Zojoji Temple at Shiba-Koen is usually open only during the day, but now it's open to the public at night for a limited time to celebrate the 400th anniversary of its Sangedatsumon Gate. Until October 18 you’ll be able to visit the temple in the evening between 5.30pm and 9pm (last entry 8.45pm), with entry costing ¥1,500 (free for primary school students and under). The historical temple is just a stone's throw from Tokyo Tower, so you'll be able to snap some stunning night shots of the temple with the iconic landmark in the background.
Also as part of the anniversary celebrations, the upper level of the gate will be open to the public for the first time since 2011. While most of Zojoji Temple’s structures have been destroyed in the past due to fires and wars, Sangedatsumon Gate has been standing since the Edo period and is designated an important cultural property in Japan.
This exclusive event to access the upper level will give you an opportunity to see some of the hidden Buddhist statues. You'll also be able to look out at the temple grounds from a different vantage point. It’s open from 10am to 4.30pm daily until November 27, and costs ¥1,000 (¥500 for middle school and high school students, free for younger children).