Zojo-ji temple is the family temple of Tokugawa clan in paralell with Kanei-ji temple. The first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu has set Zojo-ji temple as family temple, but after his death, the third shogun, Iemitsu founded Kanei-ji temple (in Ueno), advised by a renowned monk Tenkai. Tenkai suggested to establish Kanei-ji temple to protect Edo Castle from the evil direction (North East). Thereafter, each of tokugawa shoguns are entobmed in each temple in turn.
As well as a huge precinct of Kanei-ji temple has split to Ueno Park, the ground of Zojo-ji temple was split to the site of Tokyo Tower. Now you are able to enjoy the contrast between old and new architectures.
