Admission
Free
Shinjuku, Tokyo Prefecture
At a Glance
Instead of the usual guardian lion-dogs, this temple features stone tigers (komainu) at the entrance. The left tiger still bears scars from the 1945 Tokyo air raids, preserved as a reminder of history.
The wooden Bishamonten statue is only revealed three times a year—on Tiger days in January, May, and September—commemorating the deity's legendary appearance on a Tiger month, day, and hour.
This temple is one of Edo's Three Great Bishamonten temples, alongside Shiba Shōden-ji and Asakusa Shōhō-ji, drawing worshippers from commoners to samurai since 1591.
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Free
Within 300 m Within 600 m
Expect significant crowds and queues during New Year period (正月), as this is one of the busiest times for worship at this popular Bishamonten temple. Consider visiting early morning on weekdays for a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere.
Visit during御開帳 (special viewing days) on the first Day of the Tiger in January, May, and September to see the wooden Bishamonten statue, which is normally hidden behind a curtain.
The temple grounds are compact due to its central Kagurazaka location, so plan for a brief 15-20 minute visit unless you are attending a special event or festival.
The divine spirits venerated at this sacred place
What this place is believed to grant
Fascinating facts about this place
Instead of the usual guardian lion-dogs, this temple features stone tigers (komainu) at the entrance. The left tiger still bears scars from the 1945 Tokyo air raids, preserved as a reminder of history.
The wooden Bishamonten statue is only revealed three times a year—on Tiger days in January, May, and September—commemorating the deity's legendary appearance on a Tiger month, day, and hour.
This temple is one of Edo's Three Great Bishamonten temples, alongside Shiba Shōden-ji and Asakusa Shōhō-ji, drawing worshippers from commoners to samurai since 1591.
The tiger guardians reflect Bishamonten's origin story in ancient Hindu tradition, where the deity first appeared during the year, month, day, and hour of the Tiger in the zodiac calendar.
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