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All Japan Higashimurayama Shōfukuji Temple Jizōdō Hall
AO Edited

Shōfukuji Temple Jizōdō Hall

Considered the oldest intact wooden structure in Tokyo Prefecture, this impressive temple was built in 1407.

Higashimurayama, Japan

Added By
Fred Cherrygarden
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This is a rare example of authentic late medieval architecture in Tokyo.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
This is a rare example of authentic late medieval architecture in Tokyo.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
People continue to pray to Ksitigarbha to this day.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
The quaint temple is worth a visit.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
A replica of one of the Thousand Ksitigarbhas can be seen at the municipal museum.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Shōfukuji Temple Jizōdō Hall was originally built in 1407.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
The main gate ushers visitors into the temple complex.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Tokyo Metropolis is quite huge. While “Tokyo” typically refers to the 23 special wards on the east side of it, there are also numerous cities, towns and villages, many of which are rarely visited by tourists and local urbanites.

In Higashi-Maruyama, one of such suburban cities, stands the oldest building in the metropolis, a wooden structure older than Tokyo itself.

Constructed in 1407 during the Muromachi period, the Jizō-dō or “Ksitigarbha pavilion” at the Zen Buddhist temple of Shōfuku-ji is a sight to behold. It is a quintessential example of medieval Zen style architecture, with quaint windows and a thatched copper roof with a sharp concave curve.

The building, a miraculous survivor of age, rain and fire, was the first in Tokyo to be designated as a National Treasure in 1952.

Inside the pavilion is a statue of Ksitigarbha, the main subject of worship at Shōfuju-ji, surrounded by nearly a thousand Ksitigarbha statuettes, all centuries old. Note, though, that it is usually not open to the public except for a few occasions each year; a replica of the statue can be viewed at the nearby municipal museum.

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Architecture Buildings Temples History

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Visitors are asked to dress and behave in a respectful manner, as this is an active place of worship.

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Added By

Fred Cherrygarden

Published

January 14, 2025

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Shōfukuji Temple Jizōdō Hall
4 Chome−6−1
Higashimurayama, 189-0022
Japan
35.76411, 139.459195
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Nearby Places

Ken Shimura Statue

Higashimurayama, Japan

miles away

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Higashimurayama

Higashimurayama

Japan

Places 2

Nearby Places

Ken Shimura Statue

Higashimurayama, Japan

miles away

Tokyo Metropolitan Medicinal Botanical Garden

Kodaira, Japan

miles away

Kadokawa Musashino Museum

Tokorozawa, Japan

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Higashimurayama

Higashimurayama

Japan

Places 2

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