1. Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    Photo: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple | 築地本願寺
  2. Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    Photo: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
  3. Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    Photo: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

Tsukiji Hongwanji

  • Attractions | Religious buildings and sites
  • Tsukiji
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Time Out says

This temple is the Tokyo branch of the Nishi-Honganji Temple in Kyoto, and is a temple for Jodo Shinshu, the most practised brand of Buddhism in the country. Established in Yokoyamacho near Asakusa in 1617, the temple went up in flames in the Great Fire of Meireki and the structure was relocated to Tsukiji.

Completed in 1934, the current exotically unusual exterior is made of stone with an Indian architectural motif. The interior of the Main Worship Hall, or Hondo, has a traditional Shinshu temple style, whose stained glass, chandeliers and furniture inside is worth seeing up close. This iteration was designed by architectural historian Ito Chuta, an honorary professor at the Tokyo Imperial University (currently known as Tokyo University). The temple is also lit up in the evenings, revealing a beautiful alter-ego to the structure. 

From the on-site café you'll have a good view of the grand facade. Get here before 10.30am and order the gorgeous Japanese-style breakfast set – it consists of 16 dainty dishes plus rice and miso soup.

Details

Address
3-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku
Tokyo
Transport:
Tsukiji Station (Hibiya line), exit 1; Shintomicho Station (Yurakucho line); Higashi-Ginza Station (Asakusa line); Tsukijishijo Station (Oedo line)
Price:
Free
Opening hours:
6am-9pm daily

What’s on

Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple Noryo Bon Odori Festival

Summer in Tokyo is defined by festivals and one of the most spectacular is the Bon Odori dance, which takes place in several neighbourhoods across the city. Originally a way to honour the spirits of the dead, Bon Odori is now a fun, engaging family-friendly affair. The celebration at Tsukiji Hongwanji from July 30 to August 2 is one of Tokyo’s most popular Bon Odori festivals. So don a yukata and join in the dancing crowd circling the yagura stage from 7pm to 9pm (6pm to 8.30pm on Saturday). Not to worry if you don’t know the steps – just mimic the dance moves of the locals next to you. The festival is also famous for its delectable food selection from nearby Tsukiji Market, so go early and dance up an appetite for a feast.
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