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Nestled at the foot of the iconic Tokyo Tower lies the area of Zojoji Temple and Shiba Park. Although surrounded by a forest of cutting-edge, ultra-modern skyscrapers, stepping into this spot instantly reveals a world where rich history from the Edo period and lush greenery are still deeply alive.
Is it true that there is a scenic spot where you can see Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower together?
Yes, it’s true! The view of Tokyo Tower towering right behind the temple’s traditional main hall is a one-of-a-kind magnificent sight that you can only see here. The surrounding Shiba Park is also full of lush greenery and makes for a perfect walking path, so you should definitely check it out!
In this article, we will introduce the charms of Zojoji Temple and Shiba Park.
The Charms of Zojoji Temple and Shiba Park
A one-of-a-kind Magnificent View: The Collaboration Between Zojoji Temple’s Main Hall and Tokyo Tower
The perfect composition of Zojoji Temple’s traditional Daiden (Main Hall) with Tokyo Tower soaring right behind it creates a collaboration so spectacular that there is no better place to take Instagram-worthy photos. It is the ultimate spot to capture that perfect shot, where a historic building and a symbol of the modern city overlap to create an overwhelmingly photogenic view.
Deep History Connected to the Tokugawa Shogun Family and the Gravesite of the Second Shogun Hidetada
Zojoji Temple is the family temple of the Tokugawa shogun family, and the Tokugawa Shogun Family Graveyard is located within the temple grounds. Here, the second shogun, Lord Hidetada, along with consecutive shoguns and their their lawful wives, rest peacefully.
An additional 500 yen is required to enter the Tokugawa Shogun Family Graveyard.
[Weekdays] 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last admission 2:45 PM)
[Weekends & Holidays] 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last admission 3:45 PM)
Closed: Tuesdays (*Open if it falls on a national holiday)
Please note that the last admission time is quite early when planning your sightseeing.
Encounter Precious Historical Heritage at the Zojoji Temple Treasure Gallery
In the Treasure Gallery located on the first basement floor (B1) of the Daiden (Main Hall), precious temple treasures and historical documents passed down through generations at Zojoji Temple are open to the public as a permanent exhibition. The exhibits are highly worth seeing, featuring items such as the exquisitely detailed Taitokuin-den Mausoleum Model, which returned to Japan from the British Royal Collection for the first time in 100 years, and the overwhelmingly powerful Five Hundred Arhats Paintings (Gohyaku Rakan-zu).
An additional 700 yen is required to enter the Zojoji Temple Treasure Gallery.
[Weekdays] 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last admission 2:30 PM)
[Weekends & Holidays] 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last admission 3:30 PM)
Closed: Tuesdays (*Open if it falls on a national holiday)
Please note that the closing time is quite early when planning your sightseeing.
The Former Taitokuin-den Mausoleum Somon Gate Leading to Shiba Park
Located on the south side of Zojoji Temple and standing at the path that leads into the greenery of Shiba Park, the Former Taitokuin-den Mausoleum Somon Gate is a precious Important Cultural Property of Japan that conveys the magnificent architectural beauty of the Edo period to the present day.
Of the vast mausoleum architecture built for the second shogun, Lord Hidetada Tokugawa, this is a highly valuable main gate that escaped destruction during the war and remains in its original state today. Its beautiful vermilion-painted appearance is deeply impressive, and passing through the gate brings you right into the lawn area of Shiba Park, where you can look up at Tokyo Tower. It is a highly recommended walking route that connects you to a pleasant stroll while feeling the weight of history.
An Oasis of Trees in the City: Shiba Park Walking Paths
Shiba Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan, features lush, green walking paths that make you forget the surrounding hustle and bustle of the city. Walking through the beautiful trees, it is a path where you can feel the sunlight filtering through the leaves and a pleasant breeze. You might even catch a glimpse of the overwhelmingly majestic, orange-glowing Tokyo Tower popping its head out from between the gaps in the greenery!
Spreading Green Lawns: Shiba Park’s Lawn Area
The open lawn square of Shiba Park is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break. Under the beautiful sight of the massive Tokyo Tower towering against the blue sky, spending a slow, leisurely day in this open green lawn area is truly wonderful.
Zojoji Temple Location and Access
location
- About a 3-minute walk from Onarimon Station on the Toei Subway Mita Line. This is the closest station to Zojoji Temple and is a highly recommended route for a smooth access while enjoying the lush, green atmosphere of Shiba Park from the very start.
- About a 5-minute walk from Daimon Station on the Toei Subway Asakusa Line and Oedo Line. When you come up to the surface from Exit A6, Daimon, the main gate of Zojoji Temple, will appear right in front of you. This is the classic route where you pass through the historic gate and walk straight down the approach towards the main hall.
- About a 10-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Line and Tokyo Monorail. A very straightforward and easy-to-understand route where simply walk straight out of the North Exit. It offers excellent access from Haneda Airport and Shinkansen bullet train stations, making it perfect as a starting point for your Tokyo sightseeing.
