My first impression was that this temple was not your typical Japanese Jinja. I had nothing in my hands but my camera and, frankly speaking, time. I sat in front of this structure for the longest time and waited until it cleared of people. I prefer not to clone with Photoshop so I didn't mind waiting.
I learned that Tsukiji Honganji Buddhist Temple is a branch temple of the Jodo Shishu Honganji denomination, commonly known as Nishi Honganji (the mother temple) in Kyoto. The original branch was built in 1617 (like omg, super old!) in Yokoyama-Cho. After destruction by the great fire of 1657 (long before America declared their independence) the temple was rebuilt on a section of a vast area of land reclaimed from Tokyo bay by local parishioners (hence the name "Tsukiji", meaning built land. Cool, right?!!) Tsukiji Honganji Temple is an example of unique architecture inspired by Indian Buddhist architecture (which explains why this isn't your typical looking Japanese temple. I wondered about that!). It was erected in 1934 (more than 8 decades ago). Adjacent to this extremely old temple is a fish market with a vibrant atmosphere which I talked about in an earlier entry.
Michael had the chance to see the outside but we were distracted by everything else that surrounded this place and even though I had plenty of chances to see the interior, I refused going in without him.
I know; I'm either too clingy to my husband or Michael is a buzzkill (he's not... I just really wanted to see it with him).
DIRECTION:
Address: 3-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Wi-Fi: Not available. The Cafe' does though
Admission: Free
Access: 1-min walk from “Tsukiji Station” of Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. Seriously... you won't miss it!
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