Konchi-in Temple

Overview

Konchi-in is a Zen temple of the Nanzen-ji branch of the Rinzai sect, located in the Shibakoen area of Minato Ward, Tokyo. Though it stands in a lively part of Minato, it keeps the calm spirit of Zen, and its mountain name is recorded as Shorinzan. Said to have been founded in the early Edo period, it is a hidden pocket of Zen in central Tokyo, easy to combine with a walk around Shiba Park and Tokyo Tower.

Highlights

• ●A Rinzai Zen temple of the Nanzen-ji branch in Shibakoen, Minato Ward
• ●An early-Edo temple said to date from 1619 (Genna 5)
• ●Part of the Zen lineage headed by Nanzen-ji in Kyoto
• ●Quiet central-city grounds bearing the mountain name Shorinzan

History

According to temple tradition, Konchi-in was founded in 1619 (Genna 5). Belonging to the Nanzen-ji branch of the Rinzai sect, it stands within the Zen lineage headed by Nanzen-ji in Kyoto and has kept its dharma light on this spot since the early days of Edo. For its detailed history and the origins of its buildings, official sources are the surest reference, but a founding just after the opening of the Edo shogunate speaks to its historical depth.

Map

35.6594, 139.7461 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Get off at a station in the Shibakoen area and walk through the park's greenery to Konchi-in
2. 2Take in the trim, tranquil Zen atmosphere of the grounds
3. 3Pay your respects while reflecting on its founding in 1619
4. 4Afterward, stroll around Shiba Park and Tokyo Tower to enjoy the central-city views

Did you know?

💡 A temple named Konchi-in is also famous as a sub-temple of Nanzen-ji in Kyoto, but this one is a temple in Shibakoen, Minato Ward, of the same Nanzen-ji branch of the Rinzai sect. Knowing its founding year of 1619 makes it easy to picture a temple born in the very earliest days of Edo.

Nearby spots