Shohoin Temple of Tobi-Fudo(Flying God) [Tokyo]

【Overview of Tobifudo】

Tobifudo was founded in 1530. Its formal name is “Sankoji Shohoin.” The name “Tobifudo” (Flying Fudo) originates from a legend: while the head priest was away training at Mount Omine in Nara, the people remaining in Edo (old Tokyo) prayed fervently to the main deity, Fudo-sama. In response, Fudo-sama is said to have flown through the sky from Yamato (Nara) back to Edo in a single night.

Because of this legend, the temple is believed to grant “aviation safety” and has gained a devoted following among airline industry professionals and travelers. It is also designated as the 24th station of the 36 Fudo Holy Places in the Kanto Region.

The principal deity is Fudo-son (Fudo Myoo).

【What are the 36 Fudo Holy Places in Kanto?】

This is a collective term for 36 temples dedicated to Fudo Myoo located across Kanagawa, Tokyo, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures. Personally, since I focus mainly on Shinto shrines, I haven’t visited many of these yet…

Kita-in Temple [Saitama]

Narita-san Kawagoe Betsuin [Saitama]

Todoroki Fudoson Temple [Tokyo]

【Tobifudo’s Blessings Reach Outer Space: The Connection with JAXA】

Amazingly, the temple’s divine protection extends even beyond the stratosphere. A famous anecdote tells of when the asteroid probe Hayabusa went missing; the project leader, Junichiro Kawaguchi, visited Tobifudo to pray for its safe return. Remarkably, Hayabusa eventually made its way back to Earth safely.

【What is the Asteroid Probe Hayabusa?】

Launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Hayabusa was the world’s first spacecraft to return samples from an asteroid (“Itokawa”) to Earth. Launched in 2003, it overcame numerous technical failures before returning to Australia in 2010, proving Japan’s advanced engineering to the world.

【Tobifudo Approach (Sando)】

From the entrance, numerous lanterns and banners catch the eye.

【Tobifudo Purification Fountain (Chozuya)】

The fountain is compact, but the Hana-chozu (fountain decorated with flowers) is beautifully maintained and very photogenic.

【[Tobifudo: The Six Jizo Statues】

The temple grounds house the Roku Jizo (Six Jizo Bodhisattvas), who are said to save people suffering in the six realms of existence (Hell, Hungry Ghosts, Animals, Asuras, Humans, and Devas).

There is also a charming “Cleaning Monk” statue, creating a peaceful and friendly atmosphere.

【Tobifudo Main Hall (Hondo)】

The main hall is compact yet impressively constructed.

【Tobifudo: Ebisu-sama】

As a stop on the Shitaya Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage, this temple is dedicated to Ebisu. A statue of Ebisu-sama stands next to the main hall.

【Tobifudo Goshuin】

【Tourist Spots Near Tobifudo (Within a 30-minute walk)】

Asakusa Otori Shrine, Yoshiwara Shrine.

Asakusa Otori Shrine [Tokyo]

Yoshiwara Shrine [Tokyo]

【Tobifudo Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Fukagawa Fudo Hall (Narita-san Tokyo Betsuin) [Tokyo] Genkaku-ji Temple (Konnyaku Enma) [Tokyo] Yoshiwara Shrine [Tokyo] Todoroki Fudoson Temple [Tokyo]