Zojoji Temple

Days in Tokyo have been sizzling hot but the trees in the temple garden might provide a bit of necessary shade. Not on any note as controversial as Yasukuni Jinja, Zojoji Temple is the main temple of the Jodo Buddhist sect. You´ll find it in the vicinity of Shiba-koen and Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower is spotted in the background. It was built in 1958 and was of course modelled after the Eiffel Tower (1092 feet high, Tokyo Tower measures 30 feet higher, hatssuuuuuu!).


The Sanmon is the main gate (seen from behind) to the temple. It was built in 1605 and is constructed in the Chinese Tang style, popular in the early Edo period (1603-1868). All other buildings in the temple compound were destroyed during the air raids in 1945.

In the surrounding garden, there are rows of statues dressed in red little bonnets and bibs often with colourful windmills. This baby-like statue is Jizo, the guardian of children and the children who died young. He is also the guardian of the souls of miscarried,stillborn and aborted fetuses. He also protects travellers as well as firefighters.

Take care in the heat and have a great weekend!

Yasukuni Jinja

This torii gate of steel (25 m tall, 34 m wide) marks the main entrance to Yasukuni Jinja.

The controversial Shinto shrine Yasukuni commemorates those who died in service of the Empire of Japan as well as wars involving Japan. Approximately 2.5 million people (men, women, children, war criminals of whom 14 are classified as class A) are listed by names, origins, birth dates and places of death. This is the Haiden hall of worship.

Historically, the knot was respected as an object of faith as the will of God was believed to reside in it. It symbolizes bringing people together and good luck. Supposedly, it bridges the past, the present and the future.

Hope you have all had a relaxing summer so far. Here in Tokyo it has been way too hot and humid.

Stay safe and hydrated!