Onarimon (neighborhood) - Image 1
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Onarimon Tokyo

3.9
·103 reviews·Minato City, Japan

A historically significant gate, once the back entrance to Zojoji Temple, known for its unusual colors. Often closed, it's a quiet historical marker.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Higher chance of being open

CrowdLow
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Onarimon (neighborhood) - Image 1

Onarimon Tokyo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Higher chance of being open

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historically significant gate, once the back entrance to Zojoji Temple, known for its unusual colors. Often closed, it's a quiet historical marker.

3.9
(103 reviews)

"It is unusual in its colours for traditional gates so worth keeping your eye out for if it you are walking near the station."

Vertical photo
TIP

Manage Expectations

Often closed, so don't make a special trip. It's a quick historical marker, not an active attraction.

Look for Unique Colors

Its unusual coloration makes it visually distinct from traditional gates.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Onarimon Gate Itself

The Onarimon Gate Itself

Near Zojoji Temple

A historically significant gate, once the rear entrance to Zojoji Temple. Its unique colors make it stand out.

Historical Context

Historical Context

Adjacent to Zojoji Temple

Learn about its past as Zojoji Temple's back gate and its importance as a historical site.

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Planning Your Visit

Understanding Onarimon Gate

Onarimon Gate is a historical site, once the back gate of Zojoji Temple. It's unusual in color and often closed, so manage expectations. It's not a major tourist draw but offers a glimpse into local history.

Best Time to Visit

Visit during weekdays to potentially see it open, though it's frequently closed. It's an outdoor attraction, so consider weather. It's best viewed as a quick stop if you're already in the area.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Higher chance of being open
Crowd
Low
When
Anytime if nearby
Why
Quick historical stop
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Interesting places in Chou/Minato city

Manage Expectations

Often closed, so don't make a special trip. It's a quick historical marker, not an active attraction. Reddit

Look for Unique Colors

Its unusual coloration makes it visually distinct from traditional gates. Reddit

Combine with Zojoji Temple

Best visited when exploring the nearby Zojoji Temple for a more complete experience. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

Manage Expectations

Often closed, so don't make a special trip. It's a quick historical marker, not an active attraction. Reddit

Look for Unique Colors

Its unusual coloration makes it visually distinct from traditional gates. Reddit

Combine with Zojoji Temple

Best visited when exploring the nearby Zojoji Temple for a more complete experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(103 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Onarimon Gate is a historical site often noted for its unique colors, serving as the former back gate of Zojoji Temple. Visitors frequently mention that it is often closed or fenced off, leading to mixed feelings about its accessibility and overall appeal as a standalone attraction. It's best viewed as a quick historical marker rather than a major destination.

"This gate seems like it never opens."

Ak

"Just a gate that is fenced off. Nothing special."

Deacon Ho

"Not worth going out of your way to see but is interesting to see that there is an actual physical Onari-mon (Onari-"gate") near Onarimon station. It is unusual in its colours for traditional gates so worth keeping your eye out for if it you are walking near the station"

Anna Pinsky

What People Like

Unique colors
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Often closed
Not a major attraction

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Onarimon Gate is conveniently located near Onarimon Station on the Toei Mita Line. You can also reach it via a short walk from Daimon Station (Toei Asakusa Line and Oedo Line) or Shimbashi Station (JR lines, Tokyo Metro Ginza and Asakusa Lines). Reddit

Yes, it is easily accessible by Tokyo's extensive public transport network. Onarimon Station is the closest, making it very convenient for visitors. Reddit

The Toei Mita Line to Onarimon Station is the most direct route. If you're coming from other parts of the city, consider Daimon or Shimbashi stations as alternatives. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to view Onarimon Gate. It is an outdoor historical marker. Reddit

Onarimon Gate does not have set opening hours as it is an outdoor structure. However, it is frequently observed to be closed or fenced off. Reddit

Reviews suggest that Onarimon Gate is often closed or fenced off, even on weekdays. It's best not to rely on it being open. Reddit

While the gate itself may be closed, the surrounding area is generally accessible. You can still view its exterior and appreciate its historical presence. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture its unique colors and historical architecture. Try to frame it with the surrounding urban landscape for contrast. Reddit

The area around the gate offers various angles. Consider capturing it from a distance to include its context or up close to highlight its details. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ History & Significance

Onarimon Gate served as the back gate of Zojoji Temple, a historically important Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It's a remnant of the temple's past grandeur. Reddit

No, Onarimon Gate was the back gate of Zojoji Temple, not Edo Castle. It's often confused due to its historical context in the area. Reddit

Its unusual coloration sets it apart from many traditional Japanese gates. This distinctive feature makes it noteworthy. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Buffs

For those fascinated by Tokyo's past, Onarimon Gate offers a quiet historical footnote. Its role as the back gate of Zojoji Temple provides a specific point of interest. While often closed, its unique architecture and historical context make it a worthwhile quick stop if you're already exploring the Minato area. Reddit

Consider researching Zojoji Temple's history beforehand to fully appreciate the significance of this gate. Its less prominent status compared to other historical sites means you'll likely have a more solitary and reflective experience, allowing for a deeper connection with the past. Reddit

Day-Trippers & Sightseers

If you're on a tight schedule, Onarimon Gate is best viewed as a bonus stop rather than a primary destination. Its proximity to major transport hubs like Shimbashi and stations like Onarimon and Daimon makes it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing. Reddit

Be prepared for the possibility that the gate may be closed. If it is, you can still appreciate its exterior and unique colors from the outside. It's a quick photo opportunity and a brief historical marker that adds a touch of local flavor to your Tokyo exploration. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Onarimon Gate's History

Onarimon Gate holds a specific place in Tokyo's history, primarily as the former back gate of Zojoji Temple. Unlike more prominent gates associated with Edo Castle, Onarimon's significance lies in its connection to this influential Buddhist temple. Its less conspicuous location compared to gates like Reibyomon or Kuromon meant it was often overlooked by casual visitors, yet it remains an important historical marker. The gate's unique coloration also sets it apart, offering a visual distinction from more typical traditional Japanese architecture. Reddit

While the gate itself may not always be accessible or open, its historical context is crucial for appreciating its presence. It represents a tangible link to the past, reminding visitors of the layered history of the Minato ward. The fact that it's still maintained, despite its low visitor numbers, speaks to its recognized historical value. Reddit

It's worth noting that the original Onarimon Gate of the former Taitokuji Mausoleum has been relocated to Sayama Fudoson, indicating the movement and preservation efforts of historical structures in Japan. This adds another layer to understanding the legacy of gates named 'Onarimon'. Reddit

Visiting Onarimon Gate: What to Expect

Visitors to Onarimon Gate often report a mixed experience, largely due to its unpredictable accessibility. Many reviews mention finding the gate closed or fenced off, even during weekdays. This has led to some visitors feeling it's 'not worth going out of your way to see' if it's not open. Therefore, it's essential to manage expectations before your visit. Reddit

However, for those interested in historical details or who happen to be in the vicinity, it can still be an interesting sight. Its unusual colors are frequently highlighted as a unique feature that makes it stand out. If you're exploring nearby attractions like Zojoji Temple, a brief stop to see Onarimon Gate can add a small but meaningful historical dimension to your itinerary. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider combining it with a trip to Zojoji Temple. This allows you to make the most of your time in the area and provides a more substantial experience. Remember that it's an outdoor site, so checking the weather is advisable, though its often-closed status means weather is less of a factor for entry than for other attractions. Reddit

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