Zenkoku-ji Temple in Kagurazaka is a serene, lovely temple that’s at the center of all the neighborhood’s festivals. It’s also a must-visit spot for any fans of cult boyband Arashi.
Zenkoku-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow
First built in 1595 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Zenkoku-ji Temple was initially located in Chiyoda Ward before being moved to its current Kagurazaka location in 1792. Since then, it has become a neighborhood symbol.
Zenkoku-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow
The temple is dedicated to Bishamon, one of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhist Lore. He is a military deity and is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods. The Bishamon statue inside the temple hall was designated as an official cultural asset; unfortunately, no photographs are allowed inside the halls.
During festivals, the temple atmosphere becomes loud and lively with many food stalls on the grounds. At other times, it’s serene, with some lovely gardens to visit.
Zenkoku-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow
Zenkoku-ji Temple is also popular with fans of cult boyband Arashi, as well as other ‘Johnny’s’ pop stars belonging to the Johnny & Associates male entertainment group. This was perhaps due in part to the 2007 drama ‘Haikei, Chichiue-sama’ filmed here, starring Arashi’s Kazunari Ninomiya. In any case, many of the wooden ema plaques are written by fans wishing the Arashi members success in upcoming events, or praying for luck in snagging tickets for their next concert. This is one must-visit temple if you’re a die-hard Johnny’s fan.
English name:
Zenkoku-ji Temple
Japanese name:
善國寺
English address:
5-36 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0825
Japanese address:
〒162-0825 東京都新宿区神楽坂5-36
Opening hours:
7am-7pm
Admission:
free
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 5-minute walk from exit B3 of Iidabashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho, Namboku and Tozai lines, and Toei Oedo line.
Train: 7-minute walk from the west exit of Iidabashi Station on the JR Chuo-Sobu line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Zenkoku-ji Temple on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3269-0641
Website:
Official Website (Japanese)
Near To Here:
Zenkoku-ji Temple is located in Tokyo's Imperial Palace district. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo's Imperial Palace district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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