Azabusan Zenpukuji Temple
Azabusan Zenpukuji Temple was established in 824 by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), a prominent figure in the Shingon school of Buddhism. During the Kamakura Period (1185–1333), the temple underwent a significant transformation when Shinran visited. The esteemed priest Ryōkai, captivated by Shinran's teachings of Jōdo Shinshū, led the conversion of Azabusan Zenpukuji from Shingon to Jōdo Shinshū.
It's known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture, blending traditional Japanese temple design with elegant landscaping. The temple grounds feature a variety of structures, including a main hall and several smaller buildings, each adorned with intricate details and historic artifacts.
The temple's allure extended beyond its spiritual significance, drawing influential figures pivotal to Japan's modernization, including Takashi Masuda of Mitsui & Co., Ichibei Furukawa from the Furukawa zaibatsu, and Yukichi Fukuzawa, founder of Keio University, who frequented its premises.
Despite enduring the devastation of World War II air raids in May 1945 and losing its garan (central building), Azabusan Zenpukuji Temple witnessed renewal. In 1961, the revered Main Hall of Higashi Honganji’s Yao Betsuin was offered and rebuilt as Azabusan Zenpukuji’s Main Hall. Renovations in 2008 earned the temple recognition as a Tangible Cultural Property of Minato-ku the following year.
Address: 1-6-21, Motoazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046, Japan
Phone: 03-3451-7402
Website: https://azabu-san.or.jp/eng/
