Standing here, imagine Tokyo during World War II. Most historical sites turned to rubble. Yet, Gokoku-ji miraculously survived American air raids.
Gokoku-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple. It’s located in Tokyo’s Bunkyo ward. The temple was established in 1681. Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shōgun, dedicated it to his mother, Keishōin.
This temple offers a rare glimpse into the Edo Period. Most temples in Japan have been rebuilt in recent decades. Gokoku-ji remains authentic. It has stood for over three centuries. Fires, earthquakes and wars have not harmed it. The Boshin Civil War of the late 1860s also spared it. The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 did not destroy it.
Gokoku-ji is closely tied to the Tokugawa family. They ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. Plaques written by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shōgun, are here.
Notice the broad courtyard entrance. The grounds are spacious and pleasant. Azaleas and late-blooming cherry trees dot the landscape. The large graveyard adds to the contemplative atmosphere.
Walk from the main gate. Ascend the azalea-lined stone steps. The red Furomon Gate awaits. This entrance is unlike most temple entrances in Japan. Pass through Furomon Gate. The main Kannon-do Hall appears ahead.
The Kannon-do is the Buddha Hall. The Gakko-den is the Moonlight Building. It serves as a tea ceremony venue. Both are nationally protected buildings. The Gakko-den was moved here in 1928. It was originally a guest house of the Nikkō-in of Mii temple.
Many other buildings and enclosures exist here. They display their history through timeworn colors and textures. Stroll through the large, multi-leveled, landscaped compound.
Gokokuji Temple’s cemetery holds the graves of many famous people. Yamagata Aritomo was a former Prime Minister. Meiji statesman Sanjo Sanetomi rests here. Josiah Conder, a British architect, is also buried here. He designed many buildings in Japan during the Meiji Period. Others interred here include Ōkuma Shigenobu and Yamada Akiyoshi. Also buried here are Ōkura Kihachirō, Dan Takuma, and Seiji Noma. Masuda Takashi, Ikeda Shigeaki, Nakamura Tempū, and Ōyama Masutatsu are here too. Dan Ikuma, Hamuro Mitsuko, and Hashimoto Natsuko are also interred.
The main hall was built in 1697. It survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and air raids. The architecture from the early Edo period remains. The main deity, Nyoirin Kannon, is a hidden Buddha. It is unveiled on the 18th of each month.
See the two-storied pagoda. It copies the Daboto pagoda at Ishiyamaji Temple. Next to the pagoda is a tea ceremony room. Students often gather here.
There is a torii gate in front on the right. It leads to Asama Shrine. This mound covers reverently buried old fujis. Climbing it brings the same benefits as climbing Mt. Fuji.
Gokoku-ji stands as a testament to resilience. It is a place of peace amidst Tokyo’s bustle. Its history and beauty offer a unique experience. It reminds us of Tokyo’s rich cultural heritage. Take a moment to reflect on the temple’s enduring legacy. Gokoku-ji offers a serene escape. It bridges the past and present.