Nichiō-ji

Nichiō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kita-ku with traditional wooden architecture, sliding doors, and stone-paved pathways spreading across the grounds. The complex holds about 540 Rakan statues carved between 1782 and 1825, depicting Buddha's disciples in different poses throughout the site.

The temple was founded in 830 when monk Ennin built it under orders from Emperor Junna. After fires in 1202 and 1638, it was rebuilt multiple times.

The temple shows in its rooms elements that visitors recognize immediately: sliding doors and traditional tatami mats define how the space looks and feels daily. Pilgrims and visitors move through these spaces following practices that developed over many centuries.

The temple is easily reached by bus and train, and visitors should wear appropriate clothing to enter indoor areas. Sturdy shoes are practical for the stone pathways and uneven ground throughout the site.

After the major fire of 1638, parts of Edo Castle were moved here, including reception rooms and personal quarters of Tokugawa Iemitsu. These rooms still stand today and show construction details from that powerful castle.