Gokokuji Temple

護国寺Gokokuji Temple (護国寺) is a Shingon Buddhist temple established in 1681, and is one of the most major Buddhist temples in Tokyo. It managed to survive the air raids of WWII and thus preserves buildings constructed before the war.
Another feature of this temple is that it became known for its commitment to sado (Japanese tea ceremony) from around the late Meiji period and has about ten tea houses or so in its precincts.
The temple is right in front of Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Gokokuji Station.

Somon Gate
Gokokuji

Somon Gate was erected in around late 17th century to early 18th century.

Niomon Gate
Gokokuji

Niomon Gate was erected in the 18th century. It houses statues of guardian deities.

Mizuya & Furomon Gate
Gokokuji

Mizuya at the foot of the stairs are where you cleanse your hands before paying respects.

Furomon Gate
Gokokuji

Furomon Gate over the stairs was built in 1937.

Daishido
Gokokuji

Daishido, constructed in 1701, is the building in which Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon school, is enshrined.

Hondo
Gokokuji
Gokokuji

Hondo, or the main hall, was completed in 1697. It is dedicated to Nyoirin Kannon.

Tahoto Pagoda
Gokokuji

The Tahoto pagoda was erected in 1938.

Yakushido
護国寺

Yakushido, which is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, was built in 1694.
On the right side of Yakushido stands Chureido, which was constructed in 1902 to store the bones of soldiers who died in the First Sino-Japanese War.

Stone lanterns
Gokokuji
Tea houses
Gokokuji
Gokokuji
Gokokuji

This temple is famous for tea ceremonies. About a dozen tea houses are placed in the precincts.

Setsubun

On Setsubun Day (Feb 3), many Shinto shrines and some large Buddhits temples hold bean-throwing events to drive away evil spirits. At Gokokuji Temple, there's a Japanese drum concert from 1pm, an enka concert from 2pm, a ritual from 3pm, and a bean-throwing event from 3:30pm.

Drum concert
Gokokuji Setsubun
Gokokuji Temple
5-40-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo MAP
Access: 0-min walk from Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Gokokuji Station