A lifelong dream comes true - entering Sangedatsumon at Zojoji (三解脱門at増上寺）

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San'en-zan Kodo in Zojoji
Zojoji was founded in 1393 and was relocated to the present site in 1598.
The main gate was built in 1622, with financial aid from the Tokugawa shogunate.
Passing through this gate is said to cleanse visitors of the 3 worldly afflictions:
Greed,
Anger, and
Ignorance

What makes the Sangedatsumon so special?
It is one of the oldest wooden structures in Tokyo and is an Important Cultural Property. It is also one of the only structures to survive the bombing in WWII.

What made this time so special?
2022 is the 400th anniversary of the building of the gate.
The inside of the main gate is rarely open to the public. The last time was 11 years ago. And it’s set to undergo a 10-year restoration beginning in April 2025, which means the next time it will be open to the public will probably be 2035 or later.

Borrowing from 6th century Chinese architecture, the gate has a ridged, hip-and-gable roof. The bright lacquered exterior was one of the most famous landmarks in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). You might notice that the gate does not have the usual fierce looking guardian statues. This is because Jodo (Pure Land) Buddhism practiced at Zojoji was founded to spread Buddhism to the masses.

How to get there:
https://thegate12.com/article/57#content-6

More about Ieyasu Tokugawa (徳川家康):
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tokugawa-Ieyasu

More about Zojoji:
https://www.zojoji.or.jp/en/#about

400th anniversary of Zojoji Temple's Sangedatsumon Gate:
https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/400th-anniversary-of-zojoji-temples-sangedatsumon-gate

増上寺三解脱門 建立400年記念特別公開
Zojoji Sangedatsumon 400th Anniversary Special Opening (Japanese)
https://youtu.be/LsdY8FQyjgE　

Social Media (Japanese):
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zojoji/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zojojitreasuresgallery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zojoji_enzan1393_official/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zojojigallery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zojoji_official/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zojojigallery/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zojojiofficial

Website: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/en/
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