Peeking through the ancient trees, Keikoku-ji’s serene presence offers us a glimpse into Tokyo’s rich Buddhist history. Keikoku-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Tokyo’s Bunkyo. Let me share some stories about this special place.
Keikoku-ji was established in 1681. Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shōgun, dedicated it to his mother. He invited priest Ryōken of Daishō gokokuji temple. This was upon the request of his mother, Keishōin. The temple became sacred to the natural amber Nyoirin-Kanzeon-Zō.
Remarkably Keikoku-ji survived the American air raids of World War II. Many other historical sites in Tokyo turned into rubble. Keikoku-ji stood firm.
The Kannon-Dō we see today was built quickly. The shogunate ordered its construction in January 1697. By August of the same year, the opening ceremony was held. This main building was a large hall. It exhibited a collection of arts from the Genroku period. It was said to be the most magnificent in Tokyo. Despite an earthquake and a war, it remained unchanged. Its design reflects the grandeur of the Edo period.
Keikoku-ji has several notable structures. The Niō-Mon is the entrance to the Kannon-Dō, Yakushi-Dō, and Daishi-Dō. These were built in the Genroku period. The Niō-Mon was likely built after the Kannon-Dō in 1697.
Gekkō-Den is another interesting structure. It was originally a guest house of the Nikkō-in of Mii temple. It was moved here in 1928. This building showcases the shoin style of the Momoyama period.
The Furō-Mon was built in 1938. Kunizo Mio donated it. It is based on the gate of the Kurama temple in Kyoto. It stands between the Niō gate and the main building. Ietatsu Tokugawa inscribed “Furō” on it.
Daishi-Dō is believed to be the old Yakushi-Dō. It was rebuilt in 1701. It underwent significant renovation from 1926. Then it was moved to its present location. It upholds the traditions of Shingonshū’s Garan. It also reflects the medieval period.
The Tahō-Tō was constructed in 1938. Keiichiro Ōgi designed it. It resembles the Tahōtō in the Ishiyama-temple. Yoshiko Dan donated the Dainichi Nyorai within. Eisaku Hasegawa sculpted it. Tanaka designed the Kin-Gin patterns on the temple walk.
Sō-Mon leads to the Hondō. Its style is unusual for shrines and temples. It resembles the mansions of the daimyo. This gate was dedicated to Tsunayoshi Tokugawa and Keishōin. Only they were permitted to walk through it.
Yakushi-Dō was built in 1691. The Sutra-Dō was moved to this location. It was then used as a Yakushi-Dō. It uniquely incorporates the style of Zenshū.
Chūrei-Dō was built in 1902. It commemorates soldiers who died in the Nisshin War. It serves as a hall of worship.
Shōrō-Dō is a belfry built in the Irimoya style. This style is unique to Japan. It is considered a cultural treasure in Tokyo. The bell was presented in 1682. Its inscription explains the construction of the Kannon-Dō. The bakufu strongly supported Keikoku-ji.
In 1988, Keishō-Den & Naibutsu-Den were completed. Kajima Construction Company built this new Hondō with modern design and facilities.
Keikoku-ji also has a cemetery. Many notable figures are interred here. These include Sanjō Sanetomi, Yamada Akiyoshi, and Ōkuma Shigenobu. Also interred here are Yamagata Aritomo, Ōkura Kihachirō, and Dan Takuma. Seiji Noma, Masuda Takashi, and Ikeda Shigeaki rest here. Nakamura Tempū, Ōyama Masutatsu, and Dan Ikuma are also buried here. Hamuro Mitsuko and Hashimoto Natsuko, concubines of Emperor Meiji, are interred here too.
As we leave Keikoku-ji let us carry a piece of its tranquility. Let us remember its survival through war and earthquake. Its enduring beauty continues to inspire.