Gokokuji Temple was founded in 1681 at the behest of Keishoin (mother of the fifth Shogun, Tsunayoshi). The eastern half of the temple grounds is used as a cemetery for the royal family.
Located in Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, northwest of Ochanomizu University, this temple is a Shingon sect temple known for the Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival) held in April every year to pray for children’s growth.
The temple enshrines a statue of Nyoirin Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), which was the Buddhist prayer offering of Keishoin, the mother of Tsunayoshi Tokugawa.
The deity is believed to bring safety to the family, fulfillment of one’s desires, healing of illness, good fortune, fulfillment of various wishes, and success in life.
The Kannondō Hall survived two fires, and is designated as an important cultural property along with Gekkoden, which is a reconstruction of the Kyakuden (guest hall) at Nikkōin Temple, which was moved from Mitsui Temple in Shiga Prefecture.
In the cemetery behind Gokokuji Temple, Sanjo Sanetomi, Okuma Shigenobu, Yamagata Aritomo and others are buried.
On New Year’s holidays, the temple holds a “Jyoshi-kai” (a ceremony to pray for good health), and the public can ring the temple bell on New Year’s Eve by reservation only.
The temple is about a 2-minute walk from Gokokuji Station on the subway line. From Minami Ikebukuro Station on the Toden Arakawa Line, it takes about 12 minutes.
Parking is not available during the New Year’s holiday, so it is best to use public transportation or pay parking in the surrounding area.
Gokokuji Temple Information
| Name | Gokokuji Temple 護国寺 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00-16:00 |
| Closed | without a holiday |
| Fee | free |
| Address | 5-40-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo |
| Telephone | 03-3941-0764 |
How To Get To Gokokuji Temple
A short walk from Gokokuji Station on the Yurakucho Line
Pictures Of Gokokuji Temple
