ABOUT
About this spot
Gokoku-ji is a head temple of the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism in Otsuka, Bunkyo City, Tokyo. Its principal image is Nyoirin Kannon, and its quiet grounds retain a sense of the Edo period in the middle of the city. In 1681 the fifth shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, ordered the temple built as a prayer temple at the wish of his mother, Keishoin. The monk Ryoken became its founding abbot. In the Edo period it was Temple No. 13 of the Edo 33 Kannon pilgrimage. The main hall, built in 1697, is an Important Cultural Property and has the character of a Kannon hall. The original amber image of Nyoirin Kannon is a hidden Buddha, but a representative image is said to be displayed on the 18th of each month. Another Important Cultural Property is the Gekkoden, a Momoyama-period guest hall originally from Nikko-in of Onjo-ji, moved here in 1928. The businessman Takahashi Giyu (Hoan) developed the grounds with tea rooms and a pagoda, and the temple became known for large tea gatherings. The Furo-mon gate is said to be modeled on a hall at Kurama-dera. Many figures of modern Japan rest in the cemetery, including Sanjo Sanetomi, Yamagata Aritomo and Okuma Shigenobu. Spring and autumn are lovely seasons; allow 30 to 60 minutes. The temple lists main hall visiting hours of 10:00 to 16:00 (closed 12:00 to 13:00), but the hall is sometimes closed for events, so please check with the temple before visiting. Gokoku-ji Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line is about a 1-minute walk away.
Last updated October 24, 2026