Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

Located near the Tokyo Tsukiji Market, Tsukiji Hongwanji is a temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji Sect, whose head temple is Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto.

The temple was originally founded near Asakusa in 1617, but was destroyed by a fire in 1657. The land given to the temple by the shogunate for reconstruction was in the sea, so they reclaimed the land to build the temple, which is the origin of the name "Tsukiji" (literally "constructed land"). After another fire caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the current main worship hall was rebuilt in 1934.

The main worship hall, designed by Dr. Ito Chuta, a honorary professor at Imperial University and an architect, is characterized by an oriental exterior that resembles ancient Buddhist architecture, with stained glass and animal sculptures. Inside, however, it follows the traditional structure of Jodo Shinshu temples. It is also unusual for a temple to have a pipe organ installed, which was donated by the Buddhist Missionary Society in 1970 to promote Buddhist music. There is a pipe organ concert once a month.

In addition, there are several restaurants, including the café "Tsumugi", which is popular for its "18-item breakfast", and "Shisui", where you can enjoy the Tsukiji Hongwanji's specialty, soba noodles.