Tokyo Japan Temple

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Coordinates: 35°39′10.21680″N 139°43′28.34039″E / 35.6528380000°N 139.7245389972°E / 35.6528380000; 139.7245389972

The Tokyo Japan Temple (formerly the Tokyo Temple) (東京神殿, Tokyo Shinden) is the 20th constructed and 18th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Located in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, it was the first temple built in Asia. It has a compact style that was a precursor for later buildings in urban areas, such as the Hong Kong China and Manhattan New York temples.

The intention to construct a temple in Tokyo was announced by the LDS Church on August 9, 1975. The temple was built on less than half an acre, on the site of the former mission home in downtown Tokyo. The mission home had to be demolished for the temple construction to proceed. The temple is very compact, with a parking garage in the basement and an apartment on one of the upper floors for the temple president. It has two ordinance rooms, five sealing rooms, and a total floor area of 52,590 square feet (4,886 m2). The exterior of the temple is reinforced concrete covered with 289 pre-made panels of stone, which look like light gray granite.

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An open house was held September 15 through October 18, 1980, to allow the public to see the interior of the new temple. Church president Spencer W. Kimball dedicated the Tokyo Japan Temple October 27, 1980. On December 10, 2004, a ceremony was held in which an angel Moroni statue was added to the spire of the temple.

In June 2000, the Fukuoka Japan Temple was dedicated in Fukuoka. Ground was broken for the Sapporo Japan Temple on October 22, 2011.

On April 10, 2017 the LDS Church announced that the temple would close in October 2017 for renovations that are anticipated to be completed in 2020.

Notable presidents of the temple include Adney Y. Komatsu (1982-85); Sam K. Shimabukuro (1985-88); and Yoshihiko Kikuchi (1994-97).

Author

  • Yin-Le Wang

    Yin-Le Wang is a distinguished author and cultural connoisseur, renowned for her profound expertise in Japanese travel and traditions. Born into a family passionate about exploration and the rich tapestry of global cultures, Yin-Le embarked on her first journey to Japan as a young girl, an experience that ignited a lifelong love affair with the country's diverse landscapes, ancient rituals, and the subtle artistry of daily life. With an academic background that marries the humanities with Oriental studies, Yin-Le has spent decades traversing the length and breadth of Japan, from the snow-capped peaks of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa. Her writing, characterized by vivid storytelling and deep cultural insights, serves as a bridge between the East and West, inviting readers into the heart of Japan's most sacred spaces and bustling urban centers alike. Yin-Le's works include a series of critically acclaimed travel guides, cultural essays, and photographic journals, each piece a testament to her immersive approach and meticulous research. A fluent speaker of Japanese, she has formed enduring relationships with locals across the country, granting her access to hidden gems and stories often overlooked by the casual traveler. Beyond her writing, Yin-Le is a sought-after speaker at cultural festivals and academic forums, where she shares her nuanced understanding of Japan's evolving identity in the global landscape. Her blog and social media channels are treasure troves of travel tips, culinary recommendations, and philosophical musings on the Japanese way of life, followed by a global audience of travel enthusiasts and culture vultures. Yin-Le Wang is not just a guide to Japan's geographical marvels; she is an ambassador of its soul, offering a lens through which the world can appreciate the intricate beauty and enduring traditions of this enchanting land.

By Yin-Le Wang

Yin-Le Wang is a distinguished author and cultural connoisseur, renowned for her profound expertise in Japanese travel and traditions. Born into a family passionate about exploration and the rich tapestry of global cultures, Yin-Le embarked on her first journey to Japan as a young girl, an experience that ignited a lifelong love affair with the country's diverse landscapes, ancient rituals, and the subtle artistry of daily life. With an academic background that marries the humanities with Oriental studies, Yin-Le has spent decades traversing the length and breadth of Japan, from the snow-capped peaks of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa. Her writing, characterized by vivid storytelling and deep cultural insights, serves as a bridge between the East and West, inviting readers into the heart of Japan's most sacred spaces and bustling urban centers alike. Yin-Le's works include a series of critically acclaimed travel guides, cultural essays, and photographic journals, each piece a testament to her immersive approach and meticulous research. A fluent speaker of Japanese, she has formed enduring relationships with locals across the country, granting her access to hidden gems and stories often overlooked by the casual traveler. Beyond her writing, Yin-Le is a sought-after speaker at cultural festivals and academic forums, where she shares her nuanced understanding of Japan's evolving identity in the global landscape. Her blog and social media channels are treasure troves of travel tips, culinary recommendations, and philosophical musings on the Japanese way of life, followed by a global audience of travel enthusiasts and culture vultures. Yin-Le Wang is not just a guide to Japan's geographical marvels; she is an ambassador of its soul, offering a lens through which the world can appreciate the intricate beauty and enduring traditions of this enchanting land.