Tokyo: Zojoji Temple & Tokyo Tower Tour with Main Deck Entry

Discover one of Tokyo’s most striking contrasts: a centuries-old Buddhist temple standing beneath the city’s iconic red-and-white tower.

Begin at Zojoji, a major Jodo Buddhist temple with deep connections to the Tokugawa shogunate. Explore the temple grounds, learn how Edo became Tokyo, and see how war, reconstruction, religion, and modern development have shaped the area.

Then walk toward Tokyo Tower, stopping for selected views along the way before ascending to the 150-meter Main Deck with admission included.

Begin at historic Zojoji Temple

Meet your local guide at the confirmed meeting point inside the Zojoji Temple grounds.

Founded in 1393, Zojoji later became the family temple of the Tokugawa family after Tokugawa Ieyasu established his government in Edo.

At its height during the Edo period, the temple complex expanded dramatically and became one of the most important centers of Jodo Buddhism in eastern Japan.

Your guide will introduce this history in an accessible way, connecting the temple to the development of Edo and the Tokugawa shogunate.

Learn about the Tokugawa connection

Zojoji was not simply a neighborhood temple.

Six Tokugawa shoguns, along with members of their families, are buried within the temple precincts.

Learn why the Tokugawa family supported Zojoji and how religion, political power, and the development of Edo were connected.

Entry to the Tokugawa mausoleum or Treasures Gallery is not included unless specifically added to your booking.

See what survived and what was rebuilt

Much of Zojoji was lost during the air raids of World War II.

The present Main Hall was rebuilt in 1974, while other surviving structures offer glimpses into the temple’s earlier history.

The experience does not present the area as frozen in the past. Instead, your guide will explain how destruction, reconstruction, and modern Tokyo now exist together within the same landscape.

Important note about Sangedatsumon Gate

The historic Sangedatsumon was built in 1622 and is designated an Important Cultural Property.

However, the gate is currently undergoing a major preservation project and is covered by a temporary protective structure.

The restoration is expected to continue for several years.

For this reason, the gate is not presented as a guaranteed photography highlight of this tour, and the route may change according to construction conditions.

Capture the contrast of temple and tower

One of the most recognizable views in the area places the traditional rooflines of Zojoji against Tokyo Tower.

Your guide will help identify suitable public viewpoints for casual photographs using your own smartphone or camera.

Depending on the time of day, the scene may feel completely different.

During daylight, architectural details are easier to see.

Late afternoon may provide warmer light.

After dark, Tokyo Tower becomes the dominant illuminated landmark above the surrounding neighborhood.

Sunset colors and specific tower illuminations cannot be guaranteed.

Walk toward Tokyo Tower

Leave the temple grounds and continue on foot toward Tokyo Tower.

During the short walk, learn why the tower became such a recognizable symbol of postwar Tokyo.

Completed in 1958, Tokyo Tower reflects an era when television broadcasting, infrastructure, urban growth, and a new image of modern Tokyo were developing rapidly.

Your guide will connect this period with the much older history you have just explored at Zojoji.

Main Deck admission is included

Arrive at Tokyo Tower with your Main Deck admission already arranged.

You do not need to purchase a standard Main Deck ticket separately at the ticket counter.

However, security, entrance, and elevator queues may still occur, especially during weekends, holidays, sunset hours, and special events.

The tour includes admission to the 150-meter Main Deck.

The 250-meter Top Deck Tour is not included.

See Tokyo from 150 meters above the city

Ride the elevator to the Main Deck and explore the skyline with your guide.

Rather than simply pointing toward every visible building, the guide will help you understand the geography of Tokyo from above.

Depending on visibility, you may identify areas such as:

• Roppongi

• Shinjuku

• Odaiba

• Tokyo Bay

• Central Tokyo

• Surrounding Minato neighborhoods

Specific landmarks and Mount Fuji are weather-dependent and cannot be guaranteed.

Get help with skyline photos

Your guide can help take casual photographs of you or your group using your own smartphone or camera.

This is not a professional photoshoot.

Lighting, reflections from the observation windows, weather, crowds, and visibility all affect the final photographs.

Stay after the guided tour

The guided portion finishes on or near the Tokyo Tower Main Deck.

After the tour, you may remain inside Tokyo Tower and continue exploring independently during operating hours.

Visit the observation areas again, browse the shops in FootTown, or continue your evening elsewhere in Minato.