Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

Tsukiji Hongwanji is a temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji school in Tsukiji 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, directly administered by Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto. It is connected to Exit 1 of Tsukiji Station and sits right beside the Tsukiji Outer Market.

The temple was founded in 1617 near Edo's Asakusa gate. After the Great Meireki Fire destroyed it, the shogunate granted a stretch of sea off Hatchobori, which parishioners from Tsukudajima reclaimed. The temple was rebuilt there in 1679. The 1923 Kanto earthquake fire destroyed it again.

The current main hall was completed in 1934 and designed by the architectural historian Ito Chuta. Its reinforced concrete structure recalls ancient Indian and other Asian Buddhist architecture. The hall, the stone wall and the gate pillars became Important Cultural Properties in 2014. Look for stained glass at the entrance, the pipe organ inside and animal sculptures around the grounds.

The main hall is open from 6:00 to 16:00, and admission is free. The temple's Cafe Tsumugi is known for its 18-dish breakfast. Plan 30 minutes to an hour. The Tsukiji Outer Market is about 250 m away, so the temple combines easily with a meal.