⛩️ Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple (築地本願寺)

Located near Tokyo's Tsukiji Market, Tsukiji Hongan-ji is a temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongan-ji sect, with its head temple in Kyoto, Nishi Hongan-ji. Originally established in 1617 in the Asakusa district, it was destroyed in a fire in 1657. The Edo Shogunate ordered its reconstruction, but the new site was in the sea, so land had to be reclaimed, and the main hall was built on this newly created land, giving the area its name "Tsukiji." Subsequently, in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, fire broke out again, destroying the main hall once more. The current hall was built in 1934. Designed by Dr. Ito Chuta, an honorary professor at the University of Tokyo, the main hall features stained glass and animal carvings, embodying a unique Asian architectural style modeled after ancient Buddhist structures. The interior is designed in the traditional style of Jodo Shinshu temples. Additionally, a rare pipe organ is installed in this solemn hall, gifted by the Buddhist Propagation Association in 1970 to promote Buddhist music. Monthly organ concerts are held here. As a side note, after visiting, you can relax at the popular café "Tsumugi," known for its "18-item breakfast," or head to the Japanese restaurant "Shisui" to taste the temple's specialty, "Monzen Soba."

The name "Tsukiji" comes from the land reclamation that led to the construction of the main hall. One of its features is its imitation of ancient Buddhist architecture, which is quite worth seeing. In 2014, the "Hondō" (main hall), "Sanmon Monpi" (gate pillars), and "Otani Stone Wall" were designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Inside the main hall, there is a pipe organ, and a pipe organ concert is held once a month.