Zojo-ji Temple
Shiba, Tokyo
Source: zojoji.or.jp, checked 5 Oct 2026.
Zojo-ji is the main temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, with Tokyo Tower standing right behind it. That pairing makes it one of the best known photo spots in the city.
More photos of Zojo-ji Temple
Insider tip
Walk round behind the main hall for the best framing of Tokyo Tower. Don't skip the cemetery, where rows of Jizo statues wear red bibs. It's moving.
What the guides say about Zojo-ji Temple
Zojo-ji Temple in Shiba, with Tokyo Tower directly behind it, is the most photogenic place to hear the bell. In recent years Zojo-ji has sold a limited number of tickets in December that let visitors take part in striking it, and everyone else watches from the grounds. It's busy but manageable, and afterwards you can stay for hatsumode at the same temple.
Christmas isn't a holiday in Japan, but German-style Christmas markets have caught on. The biggest is the Tokyo Christmas Market, which in 2026 runs in two places: Shin-Toyosu from 20 November to 25 December (11 AM to 9:30 PM, from 4 PM on the opening day), and the plaza by Onarimon Station in Shiba Park from 4 to 25 December (11 AM to 10 PM, from 4 PM on the opening day). Entry is ticketed, and tickets went on sale on 1 October. Shiba Park is a short walk from Zojo-ji and Tokyo Tower, so it pairs well with an evening in the area.
Shiba Park (Onarimon Plaza), 4 to 25 December 2026. Open 11:00 to 22:00, last entry 21:00, and opening day starts at 16:00. It's a 1-minute walk from Exit A6 of Onarimon Station on the Toei Mita Line, and Tokyo Tower stands behind it. Zojo-ji is next door, so it works for an early evening of temple and tower first.
What's on at Zojo-ji Temple
Upcoming events at Zojo-ji Temple and within a ten-minute walk, from the weekly Tokyo events calendar.
Joya no Kane New Year's Eve Bell
除夜の鐘
Station Onarimon (Toei Mita Line), 5 min walk
Zojo-ji's great bell is struck 108 times around midnight on New Year's Eve, once for each earthly desire in Buddhist belief, with Tokyo Tower lit directly behind the main hall. Watching is free; check the temple's announcements for how the year's events run.
Jim Epler, CC BY 2.0 Setsubun at Zojo-ji
節分追儺式
Time Procession from about 11:30, bean-throwing from about 12:20 Station Onarimon (Toei Mita Line), 5 min walk
One of Tokyo's largest Setsubun bean-throwing ceremonies, with guest celebrities and people born in the year's zodiac sign scattering roasted beans from a stage to drive out demons before the traditional start of spring. Held in front of the main hall with Tokyo Tower behind.
Jim Epler, CC BY 2.0 Joya no Kane New Year's Eve Bell
除夜の鐘
Station Onarimon (Toei Mita Line), 5 min walk
Zojo-ji's great bell is struck 108 times around midnight on New Year's Eve, once for each earthly desire in Buddhist belief, with Tokyo Tower lit directly behind the main hall. Watching is free; check the temple's announcements for how the year's events run.
Jim Epler, CC BY 2.0 Tokyo Christmas Market in Shiba Park
東京クリスマスマーケット2026 in 芝公園（御成門駅前広場）
Time 11:00 to 22:00, opening day 16:00 to 22:00, last entry 21:00 Station Onarimon (Toei Mita Line), 2 min walk
A traditional German Christmas market returns to Shiba Park with a roughly 14-metre Dresden-style Christmas pyramid, craft stalls from various German cities and Tokyo Tower as a backdrop. The 2026 run spans twenty-two days into Christmas Day.
Tokyo Tower Winter Fantasy (illumination at the foot of Tokyo Tower)
東京タワー ウィンターファンタジー
Time Lights 9:00 to 23:00; lighting show every 15 minutes from 16:00 to 22:30 (2025)
A winter illumination and short lighting shows set to music in the plaza at the foot of Tokyo Tower, from mid November to Christmas Day.
Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0 Smaller local events nearby
Minato City Office lobby concert Performance
Thu 29 Oct · Minato City Office, 1F lobby, Shibakoen
A free lunchtime concert in the lobby of the Minato City Office.
Free · 12:10 to 12:40 · Map · Source: Minato City · 第5回港区役所ロビーコンサート
Sutra repository opening at Zojo-ji (Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week) Exhibition
30 to 31 Oct · Zojo-ji Temple, sutra repository, Shiba
Zojo-ji opens its sutra repository for Tokyo Cultural Heritage Week, cancelled in rain.
10:00 to 15:00 (cancelled in rain) · Map · Source: Shrine and temple calendars · 東京文化財ウィーク 経蔵公開
Nearby
Good to know
- What is the address of Zojo-ji Temple?
- 4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo (in Japanese: 東京都港区芝公園4-7-35).
- How do I get to Zojo-ji Temple?
- The nearest station is Onarimon (Mita Line). Zojo-ji Temple is in Shiba, Tokyo.
- How much does Zojo-ji Temple cost?
- Nothing. Zojo-ji Temple is free to visit.
- How long do you need at Zojo-ji Temple?
- Plan for 45 min.
- When is the best time to visit Zojo-ji Temple?
- Late afternoon.
Stay near Zojo-ji Temple
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