Zōjō-ji

The original buildings, temples, mausoleums and the cathedral were destroyed by fire, natural disasters or air raids during World War II.

In 2015 a Treasure Gallery was opened on the underground level of the Daiden (great hall), and it currently houses paintings of Kanō Kazunobu and a model of the Taitoku-in Mausoleum.

"[4] Shūei (宗叡, 809-884), a disciple of Kūkai, founded a temple named Kōmyō-ji (光明寺) at Kaizuka (貝塚, present-day Kōjimachi in Chiyoda, Tokyo);[5] it is said to have been the forerunner of Zōjō-ji.

[9] At its peak the temple grounds had more than 120 buildings, but following the decline of Buddhism during the Meiji period (1868-1912), most of them burned during the Bombing of Tokyo in World War II.

[9] The 21 meter (69 foot) two-storied main gate, Sangedatsumon (三解脱門) was constructed in 1622,[9] and it is therefore the oldest wooden building in Tokyo.

If someone passes through the gate, he can free himself from three passions (貪 Ton; "greed", 瞋 Shin; "hatred", 癡 Chi; "foolishness").

[12] The Taitoku-in Mausoleum of Hidetada (and the monument to his wife Sūgen'in), Ienobu, and Ietsugu had been designated National Treasures of Japan, but were burned in World War II.

[15] Monthly events[9] Zōjō-ji was depicted multiple times in the art work of the Shin hanga artist Kawase Hasui during the 1920s and 30s.

Aerial view of Zojoji as seen from Tokyo Tower
Sangedatsumon (main gate)
Mausoleum of Taitokuin
Mausoleum of Sugenin
Inner gate leading to the Mausoleum
Jizō statues at the cemetery
Cherry Blossoms