Zojoji Temple, Tokyo - Zojo-Ji Temple Tokyo
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Zojoji Temple Tokyo

4.5
·11k reviews·Minato City, Japan

Historic Buddhist temple offering an iconic view of Tokyo Tower, a serene escape, and poignant Jizo statues.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Golden Hour (late afternoon)

Magical light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Zojoji Temple, Tokyo - Zojo-Ji Temple Tokyo

Zojoji Temple Tokyo

Best Time

Golden Hour (late afternoon)

Magical light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Buddhist temple offering an iconic view of Tokyo Tower, a serene escape, and poignant Jizo statues.

4.5
(11k reviews)

"The perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern marvel, Zojoji Temple is a must-see in Tokyo."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the iconic Zojoji Temple with Tokyo Tower backdrop. Best during daylight or golden hour.

🙏 Respect the Jizo Statues

These statues commemorate unborn children. Observe respectfully and learn their significance.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 12,113 reviews

Type

Buddhist Temple

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Zojoji Temple & Tokyo Tower View

Zojoji Temple & Tokyo Tower View

Main temple grounds

The iconic juxtaposition of ancient temple architecture against the modern Tokyo Tower. A must-see photo opportunity.

Jizo Statues

Jizo Statues

Temple grounds

Rows of touching statues commemorating unborn children, offering a unique and poignant sight.

Main Temple Hall

Main Temple Hall

Central temple building

Explore the ornate main hall, a significant center for Jodo-shu Buddhism, with a history dating back centuries.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for That Iconic View

To capture the classic shot of Zojoji Temple with Tokyo Tower, plan your visit during daylight hours. Golden hour before sunset offers magical light, but be prepared for crowds, especially near Tokyo Tower. Consider visiting early morning for fewer people and a more serene experience.

Understanding the Jizo Statues

You'll notice rows of small, often red-hatted statues. These are Jizo statues, commemorating unborn children and those lost. While visually striking, understanding their significance adds a layer of solemnity to your visit. Many visitors find them touching and poignant.

Best Times

When
Golden Hour (late afternoon)
Why
Magical light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
New Year's Eve
Why
Unique cultural experience
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Zojo-ji: Tokyo's Temple with Tokyo Tower View #japantravel #japanthings #tokyotower #tokyotemple
@fun_travel_japan
2.8K likes • 88.6K views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the iconic Zojoji Temple with Tokyo Tower backdrop. Best during daylight or golden hour. TikTokInstagram

🙏 Respect the Jizo Statues

These statues commemorate unborn children. Observe respectfully and learn their significance. Reddit

You won’t believe this exists in the middle of Tokyo… 🕯️🌃 Zojoji Temple covered in thousands of glowing candles, with Tokyo Tower shining behind it. It felt like stepping into a dream 😍✨ #TokyoHiddenG...
@japanguide
860 likes • 37.7K views
If you are planning to visit Tokyo Tower, we would recommend visiting Zojo-ji temple, and the park around it, before heading to Tokyo Tower. The juxtaposition of the brown coloured temple (built in 13...
ssjourneystyle
185 likes • 0 views

⏰ New Year's Eve Buzz

Experience the 108 bell rings for a unique Japanese New Year's tradition. Expect long queues. InstagramReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the temple grounds and nearby park. Reddit

Nyårsfirande vid Zojo-ji-templet i Tokyo! 🎆✨ Vid tolvslaget ringde klockan 108 gånger enligt buddhistisk tradition. Varje slag symboliserar ett negativt tillstånd som vi lämnar bakom oss för att kunn...
yasmineswe
134 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the iconic Zojoji Temple with Tokyo Tower backdrop. Best during daylight or golden hour. TikTokInstagram

🙏 Respect the Jizo Statues

These statues commemorate unborn children. Observe respectfully and learn their significance. Reddit

⏰ New Year's Eve Buzz

Experience the 108 bell rings for a unique Japanese New Year's tradition. Expect long queues. InstagramReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the temple grounds and nearby park. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Zojoji Temple is highly praised for its iconic view with Tokyo Tower, offering a beautiful blend of old and new Tokyo. Visitors are moved by the poignant Jizo statues and appreciate the free entry. Some find New Year's Eve celebrations to be a unique but lengthy experience.

