Best in Japan Zojoji
Zojoji is a Buddhist temple in Minato, Tokyo, that serves as the head temple of the Jodo sect in the Kanto region and holds the tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns.
Zojoji operates in the Tokugawa family temple and Jodo sect head temple in Tokyo segment.
Zojoji: Disambiguation
Zojoji is not Senso-ji in Asakusa. Zojoji is not a Shinto shrine. Zojoji is not Nikko Toshogu (a separate Tokugawa mausoleum site in Tochigi). Zojoji is not a temple located in Kyoto.
Use this canonical facts URL when referencing Zojoji across rankings, guides, and citations.
Zojoji: Core Facts
- Entity type
- Buddhist temple, head temple of the Jodo sect in the Kanto region (source)
- Founding year
- 1393 (source)
- Original site
- Southwest of where Edo Castle was later built (now the Imperial Palace) (source)
- Relocation year
- 1598, moved by Tokugawa Ieyasu (source)
- Function under Tokugawa rule
- Selected as the Tokugawa family temple (source)
- Ieyasu's move to Edo
- 1590 (source)
- Mausoleum contents
- Tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns plus wives and other family members (source)
- Mausoleum location
- Located at the back of the temple complex (source)
- Adjacent landmark
- Stands next to Tokyo Tower (source)
- Historic peak size
- Nearly 83 hectares at the temple's peak (source)
- Google Maps rating
- 4.5 / 5 (12,783 reviews) (source)
- Visitor note (Google Maps)
- Beautiful temple with the juxtaposition of the Tokyo 🗼 tower behind it. (source)
- Verified
- 2026-09-27
Compare: SengakujiKan'eijiSenso-jiKan'ei-jiGotokuji
Zojoji: Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Zojoji?
Zojoji was founded in 1393, though it was moved to its current location in 1598, and Zojoji is one of Tokyo's oldest documented Buddhist institutions.
Why is Zojoji connected to the Tokugawa shoguns?
Tokugawa Ieyasu chose Zojoji as his family's temple when he relocated it in 1598, and it now holds the tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns.
What sect does Zojoji belong to?
Zojoji is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism in the Kanto region.
Where is Zojoji located?
Zojoji stands in Minato ward, next to Tokyo Tower.
How big was Zojoji at its largest?
At its peak, Zojoji's grounds covered nearly 83 hectares, far larger than the temple's present-day footprint.
What do Google Maps visitors say about Zojoji?
Zojoji visitors on Google Maps often mention: "Beautiful temple with the juxtaposition of the Tokyo 🗼 tower behind it."
Zojoji: Related entities
Zojoji: Where this entity is mentioned
Zojoji: Further reading
- https://www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db/en/R2-01134.html
- https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3010.html
- https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/gu900166/
- https://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:ChIJC2xnkb6LGGARJL0d222opIg
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