増上寺 | Zojyoji Temple

Located in the middle of Tokyo, the Zojyoji Temple the main temple of the Jodo-Buddist sect. During the Edo period Zojyoji served as the temple of the Tokugawa family. 6 out of 15 Tokugawa shoguns are burried here at Zojyoji.

Along the sides of the main temple are rows of small statues with bonnets and windmills. These statues are the protector of the souls of stillborn children, or jizobosatusu in Japanese. Mothers who have lost an unborn child often dedicate such statues and decorate it with toys and clothing

A large bell is located in front of the entrance into the temple. The bell is banged with the long rope before one prays and make wishes.