Visit Tsukiji Honganji Temple

History

　Tsukiji Hongan-ji is a Buddhist temple in Japan, belonging to the Hongan-ji school of Jodo Shinshu. Below is an overview of the history of Tsukiji Hongan-ji.
　Founding and Early History (1617 – 1945): Tsukiji Hongan-ji was founded in 1617 by Tokugawa Ieyasu of the Edo shogunate. The first abbot was Kakunyo, a disciple of Honen, and the Honganji temple was built in Tsukiji. The temple grew throughout the Edo period (1603-1867), attracting a large number of believers and occupying a large site. The main hall and other buildings were damaged by fire and war several times, but continued to be rebuilt.
　Great Kanto Earthquake and Rebuilding (1923 – 1934): In 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake hit Tsukiji Honganji. The main building and other structures were destroyed by fire and had to be rebuilt. When rebuilding, the temple adopted a unique design influenced by Indian Buddhist temple architecture. This is what makes Tsukiji Hongwanji unique.
　World War II and Reconstruction (after 1945): During World War II, Tsukiji Hongwanji was also damaged, and after the war, reconstruction was again required. During the postwar period, the temple was rebuilt again with the support of the congregation and donations.
　Other Historical Events: Throughout its history, Tsukiji Hongwanji has undergone several renovations and additions that have improved the temple’s function and beauty. The current main hall, completed in 1934, features a distinctive Indian architectural style.
　Modern Times: Today, Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple continues to be a popular destination for many believers and tourists. The area surrounding the temple is a busy one, with the Tsukiji Market and other attractions in the area.
　Tsukiji Honganji is loved by many people for its history and architectural beauty.

Attractions

　Tsukiji Honganji Temple has many attractions. The following is a description of some of the most noteworthy.
　Unique architectural style: When Tsukiji Honganji was rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake, it adopted a unique design influenced by Indian Buddhist temple architecture. This gives the temple a different feel from other Japanese temples. The beautiful exterior and decorations draw visitors to the temple.
　Historical value: The temple was founded in the early Edo period (1603-1867) and has continued to have historical value even through trials such as the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II. Visitors can feel its history and get a glimpse of the history and culture of Buddhism in Japan.
　Vast grounds and serene space: Tsukiji Honganji Temple has vast grounds despite its location in the heart of the city. The temple grounds are lush with greenery and flowers in every season. The temple offers a tranquil space that provides visitors with a moment of peace and tranquility.
　Religious and cultural events: While religious services and Buddhist ceremonies are held at the temple, various cultural events are also held. This allows the temple to interact with the local community in addition to its religious aspect.
　Integration with the Tsukiji Market: The Tsukiji Market is located near the temple and offers a wide variety of fresh seafood and food products. This allows visitors to enjoy not only the religious experience but also the local food culture when visiting Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple.
　The combination of its historical background, unique architectural style, and expansive grounds in harmony with nature make Tsukiji Hongwanji a popular destination for many visitors.

Doctrine of Jodo Shinshu

　Jodo Shinshu is a sect of Japanese Buddhism founded by Honen. The following are the main points of Jodo Shinshu’s basic doctrines.
　The central doctrine of Jodo Shinshu is “altruism,” which emphasizes that salvation comes not from man’s own efforts, but from the infinite mercy of Amida Buddha. Believers believe that they cannot be reborn in the Pure Land by their own efforts, and emphasize the importance of believing in and benefiting from Amida Buddha’s mercy.
　Amida Buddha: Amida Buddha is the most important Buddha in the Jodo Shinshu taught by Honen. Amida Buddha is said to have infinite compassion and to have made a vow to save sentient beings. Believers rely on Amida Buddha’s vow and try to achieve rebirth by relying on his mercy.
　Nembutsu: Believers express their faith in Amida Buddha through the chanting of a specific title (nembutsu), “Namu Amida Butsu. This recitation is considered part of the practice of altruism.
　Jodo: Believers in Jodo Shinshu hope to be reborn in the Pure Land under Amida Buddha. The Pure Land is a paradise where there is no suffering or hesitation, and believers seek to attain rebirth in the Pure Land through nembutsu, the recitation of the Buddha’s name.
　Relativity of precepts: In Jodo Shinshu, the elements of precepts and repentance differ from those of some other Buddhist sects. Based on the doctrine of altruism, the focus is on reciting the Nembutsu, relying on the mercy of Amida Buddha rather than self-effort.
　These doctrines are based on the teachings of Honen and were further developed by his subsequent disciple, Shinran. Note that there are several sects of Jodo Shinshu, each with its own emphasis and interpretation.