Zoshigaya Kishimojin-do Temple [Tokyo]

【Overview of Zoshigaya Kishimojin-do】

The founding of Zoshigaya Kishimojin-do Temple is said to date back to 1578 (Tensho 6) during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Its history began in 1561 (Eiroku 4) when a statue of Kishimojin was dug up from a farm plot in Mejirodai, Bunkyo Ward, and was initially housed at Toyo-bo (the precursor to the present-day Homyoji Temple). In 1578, the villagers of Zoshigaya erected a worship hall at the current location to formally enshrine the sacred statue.

The principal image (Honzon) of the temple is the Kishimojin Sonzo (Statue of Kishimojin), from which the hall takes its name.

【The Shrine Approach (Sando)】

The entrance to the precincts lacks a formal gate building; instead, two stone Nio statues stand in the open air to greet incoming worshippers.

These two powerful Kongorikishi (Wrathful Guardian) Statues are said to have been crafted in the early 1700s. Researching the site reveals that even during the Edo period, there was never a fully roofed, grand “gate building” (such as a Sanmon or Niomon) standing at the entrance of the grounds. Instead, because Otori Shrine used to be located right here, a Shinto torii gate once stood on this spot, which was likely dismantled during the government-mandated separation of Shinto and Buddhism.

Zoshigaya Otori Shrine [Tokyo]

【The Main Hall (Hondo)】

The worship hall (Haiden) was erected in 1664, and the main sanctuary (Honden) was constructed in 1700 through a generous donation from the Hiroshima Domain. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 2016, this temple feels profoundly historical, showcasing architectural masterworks alongside a massive 700-year-old sacred ginkgo tree and the Takeyoshi Inari Shrine.

The Character for “Demon” (鬼):

If you look closely at the temple’s signage, you will notice that the very top stroke—the “dot” that represents the horn of a demon—is missing from the kanji character 鬼 (Oni / Demon). This structural omission signifies that the demon has lost its horns. The actual statue of Kishimojin enshrined here is not depicted as a monstrous fiend, but rather in the form of a breathtakingly beautiful Bodhisattva tenderly cradling an infant; hence, her demonic horns have been completely removed.

【The Temple Crest (Temon)】

Delightful pomegranate motifs can be found integrated all throughout the complex—adorning the main hall, the chozubachi (water ablution basin), the ema (votive plaques), and even the roof tiles.

The pomegranate (Zakuro) shares an incredibly deep connection with Kishimojin as her primary symbol. Because a pomegranate fruit holds a massive abundance of tightly packed seeds, it has been treated since antiquity as an auspicious emblem of prosperity for one’s descendants. Within Buddhism, it has long been incorporated into temple crests and sacred altar offerings.

Since pomegranates are deeply cherished within the Nichiren and Hokke sects, temples of these denominations that enshrine Kishimojin widely adopt the fruit as their official Temon (temple crest).

【The Giant Ginkgo Tree Within the Precincts】

The precincts feature a colossal ginkgo tree boasting an estimated age of over 600 years. In the autumn, its leaves transform completely, shining like brilliant, radiant gold.

It is formally designated as a Natural Monument by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. To avoid placing unnecessary stress on this ancient, venerable tree, a protective wooden fence has been constructed around its base.

During autumn, the entire complex becomes beautifully dyed in a rich ginkgo-yellow hue. Planning your visit to coincide with the peak autumn foliage season is highly recommended.

【The Guardian Deity of the Land: Takeyoshi Inari Daimyojin】

The exact founding year of Takeyoshi Inari Daimyojin remains shrouded in mystery.

In ancient times, this entire region was covered by a dense, dark forest affectionately known as the “Forest of Inari.” Records indicate that a small wooden shrine box (hokora) already existed here during the Koji era (1555–1558). When the main temple halls were constructed later on, this shrine was carefully preserved within the precincts as the Jishin (the territorial guardian deity of the soil) and has been cherished ever since.

While it originally stood as an incredibly modest wooden shrine box measuring less than one tsubo (about 3.3 square meters), the current magnificent worship structure was erected in 1967 (Showa 42). Furthermore, a tunnel pathway of 25 vibrant vermilion torii gates was dedicated in 1971 (Showa 46), followed by a pair of sacred fox statues (Komakitsune) at the front in 1974 (Showa 49), culminating in the fantastical, mystical sight visitors see today.

