Jōmyō Temple, Buddhist temple in Taitō-ku, Japan
Jōmyō Temple is a Buddhist temple in Yanaka with tens of thousands of stone Jizo statues arranged in rows and frames throughout the garden. The complex contains multiple buildings and areas organized around this extensive collection of carved figures dedicated to spiritual practice.
The temple began as a priest's private residence connected to neighboring Kaneiji Temple before becoming an independent sanctuary in early Tokyo. This transition allowed for the gradual creation of the stone statue collection that defines the site today.
The temple holds meaning for people seeking to honor departed souls through interaction with the stone figures throughout the grounds. Visitors participate in age-old customs that connect them to the spiritual life of this historic neighborhood.
The grounds sit near the Yanaka cemetery and Kaneiji Temple, making it easy to visit several cultural sites in one area. Walking the temple grounds requires comfortable shoes and time to explore, as the space is large.
Visitors participate in a little-known tradition where they collect small stone fragments and place them near the closest Jizo statue. This personal gesture connects people to ancient beliefs and makes each visit part of an ongoing spiritual practice.
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