Tsukiji Hongwanji is a Buddhist temple affiliated with the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha (Nishi Hongwanji) sect. Its head temple is the renowned Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, and its founder is Shinran Shonin (1173–1263), a significant figure in Japanese Buddhism. Tsukiji Hongwanji was originally established in 1617 near Asakusa in Tokyo, but it was unfortunately destroyed by a great fire in 1657. It was later relocated and rebuilt at its current location in 1679.
At the time, the Tsukiji area was still part of the sea. Driven by faith, the temple's followers worked together on a land reclamation project, successfully creating land from the sea to rebuild the temple. The name "Tsukiji" (literally "constructed land") originates from this effort.
In 1923, the temple was once again destroyed by a fire caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake. It was rebuilt in 1934, designed by the famous architect Chuta Ito. The current Main Hall is a unique structure that blends ancient Indian and Western architectural styles, making it stand out among Japanese religious buildings with its exotic appearance.
In 2014, the Main Hall, the gate pillars of the Main, North, and South Gates, and the stone walls of Tsukiji Hongwanji were designated as Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese government.
