Zojoji Temple, a historic Buddhist site in Tokyo, offers one of the most breathtaking cherry blossom experiences each spring. With its iconic juxtaposition of pink blossoms against the soaring Tokyo Tower, the temple attracts visitors from around the world. The site seamlessly blends cultural heritage with natural beauty, featuring ancient architecture, serene gardens, and over 1,300 Jizo statues adorned with colorful windmills. Whether you’re a photographer, a history enthusiast, or simply a lover of cherry blossoms, Zojoji promises a memorable hanami experience.

Why Zojoji is Worth Visiting

• Cherry Blossoms with Tokyo Tower – The stunning contrast of soft pink blossoms against Tokyo Tower creates one of the most iconic springtime scenes in the city, particularly at sunset when the tower is illuminated.
• Kosodate Shofuku Jizo Statues – Over 1,300 small Jizo statues adorned with red hats and colorful windmills provide a unique and moving sight among the cherry blossoms.
• Sangedatsumon Gate Architecture – The oldest wooden structure in Tokyo, this grand vermillion gate adds historical depth and striking contrast to the delicate cherry blossoms.
• Diverse Cherry Blossom Varieties – Featuring early-blooming weeping cherries, classic Somei Yoshino, and later-blooming Yaezakura, Zojoji offers an extended hanami season.
• Shiba Park Serenity – Adjacent to the temple, this park provides ample space for relaxed picnics under the cherry trees with panoramic temple and tower views.

Zojoji Cherry Blossoms

Zojoji Temple is home to a variety of cherry trees, making it an ideal destination throughout the sakura season. The temple grounds feature three magnificent weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura), which bloom earlier than most varieties, casting graceful pink cascades over the temple structures. The more common Somei Yoshino trees follow, bursting into pale pink clouds of blossoms that create a striking contrast with Zojoji’s dark wooden architecture. Later in the season, the vibrant Yaezakura, with their rich pink double-layered petals, extend the hanami experience well into mid-April.

The temple’s most famous viewing spots include the North Area, where cherry blossoms frame the Kosodate Shofuku Jizo statues, and the Main Hall entrance, offering an iconic shot of Tokyo Tower framed by sakura. Shiba Park, next to the temple, provides a more spacious setting for those who wish to enjoy a relaxed picnic under the blossoms.

Zojoji Facilities & Amenities

Zojoji Temple ensures a comfortable visit with food stands offering seasonal treats, picnic tables, and public restrooms. A Treasury Gallery inside the temple showcases paintings by the renowned artist Kano Kazunobu, while the basement museum displays historical artifacts and a scale model of the temple. The temple also hosts open Buddhist ceremonies, particularly on Sunday mornings. Most of the temple grounds are wheelchair accessible, with smooth paths and an elevator providing access to the museum. However, some areas, such as the Tokugawa Mausoleum, have limited accessibility.

Dining Options

Within the temple grounds, TERA CAFE SHIEN ZOJOJI offers a serene spot for refreshments, with views of Tokyo Tower adding to the ambiance. Visitors can enjoy seasonal specialties like the luxurious fresh-squeezed Mont Blanc dessert, alongside high-quality Ureshino tea or coffee. For those seeking a more traditional meal, Tofuya Ukai, an Edo-style tofu restaurant near the temple, serves exquisite multi-course kaiseki cuisine in an elegant, historic setting. During the cherry blossom season, food stalls within the temple grounds provide convenient hanami snacks such as sakura-themed sweets and warm street food.

Travel Tips

• Visit in late March to early April for peak bloom, but check the sakura forecast for precise timing.
• Arrive after 3:00 PM to avoid crowds and experience the stunning sunset and evening illuminations.
• Explore the North Area to capture unique photos of Jizo statues adorned with windmills against the cherry blossoms.
• Use public transportation, as parking is limited. The temple is just a short walk from multiple subway stations.
• Plan a weekday visit for a more peaceful hanami experience, as weekends tend to be crowded.
• Respect the environment by properly disposing of trash and avoiding damage to the cherry trees.

How to Get to Zojoji

Zojoji Temple is conveniently located in central Tokyo, easily accessible via multiple transportation options:

• Subway: Onarimon Station (Toei Mita Line, 3-minute walk), Shibakoen Station (Toei Mita Line, 3-minute walk), or Daimon Station (Asakusa and Oedo Lines, 3-minute walk).
• JR Train: From Hamamatsucho Station (Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku Line), it’s a 10-minute walk.
• Walking: The temple is just a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Tower, making it an easy addition to a sightseeing itinerary.
• Accessibility: Most nearby subway stations are wheelchair accessible, and smooth pathways allow access to key temple areas.

Nearby Attractions

Just a short walk from Zojoji, Tokyo Tower stands as one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can take an elevator up to the observation decks for panoramic views of Tokyo, including a breathtaking view of the cherry blossoms below. For those interested in Japanese history, the Hamarikyu Gardens, a meticulously landscaped Edo-period garden, is only a short train ride away, offering seasonal floral displays and traditional tea houses. Another great spot is Roppongi Hills, a vibrant district filled with shopping, art museums, and rooftop city views.

Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots

For those looking to extend their hanami experience, Shiba Park, adjacent to Zojoji, provides a spacious and tranquil setting with hundreds of cherry trees. A short distance away, Hibiya Park offers a blend of Western-style landscaping and Japanese sakura-lined paths, ideal for a relaxed stroll. Another recommended spot is Chidorigafuchi, where visitors can rent rowboats to enjoy cherry blossoms from the water, creating a dreamlike experience against the historic moats of the Imperial Palace.

Top Image Top Source: Zengame via Flickr, CC by 2.0