Photo Spot · Tsukiji

Tsukiji Hongwanji 築地本願寺

A Buddhist temple that looks like it was flown in from ancient India: a 1934 stone hall with a domed roof, lotus motifs and stone elephants, monkeys and birds hidden on its stairs.

About

Tsukiji Hongwanji is the Tokyo branch temple of the Jodo Shinshu Nishi Hongwanji school, and its main hall, completed in 1934 by architect Ito Chuta, is unlike any other temple in Japan. Inspired by ancient Indian Buddhist architecture, it has a central dome, carved stone lotus windows and dozens of animal sculptures, including elephants, cows, monkeys, lions and mythical birds, around its stairways and walls. Inside, the hall is in Japanese temple style, complete with a pipe organ. The forecourt allows a full frontal shot of the symmetrical facade, and the animal carvings make a fun detail hunt. It is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and a short walk from the Tsukiji Outer Market.

Highlights

• Indian-inspired stone facade with central dome
• Hidden animal carvings: elephants, monkeys, cows, birds
• Symmetrical frontal shot from the forecourt
• Pipe organ in the main hall
• Five minutes from Tsukiji Outer Market

Tips

• Morning light falls on the facade; the hall opens at 6:00.
• A 16-24 mm from the forecourt captures the whole facade without distortion if you step back to the gate.
• Photography is fine for personal use; be quiet and do not shoot during services or ceremonies.
• The temple cafe Tsumugi does a famous 18-dish breakfast.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Sushi Zanmai Tsukiji HontenSushi & Seafood · 150 m away
• Turret CoffeeCafé & Sweets · 160 m away
• Sushi KeitaSushi & Seafood · 190 m away
• Tsukiji Outer MarketMarket · 190 m away
• Takeno ShokudoIzakaya · 220 m away
• Tsukiji Sushisei HontenSushi & Seafood · 250 m away
• Plat TsukijiTourist Info · 270 m away
• Namiyoke Inari Shrine Lion HeadsPhoto Spot · 350 m away