Tokyo Daibutsu (Jorenji Temple) and Akatsuka Botanical Garden [Tokyo]

【Tokyo Daibutsu(Jorenji Temple) summary】

Jorenji Temple was founded between 1394 and 1427. Today, it is famous primarily as the site of the Tokyo Daibutsu (Great Buddha). Originally located in what is now Nakamachi, Itabashi Ward, it relocated to its current site in Akatsuka in 1973 (Shōwa 48) due to the construction of the Metropolitan Expressway and the widening of National Route 17. In 1591 (Tenshō 19), Tokugawa Ieyasu donated a sealed land grant to the temple. Subsequent shoguns also granted sealed land grants, establishing it as a temple of high status. It was also used as a resting place and dining area for the 8th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, during his falconry outings.

【Jorenji Temple Enma-do】

Beside the temple gate, an imposing statue of Enma watches over the worshippers. Lord Enma is the ruler of hell and the king of the underworld, the deity who judges the sins of the deceased committed in their lifetime.

Japanese children are taught that if they do bad things when they’re young, after they die, Enma-sama will pull out their tongues.

【Jorenji Temple Sanmon】

At the front of the approach stands a magnificent Sanmon gate. Flanking it are the black figures of the Niō guardians. Behind them, on either side of the Kongō fence, stand the painted statues of Taishakuten and Kōmokuten.

The central passageway features a vertical-planked gate adorned with the three-leaf hollyhock crest, indicating its connection to the Tokugawa family.

【Jorenji Temple Tokyo Daibutsu】

In 1977 (Showa 52), the Tokyo Daibutsu was erected with the wish that tragic disasters such as the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Tokyo air raids that once struck the capital region would never occur again.

The official name is the Amida Nyorai Statue. As a 12.5-meter-tall bronze cast Buddha statue, it ranks as the fourth largest in Japan, following those in Nara, Hinode Town, Tokyo, and Kamakura.

東大寺【奈良県】

Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha) Kotoku-in Temple [Kanagawa]

【Jorenji Temple Precinct】

The grounds aren’t particularly large, but the garden centered around the pond is quite impressive.

The main hall was large and magnificent, but since it was closed, I couldn’t really see it well…

【Jorenji Temple Stone objects/artifacts from the former Todo Family’s Somei Residence 】

This stone statue was originally placed at the lower residence of the Tōdō family of the Tsu Domain (the Somei Residence) near present-day Komagome in Toshima Ward. It was donated to Jōrenji Temple in 1967 (Shōwa 42).

Although the background and history of these statues are unclear, there are eight in total, and they are designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Itabashi Ward.

【Akatsuka Botanical Garden】

Adjacent to Jorenji Temple, Akatsuka Botanical Garden opened in 1981 (Showa 56) as a facility for enjoying nature and plants up close. Visitors can appreciate the seasonal changes in plants throughout the year, making it a place of relaxation for citizens.

Though small, it features a rose garden, orchard, and Japanese garden, where you can also enjoy the autumn foliage. Tables and chairs are provided, allowing you to relax and unwind.

There was a place with beautiful autumn leaves.

【Tokyo Daibutsu Access】

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Gotokuji Temple [Tokyo] Gokoku-ji Temple [Tokyo] Kyu Furukawa Gardens [Tokyo] Higo Hosokawa Garden [Tokyo]