Honsen-ji

Honsen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Minami-Shinagawa featuring a copper statue of Jizo Bodhisattva at its entrance and a towering ginkgo tree reaching about 25 meters tall with a substantial trunk. The grounds provide space for prayer and meditation in a quiet setting.

The temple was established in the early 800s and underwent major rebuilding in 1457 when military leader Ota Dokan renamed it. This renovation shaped its development throughout the following centuries.

The temple belongs to the Daigo school of Shingon Buddhism and serves as the thirty-first station along the Edo Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage route. Visitors experience the same sacred space that pilgrims have used for centuries as they progress through this classical circuit.

The temple is located just a few minutes on foot from Aomono-yokocho Station and is open daily for visitors. Plan to spend time exploring the grounds at a relaxed pace to fully appreciate the setting.

The temple bell was taken to the 1867 Paris World Exhibition but disappeared for 60 years before being discovered in Geneva. Its return to Japan in 1930 marked the end of an unusual journey across continents.

Location: Minami-Shinagawa

Inception: 800s

Part of: Edo Sanjūsankasho, Edo Roku Jizo, 東海七福神

Address: 東京都品川区南品川3-5-17

Website: http://honsenji.net

GPS coordinates: 35.60967,139.74353

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:58