Zōjō-Ji (Zōjō Temple)

Behind Tokyo Tower is this former funerary temple of the Tokugawa regime, one of the most important temples of the Jōdō (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism. It dates from 1393, yet like many sights in Tokyo its original structures have been relocated and were subject to war, fire and other natural disasters. It has been rebuilt several times in recent history, the last time in 1974. Nevertheless, Zōjō-ji remains one of the most monumental temples in town. The main gate, Sanmon, was constructed in 1605, and its three sections were designed to symbolise the three stages one must pass through to achieve nirvana. The giant bell (1673; 15 tonnes) is considered one of the great three bells of the Edo period. On the temple grounds there is a large collection of statues of the bodhisattva Jizō , said to be a guide during the transmigration of the soul.