Yushima Seidō is a Confucius temple built in Tokyo’s Yashima District in 1690. The original temple was constructed in Ueno Park in 1630. The Chinese architecture contrasts with the style of typical Japanese Shinto and Buddhist temples.

Gyohkoh-mon gate.

Around 1800, the complex was converted to a school for studying neo-Confucianism, the official philosophy of Japan at the time.

Nyutoku-mon gate and main hall

Yushima Seidō was the first place of higher learning in Japan. The buildings are very stark, which may have helped attendees devote full attention to their studies.

The statue of Confucius was donated in 1975 by the Lions Club of Taipei, Taiwan.

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Although not huge by any means, this is the world’s largest statue of Confucius.

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The two-finger salute is popular in Asia. When in Rome…

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Yushima Seidō is a very short walk from two metro stations, the   Hijiribashi Exit of JR Ochanomizu Station (Sobu, Chuo-Sobu Lines) and Shin-Ochanomizu Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line).  The complex is an ideal spot in the middle of Tokyo for a quiet philosophical interlude.

Sculpture Saturday is a challenge hosted by Sally Kelly at Ruined for Life: Phoenix Edition.

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