Visit Tokyo: Zojoji Temple

Zojoji is the "The Chief Temple of the Jodo-Buddist Sect."  It was very close to the hotel we stayed at in Tokyo, so early one cold, rainy morning, we went for a visit.

Pouring rain!

The grounds of the Temple are fairly large, but because of how cold and rainy it was, we only did a quick walk through of a small area.

Sangedatsumon (Main Gate)

Daibonsho (Big Bell)

Cleansing station

Daiden (Hondo: Main Hall)

Cleansing Station

Kumano (Yuya) Shrine

There is great significance to the positioning and location of the temple, as well as to other aspects of the grounds, like the number of stairs leading to the main hall.

Zojoji Temple is a very popular site for cherry blossom viewing, and we did see some as the season had just begun.

On the grounds you'll see hundreds of little statues called "care guardian deities of children." In addition as acting as a memorial for still birth or miscarried children, these statues also serve the purpose of protecting the safety of growing children and grandchildren. The statues are often donned with a red hat, red apron, and red pinwheel.

I hope to visit again when the weather is nicer, so we can see more of the area and take a closer look at the beautiful temple.

Zojoji Temple
Japan, 〒105-0011 Tokyo

港区Shibakoen, 4−7−35
+81 3-3432-1431