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Zōjō-ji Temple

Zōjō-ji is a Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple in the Shiba area of Minato, Tokyo, with over 600 years of history and links to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Visitors can explore its extensive grounds, which include the Sangedatsumon, a wooden gate from 1622 and the oldest in Tokyo, designated an Important Cultural Property. The precinct contains the Tokugawa mausoleum, where six shoguns are buried, and the Garden of Unborn Children, with rows of stone Jizō statues that parents can dress and decorate. The Main Hall (Daiden) houses the Treasure Gallery in its basement, with a 1/10-scale model of the Daitokuin mausoleum and the 500 Arhats by Kanō Kazunobu. The Ankokuden Hall keeps the image of the 'Black Honzon', shown three times a year. The temple holds numerous annual and monthly ceremonies, such as Hatsumōde, Setsubun and Juya Hoyo. Entry to the grounds is free; the Treasure Gallery charges 700 yen (2024). It can be reached on foot from Hamamatsucho, Daimon, Onarimon and Shibakoen stations.

Things to do at Zōjō-ji Temple: 10 missions

• Take part in sutra copyingJoin the sutra copying activity on the 14th, except in July and August.
• Explore the Sutra RepositoryDiscover the temple's sutra repository.
• Visit the Enko Daishi HallDiscover the hall dedicated to Enko Daishi.
• See SangedatsumonTake in the two-storey main gate, built in 1622.
• See the Spring Higan CeremonyWitness the spring Higan ceremony in March.
• Visit AnkokudenDiscover the prayer hall of Zōjō-ji Temple.
• Explore Daiden (Main Hall)Walk through the temple's Main Hall.
• Attend the Peace Prayer CeremonyTake part in the peace prayer ceremony held in August.
• See the Betsuji NembutsuWitness the Betsuji Nembutsu, held on the 24th.
• Take part in Hatsumōde (New Year's Visit)Make the New Year's visit in January.

Near Zōjō-ji Temple

Source: zojoji.or.jp