- Tokyo
- Shiba Koen
- Tourist Attractions
Zojoji Temple
Zojoji Temple is one of Tokyo's most… Listed as Tourist Attractions in Tokyo. View admission, opening hours, location and map details before your visit.
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Basic Information
Zojoji Temple is one of Tokyo's most historically significant Buddhist temples, located at the foot of the iconic Tokyo Tower in the Shiba-koen district. Founded in 1393 and relocated to its present site in 1598, the temple has more than 600 years of history and serves as an important center of Jodo Buddhism in Japan.
Zojoji is closely associated with the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan during the Edo period. Tokugawa Ieyasu selected the temple as his family's Buddhist temple, and the grounds became the final resting place of six Tokugawa shoguns. Today, visitors can explore the historical connection between the temple and Japan's former military rulers.
One of the temple's most famous structures is the Sangedatsumon Gate, an Important Cultural Property dating from 1622. The gate survived the destruction of World War II, while the main Daiden Hall was rebuilt in 1974. Inside the main hall, visitors can pay their respects to Amida Buddha, the principal deity of the temple.
Another memorable sight is the collection of small Jizo statues, often decorated with colorful knitted caps, bibs, and pinwheels. These statues are associated with prayers for the well-being and remembrance of children, adding a deeply spiritual atmosphere to the temple grounds.
The Zojoji Treasures Gallery, located beneath the main hall, displays historical Buddhist artworks and a detailed model of the former Taitoku-in Mausoleum. The temple also houses the Tokugawa Shogunate Graveyard, which can normally be visited for a separate admission fee.
Zojoji is particularly famous for its striking scenery, where the traditional temple buildings stand against the modern Tokyo Tower. This beautiful contrast between historical architecture and Tokyo's contemporary skyline makes the temple a popular destination for sightseeing, photography, and experiencing Japanese culture.
Zojoji is closely associated with the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan during the Edo period. Tokugawa Ieyasu selected the temple as his family's Buddhist temple, and the grounds became the final resting place of six Tokugawa shoguns. Today, visitors can explore the historical connection between the temple and Japan's former military rulers.
One of the temple's most famous structures is the Sangedatsumon Gate, an Important Cultural Property dating from 1622. The gate survived the destruction of World War II, while the main Daiden Hall was rebuilt in 1974. Inside the main hall, visitors can pay their respects to Amida Buddha, the principal deity of the temple.
Another memorable sight is the collection of small Jizo statues, often decorated with colorful knitted caps, bibs, and pinwheels. These statues are associated with prayers for the well-being and remembrance of children, adding a deeply spiritual atmosphere to the temple grounds.
The Zojoji Treasures Gallery, located beneath the main hall, displays historical Buddhist artworks and a detailed model of the former Taitoku-in Mausoleum. The temple also houses the Tokugawa Shogunate Graveyard, which can normally be visited for a separate admission fee.
Zojoji is particularly famous for its striking scenery, where the traditional temple buildings stand against the modern Tokyo Tower. This beautiful contrast between historical architecture and Tokyo's contemporary skyline makes the temple a popular destination for sightseeing, photography, and experiencing Japanese culture.
Monkey Tips
For the best photographs, visit the open area in front of the Daiden Main Hall, where Tokyo Tower rises directly behind the traditional temple building. Clear mornings are ideal for capturing the contrast between the temple's architecture and Tokyo's modern skyline.
Visiting in the morning is recommended for a peaceful atmosphere. The main hall is open for worship from 06:00 to 17:30, while Ankokuden Hall is open from 09:00 to 17:00. Allow approximately 30–60 minutes to explore the main temple grounds, or more time if you plan to visit the paid exhibition areas.
The Sangedatsumon Gate is undergoing major restoration work scheduled to continue into 2032. Although passage beneath the gate remains possible, temporary structures cover parts of the historic gate and nearby walking routes are narrower than usual. Visitors should follow the posted signs and avoid stopping in restricted passageways.
The Tokugawa Shogunate Graveyard is temporarily closed from October 27 through December 1, 2026 due to ticket office construction. The Treasures Gallery remains open under its regular schedule. Travelers wishing to visit these areas should check the latest announcements before arriving.
Visitors interested in Buddhist traditions can stop by Ankokuden Hall, where temple amulets and goshuin temple seals are available between 09:00 and 17:00. Please observe the temple's rules when praying or taking photographs, especially inside religious buildings.
Zojoji Temple is also easy to combine with nearby Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park. The temple does not provide general parking for private vehicles, so public transportation is recommended. Visitors using wheelchairs can inquire about the elevator and wheelchair loan service at the main hall.
Visiting in the morning is recommended for a peaceful atmosphere. The main hall is open for worship from 06:00 to 17:30, while Ankokuden Hall is open from 09:00 to 17:00. Allow approximately 30–60 minutes to explore the main temple grounds, or more time if you plan to visit the paid exhibition areas.
The Sangedatsumon Gate is undergoing major restoration work scheduled to continue into 2032. Although passage beneath the gate remains possible, temporary structures cover parts of the historic gate and nearby walking routes are narrower than usual. Visitors should follow the posted signs and avoid stopping in restricted passageways.
The Tokugawa Shogunate Graveyard is temporarily closed from October 27 through December 1, 2026 due to ticket office construction. The Treasures Gallery remains open under its regular schedule. Travelers wishing to visit these areas should check the latest announcements before arriving.
Visitors interested in Buddhist traditions can stop by Ankokuden Hall, where temple amulets and goshuin temple seals are available between 09:00 and 17:00. Please observe the temple's rules when praying or taking photographs, especially inside religious buildings.
Zojoji Temple is also easy to combine with nearby Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park. The temple does not provide general parking for private vehicles, so public transportation is recommended. Visitors using wheelchairs can inquire about the elevator and wheelchair loan service at the main hall.
Location
Getting there
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🚆 From Tokyo Station → Take the JR Yamanote Line → Get off at Hamamatsucho Station → Walk approximately 10 minutes to Zojoji Temple.
🚆 From Shinjuku Station → Take the Toei Oedo Line → Get off at Daimon Station → Walk approximately 5 minutes to Zojoji Temple.
🚆 From Shibuya Station → Take the JR Yamanote Line → Get off at Hamamatsucho Station → Walk approximately 10 minutes to Zojoji Temple.
🚆 From Ueno Station → Take the JR Yamanote Line → Get off at Hamamatsucho Station → Walk approximately 10 minutes to Zojoji Temple.
🚆 From Asakusa Station → Take the Toei Asakusa Line → Get off at Daimon Station → Walk approximately 5 minutes to Zojoji Temple.
🚆 From Onarimon Station → Take the Toei Mita Line → Get off at Onarimon Station → Walk approximately 3 minutes to Zojoji Temple.
🚆 From Shibakoen Station → Take the Toei Mita Line → Get off at Shibakoen Station → Walk approximately 3 minutes to Zojoji Temple.
Map area
The map loads when you scroll here- 4 Chome-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan
- +81334321431
- 09:00 ~ 17:00Main Hall (Daiden): 06:00–17:30 daily // Ankokuden Hall: 09:00–17:00 daily // Treasures Gallery: 11:00–15:00 on weekdays, 10:00–16:00 on weekends and public holidays (last admission 15 minutes before closing; closed on Tuesdays except public holidays). Opening hours may change during religious ceremonies or special events.
- Admission 경내·본당 참배: 무료 // 도쿠가와 쇼군가 묘소: 성인 500엔, 고등학생 이하 무료 // 보물전시실: 성인 700엔, 중·고등학생 300엔, 초등학생 이하 무료 // 묘소+보물전시실 공통권: 1,000엔
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