Zojoji

Zojoji Temple is a prominent Buddhist temple located in Tokyo, Japan. It is situated in the Minato ward, with a striking view of the Tokyo Tower, which has become an iconic pairing in the city's landscape. The temple belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism and is its headquarters in the Kanto region. Its origins trace back to 1393, though it was moved to its current location in 1598 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. For over 250 years, Zojoji served as the Tokugawa family's private temple.

The temple grounds feature a large main hall, which houses a statue of Amitabha Buddha. Visitors can also find the Tokugawa family mausoleum within the temple complex, though it is not generally open to the public. Zojoji is particularly well-known for its association with New Year's Eve, when its bell is rung 108 times to usher in the new year, a tradition known as Joya no Kane. Throughout the year, the temple attracts numerous visitors who come to pray, observe Buddhist rituals, and appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the site. The contrast between the ancient temple and the modern Tokyo Tower is a visual representation of the city's blend of tradition and progress.