Gokokuji Temple
Attraction 5-40-1 Otsuka Bunkyo, Tokyo 112-0012 Japan Published on: 13-11-2015
| 2 hours | |
| 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM | |
| 03:00 PM | |
| 04:30 PM | |
| First-time visit | |
|
Attraction
Must see
Kids
Free
Temple & Monument
|
|
| 0.00 USD |
Gokokuji Temple is good for
Family with kids
Good
Senior
Good
Couple
Good
Solo
Good
Group
Good
- Highly recommended by fellow travellers.
and 2 others
have visited this place
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Why Gokokuji Temple is special ?
One of Tokyo's lesser known Temples, the Gokokuji is a fantastic example (and also one of the more picturesque temples) and it deserves far more recognition that it has been given, and so makes its way into our list of Essential Exploring.
One of the few temples to survive the bombing of WWII, and one of the even fewer to have also survived the Great Kanto Earthquake, the Gokokuji offers a rare look at a Buddhist Temple built before the twentieth century.
What to explore at Gokokuji Temple?
The Yurakucho Gokokuji Station conveniently places an exit directly in front of the Temple. After emerging from the exit you'll find the Temple's main Gate. Through the gate is a wide courtyard which includes several benches and tables under the shade of the trees. Further ahead in the courtyard and to the right is a Shinto Shrine, and directly ahead are a long series of steps which lead up to the Temple's main hall. This walk up to the steps is one of the Temples most picturesque sights. After ascending the steps you'll pass through another gate (Furou-mon), not unlike the one at the entrance and then you will find yourself standing in front of the impressive Kannon-dou (main hall).
A closer inspection on the Temples’ structure shows that it is indeed old and weathered, enduring several hundred years and catastrophes.To the left of the temple are several features, including a garden of stone lanterns (varying sizes and shapes), a short viewing tower, and several other buildings.
To the right of the temple are many more buildings including a small pagoda as well as many traditional houses; the preponderance of ancient Japanese buildings gives one the feeling like they've been sent back in time to feudal Japan, however the usual row of cars in the parking lot next to the main hall break this immersion.The grounds are beautifully landscaped, with pines, azaleas and other bushes and sometimes resembles a garden more than a Temple.
Selling points
- An important cultural property
- The largest temple in Tokyo
- The goddess of mercy
- The practice of all Japanese tea ceremonies
- Flower Festival every year on April 6
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- Duration
- 9.0 days
- Estimated
- 1,379.63 USD
- Total travel distance
- km
- Number of places
- 28 places
Location
5-40-1 Otsuka Bunkyo, Tokyo 112-0012 Japan
Tips for you
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You should bring the camera to take the picture for yourselves.What to bring
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It is quiet boring if you are not the history buffExperience
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It is highlight at the evening when you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.Environment
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The whole courtyard is spacious and quietEquipment
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It is interesting for an hour or so.Timming
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It is uncrowded, ancient and serene so you can visit every time.Other
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There are some pickpockets on the street so you should be carefulSafety
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If you come with kids, please keep them silent and do not disturb other people. -Safety
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You can see Fuji Mountain from the TempleThings nearby
Reviews
This Buddhist temple was built in 1681 by the 5th shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, who dedicated it to his mother.
【国登録重要文化財】「護国寺本堂」…もとは天和2年(1681)に建てられた観音堂でしたが、現在の建物は江戸中期の元禄10年に建て替えられた七間仏堂(観音堂)です。桁行七間、梁間七間、入母屋造、元禄時代らしさが表れた瓦棒銅板葺の屋根が美しいです。
the temple is one the oldest surviving in tokyo and has an authentic feel to it. the stairsleading up to are picturesque. the temple has a small pagoda and large buddha statue on the grounds. the temple itself is fairly large and unpainted revealing the wood carvings. the sakuras trees where a stark contrast to dark temple. a well keep cemetery is also next to it. inside the temple are huge wood carvings and murals of celestial beings. this temple has become one of my favorite places in tokyo. its uncrowded, ancient and serene. also it has sentimental value because this were i met their Imperial Majesties the Emperor & Empress
首都高速5号の賑やかさから離れて境内に向かい仁王門を潜り石段を上がると正面に本堂があります。石段途中右手には大師堂がひっそりとあります。真言宗豊山派のお寺で訪問時は節分の豆まきの準備をされていました。「5代将軍徳川綱吉の母、桂昌院の発願によって天和元年（1681）に創建された」とありますが 現在は将軍のお母君が建てられたというイメージはありませんでした。只、境内東側には宮家や、松平不昧公・山縣有朋・大隈重信・ジョサイア・コンドルなど錚々たる方々の墓所が造られ 偉い方々には人気があるお寺のようです。
場所は不忍通り沿いで、近くに有楽町線の護国寺駅もあり、首都高速5号線が通っていて、見つかりやすいと思います。境内に入ると、とても静寂になり、階段を上っていくと、本殿が見えてきて、木が高いため、若干暗くて、涼しく感じます。
The temple is one the oldest surviving in Tokyo and has an authentic feel to it. The stairs leading up to are picturesque. The temple has a small pagoda and large Buddha statue on the grounds. The temple itself is fairly large and unpainted revealing the wood carvings. The sakura trees where a stark contrast to dark temple. a well keep cemetery is also next to it. Inside the temple are huge wood carvings and murals of celestial beings. This temple has become one of my favorite places in Tokyo. It’s uncrowned, ancient and serene. also it has sentimental value because this were i met their Imperial Majesties the Emperor & Empress
This Buddhist temple was built in 1681 by the 5th shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, who dedicated it to his mother.
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