Sōkei-ji, Buddhist temple in Bunkyo, Japan.
Sōkei-ji is a Buddhist temple in central Tokyo with traditional wooden structures, stone lanterns, and meditation spaces arranged around a central courtyard. The complex displays classical elements of Japanese temple architecture with carefully designed outdoor areas.
The temple was founded in 1415 and has maintained its original location in Bunkyo across centuries despite major shifts in Japanese society. This continuity in one place makes it an important anchor point in the local history.
The temple is dedicated to the Shō-Kannon school of Buddhism, with Kannon, the bodhisattva of universal compassion, at the center of worship. Visitors can experience this spiritual focus in the daily rituals and decorations throughout the grounds.
The temple is open daily from morning until late afternoon and is easily reached via several subway stations in the Bunkyo area. Getting there by public transportation is straightforward with multiple access points from nearby stations.
The temple maintains a collection of traditional incense burners used in ceremonies, each crafted by local artisans across different periods. These objects demonstrate the craftsmanship and evolving aesthetics across many generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
