Azabusan Zenpukuji, Bingo Travel Guide

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Discover Tokyo's ancient Zenpukuji Temple: a serene escape with a 1200-year history, giant ginkgo tree, and US Legation landmark.

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Azabusan Zenpukuji

Azabusan Zenpukuji is a historic Buddhist temple in Tokyo's Azabu district, founded in 824 AD by Kōbō Daishi. It's known as one of Tokyo's oldest temples and features a 750-year-old ginkgo tree, the city's oldest. The temple also served as the first American Legation in Japan during the late Edo period.

A brief summary to Azabusan Zenpukuji

1 Chome-6-21 Motoazabu, Minato City, 1 Chome Motoazabu, Tokyo, 106-0046, JP
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Monday 7:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 7:30 am-5 pm
Friday 7:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 7:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 7:30 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Azabusan Zenpukuji.

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the temple's peaceful atmosphere.
Take time to admire the 750-year-old ginkgo tree, Tokyo's oldest, especially beautiful in autumn when its leaves turn golden.
Look for the monument to Townsend Harris, the first US Consul General, commemorating the temple's role as the first American Legation.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing some walking on the temple grounds.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Azabu-Juban Station (Namboku or Oedo lines), it's about an 8-10 minute walk to Zenpukuji Temple. Exit the station and follow signs towards Motoazabu. The temple will be on your left. Subway fares in Tokyo typically range from ¥180-¥220 depending on the distance.
Walking

From Hiroo Station, take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and head to Hiroo Station. Exit Hiroo Station and walk towards Motoazabu. Follow the signs to Azabusan Zenpukuji, which is about a 15-minute walk from the station.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Minato City. A short taxi ride from Roppongi or Azabu-Juban to Zenpukuji will typically cost between ¥730 - ¥900, depending on traffic. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver beforehand.

Discover more about Azabusan Zenpukuji

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Azabusan Zenpukuji offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Founded in 824 AD by the Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi during the Heian Period, it stands as one of the oldest temples in Tokyo. Originally a Shingon school temple, it later converted to Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism during the Kamakura period when the priest Ryōkai was impressed by monk Shinran's teachings.The temple grounds feature Tokyo's oldest tree, a giant ginkgo said to have been planted by Shinran himself. This ginkgo tree is a designated natural monument of Japan. Zenpukuji played a significant role in Japan's history, serving as the first American Legation in Tokyo in 1859. Townsend Harris, the first United States Consul General to Japan, resided here, and the temple became a meeting place for influential figures who shaped modern Japan.While the original Main Hall was destroyed in World War II, it was replaced in 1961 with a building from Higashi Honganji's Yao Betsuin, which was later renovated and designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Minato-ku. Today, visitors can explore the tranquil grounds, admire the ancient ginkgo, and reflect on the temple's rich history and its role in shaping Japan's relationship with the world.