Jōjuin

Journey back to 1393. Picture a humble temple named Kōmyō-ji, the precursor to the grand Zōjō-ji we stand before today. Zōjō-ji wasn’t always here in Shiba. It started its life in the area of present-day Kōjimachi in Chiyoda. Under the guidance of Yūyō Shōsō, it transitioned from the Shingon school to the Jōdo school, marking a pivotal moment in Zōjō-ji’s history. Fast forward to 1590. Tokugawa Ieyasu, the powerful shogun, entered Edo. He chose Zōjō-ji as the Tokugawa family temple. This decision dramatically changed Zōjō-ji’s destiny. The temple was moved to Hibiya and finally settled here in Shiba in 1598. Zōjō-ji blossomed under the Tokugawa patronage. It became a sprawling complex, a symbol of the shogunate’s power. Imagine over 120 buildings, bustling with 3,000 priests and novices. Within the temple grounds, six Tokugawa shōguns found their final resting place in the Taitoku-in Mausoleum. Sadly, much of Zōjō-ji’s grandeur was lost to time and war. Fires, earthquakes, and the air raids of World War II took their toll. The magnificent Taitoku-in Mausoleum was destroyed, its ornate structures reduced to ashes. Yet, amidst the destruction, a single structure endured: the Sangedatsumon. This two-storied main gate, built in 1622, is the oldest wooden structure in Tokyo. Passing through its vibrant vermillion entrance, it is said one is freed from the three passions: greed, hatred, and foolishness. Today, Zōjō-ji stands as a testament to resilience. The Daiden (Great Hall), rebuilt in 1974, houses a revered image of Amida Buddha. The temple remains the head temple of the Jōdo sect in the Kantō region. Zōjō-ji continues to offer solace and spiritual guidance. It serves as a vibrant hub for religious and cultural activities, forever intertwined with the history of Tokyo and the legacy of the Tokugawa shogunate.