Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Tokyo

Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Tokyo

Tsukiji Hongan-ji, sometimes called Hongwan-ji, is a Buddhist temple in Tokyo, following the Jodo Shinshu school of Buddhism. It's located in the Tsukiji area. The temple's origins go back to the Edo-Asakusa Gobo temple, built in 1617 in Asakusa by Junnyo Shōnin, the 12th head priest. However, a major fire in 1657 destroyed it, and it couldn't be rebuilt in the same location due to urban planning constraints. Instead, it was moved to a new site near the Sumida River in Tsukiji, named after the land-reclamation project led by Jodo Shinshu followers from Tsukudajima.

The temple was rebuilt as Tsukiji Gobo but was later destroyed in the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake. The present Tsukiji Hongan-ji, designed by Itō Chūta from the University of Tokyo, was built between 1931 and 1934. It's notable for its unique architecture, inspired by Indian temples. The temple houses relics of Prince Shotoku, Shinran Shonin, and Shonyō Shōnin, making it a key pilgrimage site. Shonyō Shōnin, the 23rd head priest who promoted Jodo Shinshu globally, is commemorated with a special altar.

Tsukiji Hongan-ji is also a cultural hub, hosting the wake of Hiroaki Shukuzawa in 2006 and maintaining a memorial for the famous rock musician Hideto Matsumoto (hide) in its main hall. Hide's funeral was held here in 1998.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tokyo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple on Map

Sight Name: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
Sight Location: Tokyo, Japan (See walking tours in Tokyo)
Sight Type: Religious

Walking Tours in Tokyo, Japan

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Shibuya Walking Tour

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At the heart of Asakusa, you'll find the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, a helpful starting point...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

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