Ikegami Honmonji Temple
Ikegami Honmonji Temple, the main temple of Nichiren Sect of Buddhism with the history of more than 700 years, is the site where Saint Nichiren, founder of the sect, died.
The temple was worshipped by both feudal lords and townspeople in the Edo period.
Stone steps, Five-story pagoda, Kyozo (repository of Buddhist scriptures), and Hoto (treasure pagoda) are in the precincts. The treasure pagoda is nationally designated as an important cultural property.
It also contains the tombs and monuments of the feudal lords and painters (Tan’yu Kano, etc.) in the Edo period, as well as politicians (Toru Hoshi, etc.), novelists (Rohan Koda, etc.), Kabuki actors, and many other well-known persons in the Meiji period.
Address
1 Chome -1-1 Ikegami, Ota City
Access
About a 10-minute walk from Ikegami Station of Tokyo Ikegami Line
New Year’s Eve bells and first visit to the temple
Many people visit for Oeshiki (anniversary of death of founder) of Nichiren Sect in October, but New Year’s Eve also attracts many visitors.
Every year, so many people line up for the New Year’s Eve bells. The first 600 visitors, making a group of 6, can strike a bell.
Queuing tickets start to be distributed from 11:00 p.m. in the New Year’s Eve, and people start to strike a bell at exactly midnight in the New Year’s Day.
From the first day of the year, fukubatomamori (a New Year’s limited pigeon-shaped goodluck charm) is distributed.
A special New Year prayer for evil protection, fortune improvement, or family safety is made at Daido (a large hall), whereas a prayer for road safety is offered at a specially set-up venue.
Shoto
Deep within the precincts of the temple is Shotoen where Takamori Saigo and Kaishu Katsu reportedly have talked about evacuation (surrender of the Edo Castle) in 1868. Erected in the garden is a monument commemorating that historical event.
It is said that Shotoen was designed by Enshu Kobori, a famous tea ceremony master and landscape gardener.
Usually closed garden is open for a limited period once a year.
Date
Early May, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (entrance closes at 2:30 p.m.). Contact for details.
Place
Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Rouhou Kaikan (1 Chome -2-1 Ikegami, Ota City)
Access
About a 10-minute walk from Ikegami Station of Tokyu Ikegami Line, about a 12-minute walk from Nishi-magome Station of Toei Asakusa Line
Restaurant
Ningyocho IMAHAN Ikegami Honmonji Temple Store
Restaurant in the 1st floor of Rouhou Kaikan overlooking at Shotoen
Hours
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (order-taking stops at 3:30 p.m.), 4:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (order-taking stops at 8:00 p.m.)
Night
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. Reservation is required by the day before.
Closed
Wednesdays (open when it falls on a holiday, and the following Thursday is closed)
Please contact below for details.
1 Chome-2-1 Ikegami (Rouhou Kaikan 1F)
Teahouse
Teahouse where you can enjoy a time for brief rest while looking over Daido closely
Hours
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Rouhou Kaikan TEL
03-3752-3101
1 Chome -1-1 Ikegami (Behind Daido)
