Tōkō-ji, Buddhist temple in Itabashi-ku, Japan
Tōkō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Itabashi-ku featuring traditional wooden structures arranged around a central courtyard with vermilion gates at the entrance. The buildings reflect Chinese Buddhist design principles in their architecture and layout.
The temple was founded in 1647 and belongs to the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism, which maintained close ties to Chinese traditions. This connection shaped both its architectural style and spiritual direction over the centuries.
The temple functions as a spiritual center where visitors can observe traditional Buddhist ceremonies and join meditation sessions throughout the year. The layout invites contemplation, and people come here to connect with their faith and find moments of calm.
The grounds are open to visitors daily and accessible by multiple public transportation routes from central Tokyo. It helps to check in advance which areas are open to visitors, especially during ceremony times.
The grounds hold an extensive collection of stone lanterns carefully placed according to principles of Japanese garden design. These elements create quiet corners throughout the space that invite lingering and quiet observation.
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