Zojoji Temple Tokyo
Historic Buddhist temple offering an iconic view of Tokyo Tower, a serene escape, and poignant Jizo statues.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Zojoji Temple Tokyo
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Buddhist temple offering an iconic view of Tokyo Tower, a serene escape, and poignant Jizo statues.
"The perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern marvel, Zojoji Temple is a must-see in Tokyo."
📸 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Temple grounds
Rows of touching statues commemorating unborn children, offering a unique and poignant sight.
Main Temple Hall
Central temple building
Explore the ornate main hall, a significant center for Jodo-shu Buddhism, with a history dating back centuries.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for That Iconic View
Understanding the Jizo Statues
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
⏰ New Year's Eve Buzz
Experience the 108 bell rings for a unique Japanese New Year's tradition. Expect long queues.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the temple grounds and nearby park.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 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.
⏰ New Year's Eve Buzz
Experience the 108 bell rings for a unique Japanese New Year's tradition. Expect long queues.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the temple grounds and nearby park.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
While driving is possible, parking in central Tokyo can be expensive and challenging. Public transportation is highly recommended for ease and cost-effectiveness.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
Zojoji Temple hosts various events throughout the year, including Buddhist ceremonies and festivals. The New Year's Eve event is particularly well-known.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photos of the temple and Tokyo Tower. Early mornings provide softer light and fewer people.
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.
🎫 🙏 Onsite Experience
Dress respectfully, as you would for any religious site. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the grounds.
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.
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.
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.
Restrooms are available on the temple grounds. There may also be small shops selling amulets or souvenirs, especially during busy periods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours to make the most of the photo opportunities and to ensure children are comfortable. The temple grounds offer space to walk around, and the proximity to Tokyo Tower means you can easily combine the visit with other family-friendly activities. Pack snacks and water, as exploring can take time.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and contrast. Wide-angle lenses are great for encompassing both the temple and the tower, while telephoto lenses can isolate specific architectural elements. Don't forget to explore the temple grounds for other interesting compositions, including the poignant Jizo statues, which offer a more intimate and reflective photographic subject.
🧘 Solo Travelers Seeking Serenity
Take your time to wander through the temple complex, observe the architecture, and reflect on the significance of the Jizo statues. The juxtaposition with Tokyo Tower also serves as a reminder of the vibrant city surrounding you, offering a unique blend of introspection and urban exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Zojoji Temple & Tokyo Tower View
For the best photographic opportunities, aim for the late afternoon 'golden hour' when the light is soft and warm, casting a beautiful glow on both the temple and the tower. Early mornings also offer a more serene experience with fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed views and a more contemplative visit. Many visitors find this view to be a highlight of their Tokyo trip, appreciating the visual harmony.
Understanding the Jizo Statues
Visitors often express a mix of emotions upon learning about the Jizo statues, from initial curiosity and admiration for their cute appearance to profound sadness and empathy. The sheer number of these statues underscores the sensitive nature of their purpose. It's a poignant reminder of life's fragility and a testament to the temple's role in offering comfort and spiritual support.
New Year's Eve at Zojoji Temple
While the bell ringing is the main event, visitors should be prepared for substantial crowds and long waiting times, as this is a popular alternative to more commercial countdown events. The atmosphere is often described as solemn yet hopeful, with food and drink stalls adding to the festive, albeit patient, ambiance. It's an opportunity to witness a deeply ingrained Japanese tradition firsthand.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit