Temple · Moto-Azabu

Zenpuku-ji (Azabu) 麻布山善福寺

One of Tokyo's oldest temples, below the Azabu-Juban hill, with a gigantic 750-year-old gingko and the site of the first US legation in 1859.

HoursGrounds open daytime

ClosedOpen daily

PriceFree

Getting thereAzabu-Juban Station (Namboku/Oedo Line, exit 1), 7 min

Time needed30 min

Best timeLate November

Address1-6-21 Moto-Azabu, Minato City, Tokyo

About

Said to have been founded in 824, Zenpuku-ji is second only to Senso-ji among Tokyo's ancient temples, yet it hides at the end of a quiet approach from Azabu-Juban. The colossal Sakasa Icho ('upside-down gingko'), a national natural monument said to have grown from Shinran's staff, turns pure gold in late November. In 1859 the temple hosted the first American legation under Townsend Harris; a memorial marks the spot. The grave of Fukuzawa Yukichi, founder of Keio University and face of the old 10,000-yen note, lies in the cemetery.

Highlights

Sakasa Icho: a national-monument gingko more than 10 m around
Site of the first US legation in Japan (1859)
Grave of Fukuzawa Yukichi
Rebuilt main hall moved from Osaka's Hongan-ji
Quiet approach just off Azabu-Juban's cafes

Tips

Visit in late November for the golden gingko
Pair with Azabu-Juban Shotengai for taiyaki and senbei
Be respectful in the cemetery; no climbing near graves

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

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Zenpuku-ji (Azabu) 麻布山 善福寺

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Zenpuku-ji (Azabu) 麻布山善福寺