Jishō-in, 東京都新宿区にある天台宗の寺院
Jishō-in is a small Buddhist temple in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo and belongs to the Tendai sect of Buddhism. The grounds are quiet and simply designed, surrounded by a few trees and traditional stone statues, with a small garden containing stones and plants that change with the seasons.
The temple's history stretches back many centuries, founded by local people who wanted a place to pray and learn about their traditions. A notable part of its past is the connection to the Owari Domain, where the daughter of Tokugawa Mitsutomo, a regional lord, was buried here in 1640, and the temple was renamed in honor of her memory.
The temple's name Jishō-in is written as 自證院 in Japanese characters and reflects its religious background and history. When you visit, you notice how local people come to pray or simply enjoy the quiet surroundings, continuing a tradition that has shaped community life for many generations.
The grounds are quite small, so it is best to plan a brief visit and take time to explore the statues and trees at a relaxed pace. The best time to visit is during spring in the cherry blossom season, when the blooms transform the space into a scene of pink flowers and quiet meditation spots.
A notable supporter of the temple was Koizumi Yakumo, a British writer during the Meiji era, who appreciated the peaceful beauty of the grounds and visited many times when living nearby. His admiration helped preserve its place in local stories and community memory.
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