Ōsenji

Ōsenji is a Buddhist temple in Asao-ku featuring multiple traditional wooden buildings surrounded by Japanese gardens with stone pathways and ancient trees throughout the grounds. The compound displays classic architectural features and a carefully designed landscape typical of religious sites of this kind.

The temple was founded in 757 during Emperor Kōken's reign and received its official name in 917. Over the centuries, the site developed into a major center of the Shingon Buddhist school.

The temple preserves an original Japanese persimmon tree, recognized as the oldest cultivated sweet persimmon variety in the country. This tree shapes the appearance of the grounds and connects visitors to a long gardening tradition.

The site is most easily reached by city bus from Kakio Station South Exit to the Ozenji-Higashi-3-chome stop, followed by a short walk. Access is straightforward and well-signposted for visitors.

The temple received permission to use the hollyhock crest of the Tokugawa shogunate, a rare sign of favor from the ruling dynasty. Inside, the sanctuary houses memorial tablets honoring thirteen consecutive shogun rulers from that era.

Location: Asao-ku

GPS coordinates: 35.58522,139.52186

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:54