Zojoji Temple, Minato, Tokyo: Video Introduction

This video, titled "Zojo-ji temple Jizo Statues Part II - Tokyo - 4K Ultra HD," was uploaded by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful."

Have you ever heard of Tokyo's Zojoji Temple? It actually attracted a lot of attention when it hosted the funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Zojoji Temple is one of the seven head temples of the Jodo sect of Buddhism and is located in Minato, Tokyo. Its official name is Sanenzan Kodoin Zojoji (三縁山広度院 増上寺).

The video opens with a shot of a gate, showing a large number of ema plaques with the image of Avalokitesvara (a Boddhisatva) on them. In one area of the temple is the Garden of Unborn Children where Jizo statues stand holding windmills, inviting visitors to an otherworldly place. Be sure to take a look at it in the video. It's not often you find a place like this in a big city like Tokyo.

History and Highlights of Zojoji Temple

Photo：Zojoji Temple, Minato, Tokyo

Zojoji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, that was founded in 1393 by Yuyo Shoso, the eighth head priest of the Jodo sect. It was chosen as a family temple of the Tokugawa family and developed dramatically during the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.) with deep ties to the Tokugawa Shoguns. There are gravesites of six Tokugawa shoguns within the precincts of the temple, showing the depth of the temple's connection with the Tokugawa family.

The Black Image of Amida Buddha, which Ieyasu is said to have taken with him when he went into battle and prayed for victory, is known as the Buddha of victory and luck. The black-colored amulet of victory (勝運のお守り, Shoun no O-Mamori), derived from the Black Image of Amida Buddha, has a powerful aura. Be sure to keep an eye out for them when visiting the temple.

There are many Important Cultural Properties to see on the temple grounds, including the Daiden (大殿, Main Hall), Enko-Daishi Hall (圓光大師堂, Enkodaishi-den, a hall dedicated to the Buddhist monk Honen Shonin), and Ankokuden Hall (安国殿, Ankokuden), which houses the Black Image of Amida Buddha. The temple is also popular for its photogenic nature, where visitors can photograph both historic buildings and the modern Tokyo Tower in one shot.

The Jizo of Child Rearing at Zojoji Temple

Photo：The Jizo of Child Rearing at Zojoji Temple, Minato, Tokyo

Located on the north side of the temple grounds, there are many Jizo of Child Rearing standing with pinwheels and wearing distinctive red knit hats and red bibs. The temple was built to pray for the safe and sound growth, and for the repose of the souls of children. On the third Sunday of April every year, a grand Buddhist service dedicated to the Jizo of Child Rearing is held.

Access to Zojoji Temple

Photo：JR Hamamatsucho Station

Located in Shiba Park, Zojoji Temple is easily accessible from Odaiba and other tourist attractions in the Tokyo waterfront area. The nearest station, Hamamatsucho Station, is easily accessible from Haneda Airport, so many tourists from far away visit the temple. Zojoji Temple does not have a parking lot, so if you're coming by car, we recommend using public transportation as you will have to find a nearby parking lot.

◆Zojoji Temple◆
【Address】4 Chome-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011
【Telephone】03-3432-1431
【Access】
Train:
・A 10-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station via JR Lines and the Tokyo Monorail
・A 3-minute walk from Onarimon Station on the Toei Subway Mita Line, and a 3-minute walk from Shiba Park
・A 5-minute walk from Daimon Station on the Toei Subway Asakusa Line and Oedo Line
・A 7-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line
・A 10-minute walk from Kamiyacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line

Summary of Zojoji Temple

In this article, we introduced a video of the lovely Zojoji Temple. Watching the video, you will find it hard to believe that the temple is located amongst the skyscrapers central Tokyo. Zojoji Temple attracts many worshippers, making it a popular place for New Year's shrine visits in Tokyo. If you're sightseeing in Tokyo, be sure to check out Zojoji Temple as it's not far from Tokyo Tower!

【Official Website】Zojoji Temple

【TripAdvisor】Zojoji Temple