Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower

Shiba-Koen (Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower)

The Sanmon, the main gate to the Zojoji Temple, was built in 1605. It is constructed in a Chinese Tang Dynasty style and is a rare example of early Edo-period architecture. All the other buildings on the grounds were destroyed during 1945 air raids.

Zojoji Temple

The Temple gardens are adorned with statutes, flowers and trees. We also noticed tombstone like monuments with Japanese symbols carved in them.

This cedar tree was planted by President Ulysses S Grant in 1879 and survived the 1945 air raids. Notice how big it is now.

The sign says, "This tree was planted by the forty first president GEORGE H*W* BUSH of the United States in memory of his visit to Zojoji temple in 1982 when he was vice president."

Bell in a small shrine outside the temple

This large bell was located in the gardens of the Zojoji Temple.

Zojoji Temple is the chief temple of the Jodo-Buddist sect. It was originally founded in 1393.

Inside the Zojoji Temple is a beautiful decorated golden alter. We watched and listened as a woman and three priests chanted and prayed.

Hear their chant (91 kb wav format).

In the garden were rows of little statues with bonnets and windmills. They were statues of jizobosatusu, the protector of the souls of stillborn children and the Buddhist equivalent of an angel. Mothers who have lost an unborn child may dedicate an image of the deity and decorate it with baby clothes and toys.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is Japan's most famous observation tower. It was built in 1958 and was modeled after the Eiffel Tower. It is 1092 feet high, 30 feet higher than Eiffel Tower, but 3000 tons lighter due to advancements in steel manufacturing and construction technology. On a clear day, you can see Mt.Fuji and Mt.Tsukuba.

Tokyo Tower broadcasts all 9 of Japan's television stations and 5 FM radio stations. Cameras on the tower also monitor city traffic.

A ticket to Tokyo Tower

See the Tokyo Tower brochure (LARGE image 249 kb).

See a 360 degree view (LARGE image 170 kb).

Tokyo Tower

See a live cam view of Tokyo Tower!

A view from the lower observation deck of Tokyo Tower
Nearly 180 degree view at an elevation of 150 meters.

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Tour:Ginza

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