First Visitors tour the Tokyo Japan Temple

Construction workers, neighbors, journalists and members of the interfaith community are among the first to tour the newly renovated Tokyo Japan Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Open house tours for dozens of invited guests began Saturday, May 28, 2022.

“It was a really beautiful experience,” said Pastor Audrey Thorne of Tokyo Union Church who toured the temple along with other members of the Tokyo Interfaith Council.

“I’m really honored to be able to see a space like that [the temple] not being a member of the Church. I know that’s quite a rare thing, so it was really an honor.”

For a limited time, the temple is open to the public pending its rededication in July. Community members of all ages and religions are welcome to visit and tour the sacred building starting Friday, June 3 through Saturday, June 18 (except for Sundays).

“This is a unique opportunity, and we are inviting as many people as we can,” said Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who is in Japan to host invited guests. “Christianity is not as well known in Japan. Most of our friends here are Buddhist or Shinto, but they have some desire to know what it is that we believe.”

During the tour, visitors learn about the spiritual significance and purpose of each room- where church members can participate in the highest sacraments of the faith.

“The feeling that I got of serenity, of sanctity, of sacredness in each of the rooms was just overwhelming,” said Rabbi Andrew Scheer of the Jewish Community of Japan.

“I was really excited to see the theme and symbolism of the local flavor in the artistry,” said Takuya Hirano, a church member who led several group tours. “Although this is a global church and the gospel is for everyone, there is something special for the Japanese people who will come through this temple.”

For more information about open house events or to schedule a tour, please visit this link:

www.tokyojapantemple.jp