Tokuhon-ji, Buddhist temple in Nishi-Asakusa, Japan
Tokuhon-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nishi-Asakusa featuring traditional Japanese architecture with wooden structures, gardens, and sacred spaces for Buddhist practice. The grounds also house a war memorial honoring soldiers from multiple nations who died during World War II.
The temple was founded in 1491 and belongs to the Jodoshu school of Buddhism. It maintains strong ties with the Shinshu-Zenkoji temple in Nagano, reflecting their theological and practical influences.
The temple maintains Zenkoji traditions, introducing visitors to the Kaidan-meguri, a dark tunnel walked as a spiritual practice. This practice connects the community to ancient Buddhist beliefs that remain alive in the daily rituals here.
The temple hosts daily prayer sessions and is accessible to visitors with varying mobility levels, with relatively easy walking paths throughout the grounds. Wearing comfortable shoes is advisable, and planning enough time for exploration is wise, especially if you wish to experience the Kaidan-meguri tunnel.
Among roughly 400 temples housing Zenkoji Nyorai, this one is among only about 100 authorized to use the Zenkoji name. This rare permission sets it apart and shows its special standing within the broader Zenkoji network.
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