[2025 Tokyo Attraction] Travel Guide for Zenkoku-ji Temple (Updated Mar)

#Tokyo Attractions The shadows of trees sway around Zenkokuji Temple, and the air is filled with Zen. This quiet temple makes people feel the harmony between nature and spirit, as if they can find inner peace here. The most fascinating thing about Shanguoji Temple is its dry landscape garden. Everywhere you look, you can see carefully designed layouts of stones and sand, forming a series of tranquil pictures. Every detail contains profound philosophical thinking, which makes people indulge in it and their thoughts drift into boundless time and space. Here, I feel the power of nature and the crystallization of human wisdom. Sitting on a hidden stone bench in the garden, I quietly admire the surrounding scenery. The breeze blew and the leaves rustled, as if time had stopped at this moment. This experience made me temporarily forget the tediousness of life, and my soul seemed to be cleansed. If you plan to go to Shanguo Temple, be sure to check the opening hours in advance to avoid the crowds. I suggest choosing a sunny day. The morning is the best time to visit, when the sun shines through the leaves and the scenery in the garden is picturesque. Dress lightly, bring your camera, and prepare to find inner peace. Every inch of land here is worth savoring. #Zenkokuji #JapaneseTemple #DryShanShanShui #QuietPlace #TravelExperience

#Valentine's Day Good Place 2025 Speaking of "Kagurazaka", it is said that the name originated from the Kagura slope dedicated to the shrine during the Edo period. This place developed into a prosperous flower street from the Meiji era to the Taisho era, and was also a favorite street of many literati. Due to the writings of literati, the influx of merchants, and the prosperity of restaurants, this place is also known as "Yamate Ginza". Before the establishment of the tram transportation network at that time, this place was very prosperous and lively. In the past, Kagurazaka was home to the Tokyo Japan-France Institute, and many French-related institutions were located here, so you can see French people and other foreigners here. Kagurazaka is also known as the "Little Paris of Tokyo". In addition to many traditional restaurants, there are also many French restaurants here. One of the reasons why Kagurazaka attracts me is that there are many delicious foods. What I want to share with you today is the "Zenkokuji Temple" located in the center of the main street Kagura-dori. The exterior is bright red. The temple enshrines "Bishamonten", the god who can make people's wishes come true. Every summer, a summer festival centered on the nightshade flower market is held here. During the event, there will be volunteer guides wearing yukatas and various stalls, and the highlight of the festival is the "Awa Dance". The entire Kagurazaka street is closed for the event, making it an event not to be missed when traveling to Tokyo in the summer. "Zenkokuji" was built in 1595 and is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Nichiren sect. Bishamonten, who is worshipped as the Gohonzon, is the god of wealth worshipped in ancient India. Therefore, it can bless wealth and bring good luck and ward off disasters. It is worshipped by many people and is also known as a place of good fortune. After Buddhism was introduced to Japan, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Daikokuten, Jurokuju, Hotei and Ebisu were collectively called the "Seven Lucky Gods". Together, they are in charge of the blessings of the world and are the most well-known gods of good fortune in Japan. Another legend is that "Vaiśravaṇa" first descended to the world on the day of the tiger month of the tiger year, and was also known as "Yin Bisha", which is closely related to the tiger. Because of this legend, a pair of stone tigers stand in front of the main hall of Shanguo Temple as guardians. The statue of Vaisravana in the hall is only open to the public on the day of the tiger in January, May and September every year. This is considered a very special place!

#TokyoAttractions Walking into Zenkokuji Temple seems like time has stopped here. The surrounding trees swayed gently, as if whispering to me: "Relax, this is your spiritual resort!" The trails in the temple are winding, and walking on them feels like stepping into an ink painting. Occasionally I saw a few monks taking care of the flowers and plants, and I thought to myself that these monks must be the "guardians of tranquility", striving for this peace every day. Feeling an unprecedented tranquility in the courtyard, I smiled and told myself: "Zengokuji Temple is really a rare and peaceful place!"

At the Bishamonten Temple in Zenkokuji, Shinjuku, Tokyo, I took a few photos that show the unique charm of this temple. Shanguoji Bishamonten is a temple full of history and religious atmosphere, famous for its exquisite Buddhist art and peaceful environment. Inside the temple, you can admire exquisite Buddha statues and traditional temple architecture, and feel the profound religious culture and spiritual power. During the visit, I was struck by the tranquility of the temple, as if I had entered a peaceful meditation space. Every detail here reflects the essence of Japanese Buddhist culture. If you are interested in religion and history, the Zenkokuji Bishamonten Temple is a spiritual place worth visiting.