Travelogue Tokyo Buddhist Temple | Zozoji and Sangedatsu Mon
 

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Tokyo Buddhist Temple | Zozoji and Sangedatsu Mon
Written by Shirley T   
Thursday, 11 November 2010 00:00



Sangedatsu Gate ((三解脱門) or Sangedatsu Mon is the one and only structure within Zozoji Temple that survived World War II in 1945. Historic landmark of Zozoji Temple, Sangedatsu Gate was built in 1605 and highly influenced by the Chinese architecture during Tang Dynasty. Literally translated as 'The Gate of Three Liberation', the Buddhists believe that if one passes through, he/she can free himself/herself from three evil roots namely greed, hatred and delusion and eventually attains Nirvana.
Sangedatsu Gate or San Mon
Located in the neighborhood of Shiba in Tokyo, Zozoji Temple is a Buddhist temple that enshrines the image of Amida (Amitabha) Buddha. Occupying an ample land near Tokyo Tower, the ground of Zozoji Temple is more quiet compares to Asakusa's Sensoji Temple. Housing Bodhisattva statues, flowers, trees, monuments, mausoleum of Tokugawa family, there is also sight of a huge bell and a gardens of little statues with bonnets and windmills.
Sacred Zozoji against the modern icon of Tokyo Tower
Statue of Bodhisattva at Zozoji Temple
This sacred ground is also the home to rows of little statues. They are called Jizobosatusu or Jizo, the Bodhisattva. At the same time regards as protectors or guardian angels of children and infants, they are usually adorned with red bonnets, bibs, flowers and toys.
Garden of Jizo
Founded by Yūyo Shōsō in 1393, Zozoji Temple was the Tokugawa or royal's family temple during Edo Period and formerly located at Hibiya before being moved to present location. After the fall of Tokugawa shogunate, it serves as a public park and temple.
Guardians of children
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, 365 days a year
No admission fee.

Getting there?
About 5 minutes walk from the nearest subway station - Onarimon (Mita Line) or about 10 minutes walk from Tokyo Tower.

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