A carving in the gate at Hotenji (Photo: Peter Sidell)

The Temples of Roppongi Crossing

Small spots of tranquility in Tokyo's urban heart

Peter Sidell   - 1 min read

Roppongi may be one of Tokyo's most relentlessly modern and urbanized districts, but even here it's possible to find traces of Japan's spiritual tradition. Within a couple of minutes of the iconic central crossing there are three Buddhist temples and one Shinto shrine, all of them small, of course, but all also peaceful spots where you can escape the big-city bustle for a few moments.

Peter Sidell

Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.