Faith and Healing Alive in Eifuku, Tokyo — A Visit to Risho-ji Temple

🕊️ Faith and Healing Alive in Eifuku, Tokyo — A Visit to Risho-ji Temple 🕉️

📍3-56-29 Eifuku, Suginami-ku, Tokyo (2-minute walk from Nishi-Eifuku Station on the Keio Inokashira Line)
Official Name: Hoshinzan Risho-ji Temple (Hokke Sect, Jinmon School)

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📜 History and Background
• Founded: In Shōō 3 (1654), by brothers Okubo Tadatoshi and Tadaoki to pray for their parents’ souls, originally established in Naito Shinjuku (now Shinjuku Ward)
• Origin of the Temple Name: Named after the posthumous Buddhist names “Hoshin-in” and “Risho-in”
• Relocation: Moved to the current location in 1914 (Taisho 3)

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🕰️ Highlights of the Temple Grounds
• Principal Image: Mandala of the Ten Worlds deities. A central object of faith unique to the Nichiren sect
• Daikokuten for Fire Prevention: In a small hall called “Daikoku-den” on the left side of the grounds, a 12 cm tall wooden Daikokuten statue is enshrined. It is said to have been carved by Nichiren himself and shaped like the character “Kyo” (sutra). It was donated in 1794 by Kimura Kengyo. As a guardian statue that protected against fires in the Edo period, the “Kinoe-ne Festival” is still held every Kinoe-ne day
• Cemetery: Graves of notable figures such as playwright Iba Kasha, shogunate doctor Hayashi Kosei, and the first generation Kineya Sangoro, reflecting the cultural history of Edo

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🚶‍♀️ Visiting Experience and Worship Tips
• Route from the Station: Entering the Nishi-Eifuku shopping street, a vermilion gate appears, leading to a quiet approach .
• Architectural Impression: Wooden main hall with tiled roof and modest grounds. A serene space unlike typical urban areas .
• Worship and Goshuin: The temple offers “goshuin” (temple stamps), popular among pilgrims and local worshippers .

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1. First Impressions — A Vermilion Gate and Stone-Paved Path in a Residential Area

Just a 2-minute walk from Nishi-Eifuku Station on the Keio Inokashira Line. After passing through a lively shopping street, Risho-ji Temple quietly stands with its vermilion gate nestled in a residential neighborhood. Stepping inside the grounds, the bustling noise outside fades away, and time seems to slow. Small flowers sway along the stone-paved path, gently welcoming visitors.

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2. The Origins of Risho-ji and the Roots of Its Name — The Okubo Family and Their Devotion

Risho-ji was founded in Shōō 3 (1654), early Edo period, by brothers Okubo Tadatoshi and Tadaoki to honor their deceased parents. It was originally established in Naito Shinjuku (now Shinjuku Ward) and later relocated to its current site in Eifuku, Suginami Ward, in Taisho 3 (1914).

The temple’s name, “Risho-ji,” takes one character each from the posthumous Buddhist names “Hoshin-in” and “Risho-in,” embodying deep gratitude and prayers for their family.

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3. The Core of Faith — The Mandala Principal Image and the Fire-Prevention Daikokuten

At the center of the main hall is the Nichiren sect’s principal image, the Mandala of the Ten Worlds. This mandala represents a worldview where all beings coexist, offering a calming influence on the viewer’s heart.

On the left side of the grounds is a small hall housing the “Fire-Prevention Daikokuten.” Though only 12 cm tall, this wooden statue has been worshipped since the Edo period as a guardian against fire disasters. It is said to have been carved by Nichiren and was donated by Kimura Kengyo in 1794. The “Kinoe-ne Festival” is still held annually on the Kinoe-ne day, keeping local faith alive.

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4. The Cemetery and Its Connection to Edo Culture — Resting Place of Cultural Figures

Risho-ji’s cemetery holds many cultural figures active from the Edo to Meiji periods. Playwright Iba Kasha, shogunate doctor Hayashi Kosei, and the first generation Kineya Sangoro are among those buried here, leaving traces of Edo’s merchant culture, performing arts, and medical history. Taking time to read the epitaphs and reflect on their era and culture is one of the temple’s charms.

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5. Worship Tips — In the Quiet Flow of Time
• Goshuin (temple stamps) are available; it’s best to inquire in advance to ensure availability.
• Allow about 20–30 minutes for your visit. You can stay quietly and leisurely.
• Few tourists visit, so it’s rarely crowded. It’s an ideal place to calm your mind.

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6. Nearby Stroll — Experience the Life of Eifuku

After worship, visit the Eifuku shopping street around Nishi-Eifuku Station. Local favorite wagashi shops, bakeries, and cafes line the street.
If you have time, a walk along Zenpukuji River Green Space is recommended. In spring, cherry blossom trees line the path, offering seasonal natural beauty.

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