Horin-ji Temple [Tokyo]

【Overview of Horin-ji Temple】

Horin-ji was founded in 1606 (Keicho 11). It began when Nikken Shonin, the 12th head priest of the Grand Head Temple Kitayama Honmon-ji, opened the temple as the administrative head of the Hokke Fuji school at the time. Due to the massive construction of the Edo Castle outer moats in 1634, it was relocated to Ushigome Tenjincho Nakazato, and then moved to its current location in Waseda in 1662. It is a temple of the Nichiren sect.

The principal object of worship is Sanpo Soshi (the Three Treasures and the Founder, Nichiren).

【Horin-ji: Sanmon Gate】

Climbing the stairs reveals a majestic Sanmon (main gate). Passing through it, the chozuya (purification fountain) and the Main Hall come into view.

【Horin-ji: Chozuya】

As expected of such a popular temple, the decorations at the chozuya are incredible. It stands out even more than the Main Hall!

【Horin-ji: Main Hall (Hondo)】

The Main Hall itself is simple, but flowers are beautifully arranged everywhere on the grounds. The precinct was quiet and kept impeccably clean.

【Horin-ji: Hana-chozu (Flower Water Basins)】

Living up to its reputation for Hana-chozu (floating flower arrangements in water basins), there are lovely floral decorations scattered around, wrapping the temple in a vibrant, colorful atmosphere.

Young women were snapping photos left and right, but since it is also a cemetery with many other worshippers, I personally struggled to find good angles to shoot from without getting people in the frame…

【Horin-ji: Goshuin】

There was a wide variety available, including seasonal designs and beautiful kirie (paper-cutting) goshuin.

This time, I asked for a basic, handwritten one directly in my book.

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

Ana Hachimangu Shrine, Hosho-ji Temple, Shinjuku Suwa Shrine, Mizuinari Shrine, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, Zoshigaya Kishimojin-do.

Ana Hachimangu Shrine [Tokyo]

Hosho-ji Temple [Tokyo]

Shinjuku Suwa Shrine and Genkoku-ji Temple [Tokyo]

Mizuinari Shrine and Kansen-en Park [Tokyo]

Hotel Chinzanso Garden and Fireflies [Tokyo]

Zoshigaya Kishimojin Hall (Houmyouji Temple) [Tokyo]

I’ve put together a walking route below, so I hope you find it helpful for your visit.

【新宿〜市ヶ谷】眼病平癒の神社を結ぶ歴史散歩。諏訪神社から茶ノ木稲荷神社を巡る開運ルート

【Horin-ji: Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Shinjuku Suwa Shrine and Genkoku-ji Temple [Tokyo] Hosho-ji Temple [Tokyo] Mizuinari Shrine and Kansen-en Park [Tokyo] Akagi Shrine [Tokyo]