Taiso-ji
A serene Buddhist temple in Shinjuku, offering a peaceful escape with historical statues and a unique cemetery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Taiso-ji
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist temple in Shinjuku, offering a peaceful escape with historical statues and a unique cemetery.
"This quiet place in the busy area is good."
🐾 Cat Spotting
Cats are often seen here, but sightings can be seasonal. Don't be disappointed if they're elusive!
✍️ Goshuin Available
Get your Goshuin (temple stamp) hand-drawn for 300 yen. A unique souvenir!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.1 · 554 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Edo Period Statues
Main Temple Hall
Discover the remaining Edo period statues, a testament to the temple's rich history and artistic heritage.
Unique Cemetery
Adjacent to Temple
Wander through a surprisingly pretty and interesting cemetery, offering a quiet space for respectful reflection.
Temple Dedicated to Gods of Hell
Within Temple Grounds
Explore a lesser-known aspect of Buddhist belief with a temple dedicated to the gods of the underworld.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Beyond the Cats
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Cat Spotting
Cats are often seen here, but sightings can be seasonal. Don't be disappointed if they're elusive!
✍️ Goshuin Available
Get your Goshuin (temple stamp) hand-drawn for 300 yen. A unique souvenir!
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
The adjacent cemetery is unique and beautiful. Explore quietly and respectfully.
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The temple grounds are accessible for wheelchairs, making it inclusive for all visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Cat Spotting
Cats are often seen here, but sightings can be seasonal. Don't be disappointed if they're elusive!
✍️ Goshuin Available
Get your Goshuin (temple stamp) hand-drawn for 300 yen. A unique souvenir!
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
The adjacent cemetery is unique and beautiful. Explore quietly and respectfully.
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The temple grounds are accessible for wheelchairs, making it inclusive for all visitors.
💰 Free Entry
Enjoy the tranquility and history of Taiso-ji without any admission fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Taiso-ji is a tranquil escape in bustling Shinjuku, appreciated for its serene atmosphere and historical elements like Edo period statues and a unique cemetery. While many hope to see the resident cats, their presence is seasonal and not guaranteed, which can be a slight disappointment for some visitors. The free entry and accessibility make it a worthwhile stop for those seeking peace and cultural insight.
"I go to Taiso-ji every time when I visit Tokyo. I am so happy to see that the cats are safe and live there. This quiet place in the busy area is good."
Tony Yeung
"Interesting temple where you can see:
1. The one of six (the seventh was destroyed) statues from the Edo period. This being the smallest of the seven. See pictures for more details on the statue and story.
2. A temple dedicated to the gods of hell.
3. Goshuins are hand drawn into your book and are 300 yen."
Glen
"I needed this place. Some peace and serenity after the lights and noise of the other streets. Apparently there are cats here but didn’t see any. I took some time to just soak up the temple, the large Buddha and do some reading on the Taiso-ji. The cemetery nearby is quite unique and worth walking quietly and respectfully through.
Wheelchair accessible. Kid friendly. No fee to enter."
Debi Slinger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taiso-ji Temple is nestled in the backstreets of Shinjuku. It's a short walk from Shinjuku Station, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
While it's in a busy area, Taiso-ji is a bit of a hidden gem. Look for it in the quieter backstreets of Shinjuku for a more serene experience.
Yes, Taiso-ji is accessible via public transport. Shinjuku Station is a major hub, and from there, it's a pleasant walk to the temple.
Exit Shinjuku Station and navigate towards the quieter backstreets. It's a good opportunity to explore the less-traveled parts of Shinjuku.
Taiso-ji is located in the vibrant Shinjuku district, known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment. It offers a peaceful contrast to the surrounding urban energy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Taiso-ji Temple offers free admission, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination for all visitors.
Taiso-ji Temple is generally open during daylight hours, allowing visitors to experience its serene atmosphere. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check locally if possible.
Yes, you can obtain a Goshuin (temple stamp) at Taiso-ji. They are hand-drawn and typically cost around 300 yen.
Absolutely! Taiso-ji is considered kid-friendly, offering a peaceful environment for families to explore.
Yes, Taiso-ji Temple is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all visitors can comfortably explore its grounds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Taiso-ji features Edo period statues, a unique cemetery, and a temple dedicated to the gods of hell. It's a place for quiet contemplation and historical discovery.
Taiso-ji is known for its resident cats, though sightings can be seasonal and not guaranteed. Visitors hoping to see them might have better luck during certain times of the year.
The temple houses statues from the Edo period, with one being the smallest of seven originally. These statues hold historical and cultural importance.
Yes, the attached cemetery is described as pretty and interesting, offering a unique and peaceful space for reflection.
Taiso-ji offers a serene and quiet atmosphere, providing a much-needed respite from the busy Shinjuku surroundings. It's a place to soak in the tranquility.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed within Taiso-ji Temple grounds, but it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing ceremonies or private areas.
The serene garden, the unique cemetery, and the historical statues offer excellent photographic opportunities. Capture the temple's peaceful ambiance.
If you're lucky enough to spot the temple cats, you can photograph them, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them.
While generally permitted, be considerate of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially in areas of quiet contemplation.
A camera that handles low light well is beneficial, especially if visiting during dawn or dusk. A wide-angle lens can capture the temple's serene setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit