This Buddhist temple was established by the fifth shōgun
Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, who dedicated it to his mother. It is notable for surviving the
American air raids during
World War II, whereas most other historical sites in Tokyo were turned into rubble.
Notable interments
Like many Buddhist temples in Japan, Gokoku-ji has a
cemetery on its premises. Among those interred are the remains of the following people.
For an explanation of terms concerning Japanese Buddhism, Japanese Buddhist art, and Japanese Buddhist temple architecture, see the
Glossary of Japanese Buddhism.