Written by Greg Lane
A major temple next to Shiba Park and in the shadow of Tokyo Tower. It’s popular with photographers who want to juxtapose the traditional with the modern.
Zōjōji was established in 1393 as the main temple of the Jōdo-shū school of Buddhism in Kantō. It was relocated to its present site in 1598 and became the family temple of the powerful Tokugawa clan. A number of Tokugawa shoguns are buried in the mausoleum on the temple grounds.
Fun fact: The temple’s main gate is said to be one of the oldest wooden structures in Tokyo.
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Cheapo tip: There is a treasure gallery beneath the Great Hall, and it’s worth checking out.
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増上寺
4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
09:00-17:00
- 379 m from Shiba-kōen Station Mita Line (I5)
- 425 m from Onarimon Station Mita Line (I6)
- 0.5 km from Akabanebashi Station Oedo Line (E21)
