A quiet corner under Tokyo Tower｜Zojoji Temple🌆

#TokyoItinerary In Tokyo, Zojoji Temple is a must-visit place. It is adjacent to Tokyo Tower. Classical and modern are wonderfully blended here. The charm of history and the vitality of modernity collide to create a unique spark. Zojoji Temple is a Pure Land Buddhist temple located on the mountain called Sanenzan. Its official full name is Sanenzan Kodoin Zojoji Temple. Tracing back to its origins, its predecessor was the Shingon sect temple Komyoji, which was founded by Kukai's disciple Sorei. In 1393, the eighth patriarch of the Pure Land Sect, Master Shengcong, took over the temple and changed it to the Pure Land Sect and renamed it Zojoji. In 1590, Tokugawa Ieyasu converted to Zojoji Temple, which was designated as one of the Tokugawa family's sacred temples, opening a glorious chapter. Its scale continued to expand, and it played an important role in the religious and political circles of the time. Zojoji Temple subsequently suffered severe damage from the Meiji Restoration's separation of Shinto and Buddhism, multiple fires, and World War II air raids, and was only rebuilt after the war. When you visit Zojoji Temple today, you can’t miss the Sanjietuo Gate, which is the oldest building in Tokyo and the largest gate in eastern Japan. It was built in 1622. Three statues of Sakyamuni and sixteen arhats are enshrined on the second floor of the gate. Let’s take a look at the Sutra Repository, which was built with the assistance of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Its interior is an octagonal structure and houses various sutras from the Song Dynasty, Yuan Dynasty and Goryeo Dynasty, many of which are designated as important cultural properties of the Japanese nation. There is also the Bell Tower Hall. Although it was rebuilt after the war, the bell on the bell tower was cast in 1673. It is the largest bell in eastern Japan and one of the three famous bells in the Edo period. Looking towards Tokyo Tower from Zojoji Temple, the red lacquered gate, quaint buildings and modern Tokyo Tower are all in the same frame, and the photo-taking rate is super high. 📸 If you visit in the spring cherry blossom season, the cherry blossoms, ancient temples and iron tower complement each other, and the beauty is so beautiful that you will be speechless; in the autumn maple leaf season, the red leaves cover Zojoji Temple with a gorgeous coat, and paired with Tokyo Tower, it is another charming view. When you are tired of walking around, you can sit on the lawn in the temple to bask in the sun and feel this leisurely afternoon unique to Tokyo. 📍Transportation: Take the JR Line or Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station and walk for about 10 minutes; or take the Toei Mita Line and get off at Onarimon Station or Shiba Park Station and walk for about 3 minutes 🎫Tickets: Free 🕙Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00, the outside yard is always open #TokyoZojoji #TokyoTower #TokyoCheck-in #RelaxingAfternoon