The head temple of the Jodo-shu Buddhist sect and best known for the graves of six Tokugawa shoguns. The Tokugawa shogun tombs were opened for public viewing from April 2015. The temple also has a good number of cherry blossoms. On Feb. 3, it holds the annual Setsubun bean throwing ceremony where celebrities throw the beans. Adjacent Shiba Park has cherry blossoms, views of Tokyo Tower, Toshogu Shrine, and Maruyama Tumulus.

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This temple is famous for the graves of the 47 ronin or masterless samurai from Ako Province who avenged their master, Lord Asano, by capturing and beheading Kira at his estate in Ryogoku on Dec. 14, 1702. On Dec. 14, the Gishisai ceremony reenacts the 47 samurai who march to the temple carrying Kira's head. Read story here. The temple belongs to the Zen sect's Soto school. Near Sengakuji Station on the Toei Asakusa subway line. Also see my YouTube video here.

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Constructed in 1958, the 333-meter-high Tokyo Tower has been a prominent Tokyo landmark for as long as we can remember. Although it's not as beautiful as the Eiffel Tower, it serves its purpose well. Not recommended for people allergic to radio waves or afraid of heights. It also has various evening illumination themes. Inside the lookout deck, they have seasonal projection mapping light shows.

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A real oasis in an urban jungle. Another waterfront garden with classic Japanese-style elements with a pond, pine trees, rocks, and stone lanterns. First built in the 17th century and used as the residence of a number of nobles. Purchased from the Arisugawa family in 1875 by the Imperial Household Agency which made it the Shiba Detached Palace. The buildings were destroyed in the Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and the property was donated to Tokyo in 1924 to commemorate the start of Emperor Showa's reign.

Next to the garden was the World Trade Center building in Hamamatsucho. Once Japan's highest building in 1970. The top floors gave great views of Tokyo. However, the building was shut down on June 30, 2021 and torn down during Aug. 2021 to March 2023. The building will be replaced with a new World Trade Center building to be completed in March 2027.

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Shinbashi (Shimbashi) was where Japan's first railway opened at the original Shimbashi Station (旧新橋停車場駅) in Oct. 1872. The line went to Yokohama. The original Shimbashi Station building was designed by American architect R.P. Bridgens (1819–91) at a time when Western-style buildings were rare in Japan. It symbolized Japan's Westernization. The original Shimbashi Station served as a passenger train terminal until 1914 when Tokyo Station opened and took over as the terminal station. The original Shimbashi Station has been reconstructed with a beer hall on the first floor, and the Railway History Exhibition Hall (鉄道歴史展示室) on the second floor. Near Shimbashi Station.

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Japan's first public cemetery is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Famous for cherry trees lining the main throughfare and for the graves of many statesmen, company founders, foreigners, and celebrities. Several former Japanese prime ministers such as Yoshida Shigeru, Miyazawa Kiichi, Ikeda Hayato, and Hashimoto Ryutaro are buried here. The loyal dog Hachiko (famous in Shibuya) is also buried along with his master. Near Gaienmae Station (Ginza/Hanzomon Line) and Nogizaka Station (Chiyoda Line).

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For setsubun, mamemaki (bean-throwing) at this temple was held on Feb. 3, 2010. A few celebrities like Ohbayashi Motoko (former volleyball player) participated.

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Other sights in Minato-ku include Akasaka and Shiodome.

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