The enshrined deity is Ukanomitama no Mikoto.

【Precincts Shrine: Hokushin Myoken Dai-Bosatsu】

Directly behind the main sanctuary sits the small shrine dedicated to Hokushin Myoken Dai-Bosatsu.

The Myoken-do hall is constructed in a perfect “back-to-back” alignment with the main hall. Because Myoken Dai-Bosatsu is the cosmic deity of the North Star who governs the northern skies, the hall is deliberately oriented to face precisely due “North (the northern heavens).” It stands as a precious piece of architecture where you can physically experience the ancient, meticulous attention given to directional alignments when positioning Shinto and Buddhist deities.

Because the name Myoken translates literally to “seeing beautifully/clearly,” this Buddha has also been widely celebrated since antiquity as a compassionate guardian who protects eyesight and cures eye diseases.

【Precincts Shrine: Nori Fudo-do】

The Nori Fudo-do hall stands quietly and independently on the far left edge of the grounds as you enter from the main approach. It enshrines Kongo Fudo-son as its principal image.

Within the Nichiren Sect, there is a fascinating history of incorporating Fudo Myoo (Acala) by interpreting him as “a benevolent deity who fiercely guards the teachings (Nori / Law) of the Lotus Sutra.” For this reason, he is deeply revered and affectionately called “Nori Fudo,” carrying the spiritual meaning of “The Fudo Deity who Protects the Buddha-Law and the Lotus Sutra.”

【The Strength Stones and the Tea Kettle】

Preserved within the precincts are seven Chikaraishi (Strength Stones) bearing chiseled inscriptions, alongside several unmarked boulders. The engraved characters record the names of “strong local youths” or “professional sumo wrestlers” who successfully managed to hoist the heavy stones back in the day, along with the precise weight of the rocks (measured in old units like kan).

Sitting directly adjacent to these strength stones is a vintage cast-iron tea kettle. In 1958 (Showa 33), a stone monument called the “Doshin-hi” (Child’s Heart Monument) was erected here to honor individuals who contributed significantly to the development of children’s literature in Japan (such as Ashiya Shigetoki). This tea kettle was installed alongside the monument to serve as an icon for classic fairy tales loved by youth, perfectly matching Kishimojin’s role as a divine guardian for child-rearing and healthy youth development.

【The Old-Fashioned Sweet Shop: Kamikawaguchi-ya】

Kamikawaguchi-ya is celebrated as the oldest operating traditional sweet shop (Dagashi-ya) in all of Japan, boasting a founding date of 1781 (Tenmei元). It is a tiny shop tucked away under the canopy of the shrine grounds, having continuously operated in this exact same location from the Edo period to the modern day. It is also widely famous for serving as the real-life model for the nostalgic sweet shop featured in the Studio Ghibli animated film Only Yesterday (Omohide Poro Poro).

【Goshuin】

【Nearby Tourist Spots (Within a 30-Minute Walk)】

Otori Shrine, Mejiro Garden, Ikebukuro Station, Sunshine City, Gokokuji Temple, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, St. Mary’s Cathedral (Tokyo Cathedral), Higo-Hosokawa Garden

Zoshigaya Otori Shrine [Tokyo]

Mejiro Garden [Tokyo]

Gokoku-ji Temple [Tokyo]

Hotel Chinzanso Garden and Fireflies [Tokyo]

Tokyo St. Mary’s Cathedral [Tokyo]

Higo Hosokawa Garden [Tokyo]

【Recommended Walking Route Including Zoshigaya Kishimojin-do】

The walking routes and itineraries have been compiled below for your reference, and I hope they prove useful for your travels.

【新宿～池袋】大都会の喧騒から静かな歴史街へ。新宿〜池袋の隠れた魅力を歩いて再発見する、初心者向け東京安心散策ルート

【Zoshigaya Kishimojin-do Temple Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Zoshigaya Otori Shrine [Tokyo] [Shinjuku to Ikebukuro] From the Bustle of the Metropolis to a Quiet, Historic Town: A Safe and Reassuring Tokyo Walking Route for Beginners to Rediscover Hidden Charms Myogi Shrine(Komagome Myogi Shrine) [Tokyo] Fukagawa Fudo Hall (Narita-san Tokyo Betsuin) [Tokyo]