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Zojoji: Tokugawa Shogunal Temple and Tokyo's Most Iconic Skyline View

Founded in 1393, Zojoji is the head temple of the Jodo sect and mausoleum for six Tokugawa shoguns. The 1622 Sangedatsumon Gate (Important Cultural Property) framed against Tokyo Tower creates one of Tokyo's most recognizable skyline views. This guide covers the Black Jizo, the shogunal mausoleum, and seasonal events.

Contents

MOKUJI

History — From Komyoji to the Tokugawa Shogunal Temple

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Sangedatsumon Gate and Precinct Highlights

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Annual Events

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Visitor's Guide — Access and Surroundings

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Zojoji (Sanenzankohdoin Zojoji) is the head temple of the Jodo (Pure Land Buddhism) sect, founded in 1393 by the venerable Yuyoshoson. During the Edo period, under the full patronage of the Tokugawa shogunate, it grew into a religious metropolis encompassing some 250,000 tsubo (approximately 830,000 m²), 48 academic halls, and over 150 branch temples. The current landmark — the Sangedatsumon Gate (1622, Important Cultural Property) framed against the background of Tokyo Tower — has become one of Tokyo’s most recognizable views.

History — From Komyoji to the Tokugawa Shogunal Temple

Origins and the Kanto’s Leading Jodo Institution

Zojoji’s predecessor, Komyoji, was founded in 1393 at what is now Kioicho, Chiyoda Ward. During the Muromachi period it became the leading institution among the Kanto’s eighteen great Jodo temples for transmitting orthodox Jodo doctrine.

Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Devotion and the Move to Shiba

In 1598, Tokugawa Ieyasu relocated the temple to its current site in Shiba. Deeply devoted to Jodo Buddhism, Ieyasu designated Zojoji as the Tokugawa clan’s family temple. Under the shogunate’s complete patronage, the temple expanded dramatically.

Six Shoguns’ Mausoleum

Shogun

Posthumous Name

2nd – Hidetada (and wife Sugein)

Taitokuin

6th – Ienobu

Bunsho-in

7th – Ietsugu

Yucho-in

9th – Ieshige

Junshin-in

12th – Ienari

Shintoku-in

14th – Iemochi (and Princess Kazu)

Shotoku-in

The original mausoleum complex rivaled Nikko Toshogu in its magnificence but was largely destroyed in the 1945 air raids. Today stone towers (hotoken) and stone fences remain, viewable for ¥500 (9:00–17:00). Archaeological excavations recovered burial offerings alongside the shoguns’ remains; from the tomb of Princess Kazunomiya — wife of Shogun Iemochi — a glass photographic plate was recovered, reportedly a photo of her husband, touching testimony from the end of the Edo era.

Sangedatsumon Gate and Precinct Highlights

Sangedatsumon — The Sole Survivor of WWII Bombing

The most important structure in the precinct is the Sangedatsumon Gate (Important Cultural Property), built in 1622 — the only Edo-period building in the complex to survive the 1945 firebombing. Standing approximately 21 m tall with a 19 m facade, it is a two-story gate. Its name means “gate of the three liberations,” referring to the Buddhist teaching that passing through it liberates one from the three afflictions of greed, anger, and ignorance. The upper story enshrines a Shakyamuni triad and sixteen arhats (viewable during special openings only).

Main Hall and the Black Jizo

The current main hall (1974, reinforced concrete) enshrines an Amida Nyorai from the Muromachi period. The ceiling bears a painting of celestial maidens by the Japanese artist Fukui Sojin. In the Ankokuden hall to the right stands the “Black Jizo” (Kuro-Honzon) — a secret statue of Amida Nyorai attributed to the monk Genshin (Eshin Sozu). Blackened by centuries of incense smoke, this image was said to be carried by Tokugawa Ieyasu on every military campaign and is venerated for “victory and fortune.” It is displayed publicly only three times per year (January 15, May 15, September 15).

Approximately 1,300 Children’s Jizo Statues

About 1,300 small Jizo statues wearing red bibs and caps stand throughout the precinct, each decorated with colorful pinwheels. During July’s Jizo Festival, the pinwheels spin simultaneously in the breeze — a scene with a distinctive melancholic beauty that draws photographers.

Annual Events

Event

Period

Highlights

New Year Bell (Joya no Kane)

December 31

One of Edo’s three famous bells; Tokyo Tower illumination

Setsubun Bean-Throwing

Early February

Celebrities participate; large crowds

Oki Taie (Law Ceremony)

Early April

Most important annual Jodo Buddhist service

New Year’s Visit

January

Among Tokyo’s top three visited temples

The great Zojoji bell, cast in 1673, is one of Edo’s three famous bells. On New Year’s Eve, the bell’s resonance mingles with the Tokyo Tower countdown illumination in a scene that has come to symbolize Tokyo’s new year.

Visitor’s Guide — Access and Surroundings

The nearest stations are Toei Mita Line Onarimon (3 min from Exit A1) or Shibakoen (3 min from Exit A3), Toei Oedo Line Daimon (5 min from Exit A6), or JR Hamamatsucho (10 min from north exit). Admission to the main precinct is free (main hall open 6:00–17:30).

The prime photo spot for Tokyo Tower is directly in front of the Sangedatsumon Gate. Twilight and evening illuminations are especially photogenic. Shiba Park, Tokyo Tower, and the Shiba Rikyu Garden are all within easy walking distance. From Hamamatsucho, Takeshiba Pier offers water buses to Odaiba. See Zojoji spot details for the precinct map.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Zojoji and Kanei-ji?

Zojoji is the head temple of Jodo Buddhism, while Kanei-ji is a Tendai head temple. Both served as Tokugawa shogunal temples; 6 shoguns are buried at Zojoji and 6 at Kanei-ji (with 3 others interred elsewhere, including Nikko).

When can the Black Jizo (Kuro-Honzon) be seen?

The Black Jizo is displayed only three times per year: January 15, May 15, and September 15. These days attract large numbers of worshippers, so an early morning arrival is recommended.

Can visitors view the shogunal mausoleum?

Yes, for an admission fee of ¥500, open 9:00–17:00. Though only stone towers and fences remain of the original grand structures, the quiet atmosphere is conducive to reflection on Tokugawa history.

Can visitors participate in the New Year’s Eve bell ringing?

Yes — general visitors can participate in the joya no kane bell ringing. Tickets are typically distributed on the day of the event, so arriving early is advised. Many people combine this with the Tokyo Tower New Year countdown nearby.

What is the significance of the children’s Jizo statues?

The Jizo statues represent prayers for children’s healthy growth, safe delivery, and in some cases the souls of lost pregnancies. The custom of dressing them in red bibs and placing pinwheels reflects ongoing parental devotion that continues year after year.

Last updated: April 25, 2026

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Toku editorial team — shrines and temples. Former designer who reads temple architecture and gardens through an aesthetic lens, quietly tracing the lineages of sects and doctrines.

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