Genkokuji

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Situated right below Suwa Jinja in Nishi Waseda, Genkokuji is a small temple which used to be the Edo residence of a provincial lord. Back in the Edo period, provincial lords were required to make annual visits to Edo and spend time in the capital so that the Shogun could keep an eye on them all. Genkokuji used to be the estate for one of these lords when they were required to live in the city. 

For the casual: 4. For the educated: 4.

Like Suwa Jinja, Genkokuji is a small and pleasant temple which is off the radar of most people other than those who visit. But for its small scale and seemingly closed doors, Genkokuji will always be held in a special place in my heart. When I went to visit, the nun living there was so excited to welcome Westerners and especially students on study abroad at Waseda University (key emphasis on the Waseda part) that she gave me my Goshuin and then invited my friend and I into the main hall, which from what I could understand was kept off limits to most people. It was an amazing experience to see the ornate decorations within the temple and the pristine yard below which had been maintained since the temple was a villa. Now typically you're not allowed to take photos of the inside of a temple or shrine, but we were allowed to hence the photo below. I would highly recommend visiting because it is off the beaten path. 

 

Zenkokuji

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Originally built as a larger temple complex by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Zenkokuji caught fire and the whole complex burned down except for the hall devoted to Bishamonten, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, and one of the Heavenly Kings which guard Buddhas and Bodhisattva while they work. This was taken as a sign and the current Zenkokuji was renovated to house the statue of Bishamonten. 

For the casual: 7. For the educated: 4.

The attraction to Zenkokuji is more than just the temple. The temple itself is fairly small but very beautiful. The main attraction is the surrounding neighborhood which is just west of Iidabashi Station on Waseda Dori (Waseda Street). Great little shops which cater to tourists but are of much better quality than those found in areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya.

 

Zôjôji

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Zôjôji in the city of Minato is one of the most noted temple complexes in the Tokyo area. Founded in 1393, it was renovated and expanded upon when it became the primary temple of the Tokugawa family. Zôjôji was also the first resting place of the Edo period founder Tokugawa Ieyasu before he was moved to his current resting place at Nikko Tôshôgû in the mountains. Zôjôji is the leading temple of the Judo sect (not the martial arts) in Japan. 

For the casual: 8. For the educated: 8.

Zôjôji is a quintessential temple complex in the heart of Minato, one of the many cities within the Tokyo megalopolis. Easy to get to by subway and right next to Tokyo Tower, Daimon, and Hamarikyu Gardens, Zôjôji is a great place to go to if there is little time to see so much.

 

Jôchiji (Kamakura Gozan #4)

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Jôchiji is the 4th of the Kamakura Gozan (see Kenchôji) and was built in 1283 by the Hôjô family to commemorate the untimely death of a Hôjô son. Inside are the Buddhist Trinity of Amida (Past), Shakyamuni (Present), and Maitreya/Miroku (Future). 

For the casual: 5. For the educated: 5.

Jôchiji is a great little temple to visit not too far from Kenchôji and Engakuji, and is in a quiet little area. The people there are extremely nice.