"Spectacular Buddhist temple just in front of the Tokyo tower 🗼. At some times you can see the monks doing their services. This place was very calm and quiet despite central location. I recommend coming here for moment of reflection."

Culture Geek Travels

"Visited the temple three times during my trip to Tokyo. The temple in itself is rather serene and majestic, which is perfect for worshippers like myself. Given the temple’s relationship with the Tokugawa shogunate, the temple grounds also houses the tombs is several Tokugawa shoguns. Be sure to be here early so that you will be able to enter the grounds of the museum at B1 which is simply breathtaking and the grounds of the Tokugawa tombs."

Michael Chiang

"We had a guide on arrival in Tokyo and he was fabulous - this was one of the places we visited with him

It’s very central in Tokyo and well worth a visit - it has a large area of gardens that it’s located in and also has a great little tea room where you could get an ice team or drink

Be prepared to do lots of walking as even if you take the train you still need to walk to the station - note there are lots of steps !

The little statues represent the children who have passed and who are being looked after in the after life - very sweet"

sandy colombo

What People Like

Iconic Tokyo Tower view
Poignant Jizo statues
Free admission

What People Dislike

Long queues on NYE
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Zojoji Temple is easily accessible via public transport. The closest stations are Onarimon Station (Oedo Line) and Daimon Station (Oedo Line & Asakusa Line), both a short walk away. Many visitors also arrive from Tokyo Tower, which is adjacent. TikTok

Yes, Zojoji Temple is located right next to Tokyo Tower, making it a very convenient combination for visitors. You can easily walk between the two attractions. Instagram

The subway is generally the most efficient way to reach Zojoji Temple. Consider using Google Maps or a similar app to navigate Tokyo's extensive train network to the nearest stations. Reddit

While driving is possible, parking in central Tokyo can be expensive and challenging. Public transportation is highly recommended for ease and cost-effectiveness. Reddit

Absolutely! Many visitors start at Zojoji Temple to see the iconic view with Tokyo Tower, then explore the tower itself, and then continue to other nearby attractions. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Zojoji Temple grounds and main hall is generally free. There might be fees for specific exhibitions or events held within the temple complex. TikTok

The temple grounds are typically open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. Specific building hours may vary, so it's best to check their official website if you plan to visit specific halls. TikTok

The Jizo statues are part of the temple grounds and do not have a separate admission fee. You can view them freely as part of your visit. Reddit

Yes, Zojoji Temple is a popular spot for New Year's Eve celebrations, featuring the traditional 108 bell rings. Be prepared for very large crowds and long waiting times. InstagramReddit

Zojoji Temple hosts various events throughout the year, including Buddhist ceremonies and festivals. The New Year's Eve event is particularly well-known. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photo spot is from the temple grounds, capturing the main temple hall with Tokyo Tower in the background. This view is widely shared on social media. TikTokInstagram

Photography rules can vary inside temple buildings. It's best to look for signage or ask temple staff if photography is permitted inside the main hall. TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed on the temple grounds, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive behavior. Some specific areas or ceremonies might have restrictions. TikTok

Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photos of the temple and Tokyo Tower. Early mornings provide softer light and fewer people. TikTok

A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the iconic views. For more advanced shots, a camera with good low-light capabilities or a wide-angle lens can be beneficial. Instagram

🎫 🙏 Onsite Experience

Dress respectfully, as you would for any religious site. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the grounds. Reddit

The Jizo statues are small stone figures, often dressed in red bibs and hats. They are placed in remembrance of stillborn or lost babies and are a significant part of the temple's atmosphere. Reddit

While it can be peaceful, especially in the early morning, Zojoji Temple can also be quite busy due to its proximity to Tokyo Tower and its cultural significance. TikTok

On New Year's Eve, Zojoji Temple rings its bell 108 times, a Buddhist tradition symbolizing the purification of the 108 worldly desires to usher in a fresh start. Instagram

Restrooms are available on the temple grounds. There may also be small shops selling amulets or souvenirs, especially during busy periods. Reddit

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