Its compact style provided a model for later buildings in urban areas, such as the Hong Kong China and Manhattan New York temples.

[1] Following the announcement of the Tokyo Japan temple on August 9, 1975, groundbreaking took place on October 27, 1980; however, a traditional ceremony was not held since the mission home had already been constructed on the site.

In December 1871, the Meiji government dispatched the Iwakura Mission, a delegation of 100 influential figures, to tour the U.S. and Europe for a year and a half.

Missionary activities were suspended from 1924 to 1947 due to difficulties faced by church members in practicing their faith during that period.

In 1949, Matthew Cowley, of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, dedicated a mission home in Tokyo, during which he stated that Japan would one day have temples.

[7] On August 9, 1975, the LDS Church announced plans to construct a temple in Tokyo, the first in Japan and Asia, and the 18th worldwide.

[9][5] In 1976, Conan Grames, a former full-time missionary in Japan, returned to the country as an attorney and was later asked by church leaders to assist with legal matters surrounding the temple's construction.

After construction was completed, a public open house was held September 15 through October 18, 1980, with approximately 150,000 visitors attending.

The renovation project included mechanical and seismic enhancements, improvements to the floor plan and temple grounds, and refurnishing which incorporated traditional Japanese design elements.

[10] Additionally, the original annex was replaced with a new four-story subsidiary building featuring two basement levels for parking.

[14] As of 2024, three additional temples have been built in Japan (Fukuoka, Okinawa, and Sapporo) to serve more than 130,000 church members, with a fourth under construction in Osaka.

[5][15] The exterior of the temple is reinforced concrete covered with 289 pre-made panels of stone, which look like light gray granite.

The light fixtures, inspired by traditional Shoji lanterns, symbolize warmth and hospitality, contributing to a tranquil atmosphere.