual “lull” and a guardian against evil omens.

The most iconic structure within the grounds is the Sangedatsumon (Main Gate). Standing 21 meters high, this massive vermillion gate was built in 1622 and is the only structure to have survived the devastating air raids of World War II. Its name translates to the “Gate of Three Liberations,” representing the shedding of three worldly passions: greed, anger, and ignorance. Passing through it is a symbolic transition from the chaotic streets of Minato into the sacred tranquility of the temple interior.

To the north of the main hall, visitors will find a particularly moving sight: rows of Mizuko Jizo statues. These small stone figures, dressed in hand-knitted red caps and bibs and adorned with colorful plastic windmills, are dedicated to the souls of unborn or miscarried children. Families return year after year to leave small offerings and keep the windmills spinning—a poignant reminder of the temple’s deep connection to the local community’s cycles of life and grief.

The temple grounds also house the Mausoleum of Tokugawa Shoguns, where six of the fifteen Tokugawa Shoguns are buried alongside their wives and children. For those interested in fine craftsmanship, the Treasury Gallery located beneath the main hall features a stunning 1/10th scale model of the Taitoku-in Mausoleum (the original was a National Treasure destroyed in 1945). Although the temple office and buildings close at 5:00 PM, the main gates remain open, allowing for one of Tokyo’s most striking visual contrasts: the ancient, dark silhouette of the main hall framed by the glowing orange lattice of Tokyo Tower standing directly behind it.

Visitor Information
Address	4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours	Grounds: 24 Hours Main Hall: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Mausoleum/Gallery: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price	Grounds: Free Mausoleum: ¥500 / Gallery: ¥700 (Combo Ticket: ¥1,000)
Website	Official Website

Access
Station	Line(s)	Details
Onarimon Station	Toei Mita Line	3-minute walk.
Shibakoen Station	Toei Mita Line	3-minute walk.
Daimon Station	Toei Oedo / Asakusa Lines	5-minute walk.
Hamamatsucho	JR Yamanote / Keihin-Tohoku	10-minute walk via the main Daimon Gate.