Genkaku-ji Temple (Konnyaku Enma) [Tokyo]

【Overview of Genkaku-ji (Konnyaku Enma)】

Genkaku-ji was founded in 1624. Although the temple was destroyed by fire several times during the Edo period, the statue of Enma and the principal image of worship miraculously survived. It has also been spared from later disasters, including the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II.

his temple is widely known by its nickname, “Konnyaku Enma.” According to legend, an elderly woman in the Edo period suffering from eye disease prayed fervently to this Enma statue. Lord Enma appeared in her dream and told her, “I shall give you my own right eye.” Her vision was subsequently healed. In gratitude, she swore off her favorite food, konnyaku (konjac), and continued to offer it to the statue for the rest of her life. Since then, the statue has been revered as the “Konnyaku Enma” or “Substitute Enma.” Her act is a classic example of Tachimono—the faith of abstinence.

Even today, many people visit to offer konnyaku in hopes of healing eye-related ailments.

The temple enshrines the Amida Triad, Bishamonten, and Lord Enma.

【Genkaku-ji: Konnyaku Enma-do Hall】

The hall enshrines a 100.4 cm tall wooden seated statue of Lord Enma. If you look closely, the statue’s right eye is clouded yellow. This statue is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Bunkyo City.

In front of the hall, I saw many offerings of konnyaku. I wondered if “Konnyaku Batake” (a famous jelly snack) would be acceptable… if it’s about abstinence, it should count, right?

【Genkaku-ji: The Pan-Pacific Bell】

This bell went missing during World War II but was eventually discovered in Texas, USA, and returned to the temple. Today, it is rung as the Joya no Kane (New Year’s Eve Bell).

【Genkaku-ji: Bishamonten】

Bishamonten, one of the Koishikawa Seven Lucky Gods, is enshrined here.

【Genkaku-ji: Shio-Jizo (The Salt Jizo)】

It is said that if you apply salt to the part of this Jizo statue that corresponds to the part of your own body you wish to heal, you will receive a blessing.

The statue was so heavily encrusted in salt that it looked quite eerie, its form almost unrecognizable. A nearby tree also seemed “sick,” creating a somewhat haunting atmosphere in this specific corner. I have more photos, but I decided not to post them because they felt a bit unsettling.

【Genkaku-ji Goshuin】

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

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Ushitenjin Kitano Shrine, Tokyo Dome, Hakusan Shrine, Nezu Shrine.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden [Tokyo]

Hakusan Shrine [Tokyo]

Nezu Shrine and Otome Inari Shrine [Tokyo]

【Genkaku-ji Access】

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