等持院
Toji-in is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Tenryu-ji school in Kita-ku, the family temple of the Ashikaga shoguns. It is open 9:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00) all year round. Admission is ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children; you can also enjoy matcha while viewing the Fuyo Pond from the Shoin hall.
Before you go
Founded by Ashikaga Takauji, Toji-in's Reiko-den hall enshrines statues of successive Ashikaga shoguns alongside Tokugawa Ieyasu. The garden around Fuyo Pond is attributed to the Zen master Muso Soseki; visitors can sit in the Shoin hall drinking matcha while viewing it. Takauji's grave (a hokyointo pagoda) stands north of the Hojo hall.
- Goshuin stamp ¥300 (pre-written paper only; not inscribed in stamp books)
- Getting there
- 63 Tojiin Kitamachi, Kita-ku. See the official site's access map for details.
- Booking
- Open 9:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00); 9:00–15:00 (last entry 14:30) from December 30 to January 3. Open all year round. Admission: ¥600 adults, ¥300 children. Matcha ¥600, ume-kombu tea ¥500, hojicha ¥400 (served 9:00–16:00; groups of 10+ should call ahead).
The Reiko-den enshrines the Riun Jizo, the Buddhist image Takauji worshipped daily. With its line of shogun statues, the temple is the Ashikaga family temple.
No verified events here right now.
Can I have matcha?
Yes, ¥600 in the Shoin hall overlooking Fuyo Pond.
Can I get a goshuin inscribed in my book?
No, only pre-written paper slips are offered, for ¥300.
Is it open over New Year?
Hours shorten to 9:00–15:00 from December 30 to January 3; it never closes.
Sources Toji-in official site (visiting guide) · Toji-in official site (about)