When accessing from JR Hamamatsucho Station or Daimon Station on the Oedo Line, you will pass through the Zojoji Temple Daimon Gate. This main gate is even larger and more magnificent than it appears, making it highly worth seeing, so taking this route is also highly recommended.
Information on Zojoji Temple
| Item | Details |
| Facility Name | Daihonzan Zojoji Temple |
| Sect | Jodo-shu (Pure Land Buddhism) |
| Location | 4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011 |
| Main Hall (Daiden) Opening Hours | 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Amulet & Goshuin (Red Ink Stamp) Reception Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (at Ankoku-den) |
| Admission Fee | Free (*No charge for entering the grounds or worshipping itself) / *Fees apply for the Treasure Gallery and the Tokugawa Shogun Family Graveyard. |
| Official Website | https://www.zojoji.or.jp/ |
Photo Gallery of Zojoji Temple & Shiba Park
Please enjoy these photos of Zojoji Temple & Shiba Park.
Photographed in July 2026
Daimon Intersection. Tokyo Tower soars beyond Daimon, the main gate of Zojoji Temple.
Photographed in July 2026
The Sangedatsumon Gate undergoing major repairs. It is covered with a life-sized printed sheet and is scheduled for completion in 2032.
Photographed in July 2026
Zojoji Temple’s Daiden (Main Hall) with Tokyo Tower soaring behind it. Walking up the stairs toward the hall to pray.
Photographed in July 2026
Ankoku-den Hall surrounded by urban greenery. Set against the backdrop of Tokyo Tower, it is the center for worshippers to receive amulets and Goshuin (red ink stamps).
Photographed in July 2026
A huge calligraphy piece displayed in the Zojoji Temple Treasure Gallery. A history-filled exhibit featuring striking, powerful brushwork.
Photographed in July 2026
The stone pagoda of the second shogun, Lord Hidetada, and Ogo (Sugen-in) located inside the Tokugawa Shogun Family Graveyard.
FAQ for Zojoji Temple & Shiba Park
Question
Is there an admission fee to enter the grounds?
Answer
Entering the grounds of Zojoji Temple and Shiba Park, as well as worshipping, is free of charge. However, separate fees are required for some paid facilities within Zojoji Temple (Tokugawa Shogun Family Graveyard: 500 yen for adults / Treasure Gallery: 700 yen for general admission).
Question
How much time is required to visit both Zojoji Temple and Shiba Park?
Answer
If you just want to do a quick visit to pray and stroll around, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you plan to take your time touring the Tokugawa Shogun Family Graveyard and the Treasure Gallery, or enjoy a picnic in the lawn area, it is safe to budget around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Question
Where is the best spot to get the most beautiful view of Tokyo Tower?
Answer
The following three locations are particularly popular:
- In front of Zojoji Temple’s Daiden (at the bottom of the stairs): You can capture the classic composition where the traditional architecture and Tokyo Tower line up vertically.
- Shiba Park’s lawn area: With no obstructions, you can look up at the entire view of Tokyo Tower against the blue sky from up close.
- Past the Former Taitokuin-den Mausoleum Somon Gate: The scenery that opens up after passing through the vermilion gate is highly dramatic.
Question
Where and until what time can I receive Goshuin (red ink stamps) and amulets?
Answer
They are available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the reception desk inside Ankoku-den Hall, which is located on the right side as you face the Main Hall (Daiden).
Conclusion: Zojoji Temple & Shiba Park
Located at the foot of Tokyo’s iconic landmark, Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple and Shiba Park are sightseeing spots where a deep history dating back to the Edo period overlaps with rich nature. While surrounded by urban skyscrapers, stepping inside reveals a beautiful landscape enveloped in silence and greenery.
- Collaboration Between the Main Hall and Tokyo Tower: You can enjoy a photogenic, magnificent view that can only be seen here, with Tokyo Tower towering right behind the traditional Daiden.
- Historical Heritage Connected to the Tokugawa Shogun Family: The area features the Tokugawa Shogun Family Graveyard, where consecutive shoguns and their lawful wives rest, including the second shogun, Lord Hidetada, as well as the Zojoji Temple Treasure Gallery, which displays precious historical documents.
- National Important Cultural Property “Former Taitokuin-den Mausoleum Somon Gate”: This beautiful, vermilion-painted main gate escaped destruction during the war and remains in its original state, opening up into the pleasant green spaces of Shiba Park once you pass through it.
- An Oasis in the City, Shiba Park: As one of the oldest parks in Japan, it offers walking paths filled with beautiful trees and a lawn area where you can enjoy a relaxing break looking up at Tokyo Tower from up close.
Zojoji Temple and Shiba Park make up a luxurious area packed with historical charm and urban relaxation. With outstanding access just a few minutes’ walk from major stations, it is one of the top spots you should definitely stop by during a stroll or your Tokyo sightseeing.
The Shimbashi, Hamamatsucho, and Shinagawa area is an exciting place to just walk around, where modern landscapes lined with cutting-edge skyscrapers beautifully overlap with lush greenery, historic gardens, and shrines!
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