Focal Point of Culture at Zojoji Temple: The Origins of Tokyo

Encounter the traditions and culture that remain today, linked to the history of the Tokugawa family, who built an era of peace rarely seen elsewhere in the world.

Dedicated to guardian deities of the Edo period, the famous Zojoji Temple will act as stage as we guide you around a special program taking in the roots of Tokyo.
Zojoji is one of the few large temple complexes that has deep connections with the Tokugawa family of shoguns, who laid the foundation for peace in the modern era.

When Tokugawa Ieyasu set up the government in Edo, he became a supporter of Zojoji, and it later became the family temple of the Tokugawa family; the graves of their ancestors were located Zojoji and funerals and memorial services were also held there. Of the 15 Tokugawa shoguns in Japan’s history, six are buried at Zojoji Temple.

Damaged by fire and air raids in modern times, Zojoji has been rebuilt and restored many times. Today,
the Sanmon Gate (Sangedatsumon) is designated a National Treasure and Important Cultural Property.

This program is guided by a regional coordinator who is a specialist of Zojoji and the Tokugawa family.
The Tokugawa family ushered in more than 260 years of peace, a rare occurence in the history of the world.
Learn about the culture and history they created while tracing the essence of the town called Edo, the original name of Japan’s capital city, Tokyo.