History of Tsukiji Honganji Temple
Tsukiji Honganji Temple was founded near Asakusa in 1617 by Junkyo Shonin, the 12th head of the Honganji School of Shin Buddhism. The temple was important as a Buddhist missionary center in the early Edo period. However, the wooden monastery was destroyed by the Meireki Fire of 1657, which devastated the city of Edo. The fire caused extensive damage throughout the city of Edo at the time, and Tsukiji Honganji was not spared.
After the Meireki Fire, the Edo Shogunate provided new land to reconstruct Tsukiji Honganji. This land was initially at sea, and reclamation work was undertaken. In 1679, a new central hall was rebuilt and called Tsukiji Gobo.
Tsukiji Honganji was again destroyed by fire in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. This earthquake caused extensive damage to the entire Tokyo area, and Tsukiji Honganji was also affected. However, in 1934, the present main hall was rebuilt according to the design of architect Dr. Chuta Ito. The new main hall, with its unique design modeled after ancient Indian Buddhist architecture, has become a symbol of Tsukiji Honganji.
In 2014, Tsukiji Honganji Temple's main hall, stone walls, and three gateposts were designated National Important Cultural Properties. This designation is a result of the temple's historical value and unique architectural style. In particular, Dr. Chuta Ito's design was influenced by Indian Buddhist architecture, making the temple an attractive spot for both domestic and international visitors. Its recognition as an Important Cultural Property will be significant in its future preservation and utilization.
Architectural Style Characteristics
The exterior of Tsukiji Honganji Temple is characterized by a unique design modeled after ancient Indian Buddhist architecture. In particular, the rounded roof and decorations based on the motif of linden leaves incorporate symbolic elements of Buddhism. The building creates an oriental atmosphere that evokes the roots of Buddhism, which was introduced through the Silk Road and leaves a deep impression on visitors.
The Tsukiji Honganji Temple was designed by renowned architect Chuta Ito, whose designs incorporate ancient Indian and Asian cultures. They deeply understood traditional Japanese architecture and pursued new architectural styles from his unique perspective. His designs distinguish the Tsukiji Honganji Temple as a unique religious building in Japan.
The details of Tsukiji Honganji include eye-catching decorations such as stained glass windows and animal sculptures. The beautiful stained glass above the entrance to the main hall is imposing to visitors. Chuta Ito's creatively designed animal statues are symbolic of Buddhism and give the entire building a mystical atmosphere.
Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple is a rare reinforced concrete temple that combines durability and design. This structure allows for spacious interior spaces and provides a comfortable worship experience for visitors. The temple's exterior is modeled after ancient Indian Buddhist architecture, and its unique design sets it apart from other temples in Japan.
Highlights and Attractions
The main hall of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple offers visitors a profound sense of peace and tranquility. It is adorned with a majestic statue of Amida Nyorai, the principal deity of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism. The hall was built in 1617, destroyed by fire in 1657, and rebuilt in 1934. The interior design fuses Japanese and Western styles, blending traditional Buddhist elements with Western culture. In particular, the central statue of Amida Nyorai attracts many worshippers as a symbol of faith.
Around the main hall, animal statues such as lions and elephants are skillfully placed to entertain visitors. In particular, there is a winged lion statue on the railing of the Mukhang stairway. These animal statues are decorated with traditional Buddhist ornaments and unique designs influenced by Western-style architecture. The designer, Dr. Chuta Ito, intended these sculptures to offer new discoveries to visitors.
Inside the main hall is a large pipe organ comprising approximately 2,000 pipes, rare in temples. This pipe organ was installed in 1970 to promote Buddhist music. On the last Friday of each month, a lunchtime concert is held, open to all, where visitors can enjoy the solemn sounds of the organ. These musical events bring a new charm to Tsukiji Hongwanji and attract many people to the temple.
Aiming to be an "open temple," Tsukiji Honganji has a café on the grounds where visitors can relax. The especially popular Tsukiji Honganji Café Tsumugi offers a healthy menu and unique breakfast dishes in a modern Japanese atmosphere. Spending time at the café after visiting the temple provides a space where visitors can refresh both body and soul, making it a unique experience for visitors.
Services for Foreigners
Tsukiji Honganji Temple offers a full range of multilingual services, including English, to ensure foreign visitors feel at ease. Information brochures and signs are available in English, Chinese, Korean, German, and French, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the temple's attractions without any language barriers. This has helped establish Tsukiji Honganji as an international tourist attraction.
Tsukiji Honganji also offers programs for foreigners to experience Japanese culture. These programs provide opportunities to learn about Buddhist teachings and expose participants to Japanese traditions and religious values. In particular, workshops and seminars in the temples are valuable experiences for foreign visitors and serve as opportunities for cultural exchange.
In addition, visitors are given a commemorative card with an English translation to take home as a memento of their visit. The cards contain Buddhist teachings and messages that help foreign visitors understand Japanese culture. In particular, the back of the card has a careful English translation, which is part of the communication across language barriers.
How to access
Access to Tsukiji Honganji Temple is very convenient. The nearest station is Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. From this station, take Exit 1, and you will soon arrive at the main hall. Tsukiji Station is easily accessible from central Tokyo and conveniently located for tourists. Furthermore, Tsukiji Honganji Temple is near nearby tourist attractions, making it an ideal place to stop by between sightseeing tours.
Other transportation options include Shintomicho Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, about a 5-minute walk away, and Higashi-Ginza Station on the Toei Subway Asakusa Line. This allows tourists to choose a route that suits their convenience by using multiple train lines. This location is incredibly convenient for visiting the Tsukiji Market and Ginza area.
Tsukiji Honganji Temple has a dedicated parking lot for visitors, with space for 50 cars. However, since parking is limited, public transportation is recommended. In particular, using the subway or bus will make your visit smoother, as you will avoid the congestion in the center of the city. If you wish to use a parking lot, it is recommended that you check in advance.
Nearby Sightseeing Spots
The Tsukiji Outside Market is an essential tourist spot about a 3-minute walk from Tsukiji Honganji Temple. Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood and a variety of other eateries. About 400 stores line the street, offering sushi, sashimi, Japanese sweets, and other local delicacies. Especially if you visit early in the morning, you can enjoy dishes made with fresh ingredients at reasonable prices, making it a great place to stop by during your sightseeing.
Namikaze Shrine, located about a 4-minute walk from Tsukiji Honganji Temple, was built to pray for protection from the high waves of the Tsukiji Market. The shrine is an important place of worship for local fishermen and market people, and visitors can experience its historical background. Within the shrine's precincts are stone monuments and talismans to ward off waves, which attract many tourists to the shrine.
Kachidokibashi Bridge, located about a 7-minute walk from Tsukiji Honganji Temple, is known for its unique drawbridge design. Completed in 1940, the bridge is approximately 246 meters long and 26 meters wide and was called the largest movable bridge in the East at the time. Crossing the bridge, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the Sumida River, especially at dusk, when the atmosphere is romantic. It is a place of relaxation for tourists and locals alike.
Tsukiji River Ginza Park, located about a 6-minute walk from Tsukiji Honganji Temple, is a lush green spot that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. The park has walking paths and benches where visitors can relax. Especially during lunch breaks and weekends, many people gather here to enjoy a relaxing time in nature. It is a popular place for tourists as a healing space in the city.
The area surrounding Tsukiji Honganji Temple is rich in cafes and restaurants, ideal for stopping by between sightseeing tours. Choices range from restaurants serving fresh seafood to cafes offering a mix of Japanese and Western menus. The area is beautiful for tourists as a place to relax after a day of eating at the Tsukiji Outside Market.
