Situated just a few minutes walk from Ueno station, Tokuun-in is a Zen temple associated with Kotokuji temple in Nerima-ku, which in turn is an important temple in the Daitokuji line of Rinzai Zen.
Dating back to the Edo period, Tokuun-in stands on the site where Kotokuji was formerly located before the Great Kanto Earthquake. The current temple building was completed in 1999 and is an interesting blend of old and new. The building itself, although modern in design, has preserved the feel of a Zen temple by utilizing traditional workmanship and materials for the interior. At present, the first floor is mainly used for Buddhist ceremonies, such as funerals and remembrance services (hoji), and has full reception facilities that can cater for large groups. The second and third floors include a shrine room (hondo) with reception rooms, tea ceremony facilities, meeting rooms and a purpose-built zendo.
In addition to the normal function of a Zen temple, Tokuun-in also runs regular zazen classes for those wishing to undertake traditional Zen training. While there is no resident priest in attendance, instruction (in Japanese or English) regarding zazen posture and basic temple etiquette can be arranged if required.
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