Deeply rooted in history, Fukuju-in stands before you. It is a serene Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Let me tell you its story.
Fukuju-in was founded in 1774. A priest named Ryoyo Reikan established it. He moved a statue of Daikokuten to this location. The statue came from near Lake Biwa. This marked the temple’s beginning.
The main deity here is Daikokuten. This statue has unique features. It might date back to the Kamakura period. This was before Daikokuten merged with Daikoku-sama. The statue has a dignified look. It holds a bag. This is common for Daikokuten images today. But unlike others, it wears Chinese-style armor. It does not sit on rice bales.
In the past, Daikokuten held a small mallet. During a restoration in the 1970s, experts decided the mallet was added later. So they replaced it with a treasure rod. Temple legend says the statue came from Korea during Emperor Kotoku’s reign. This was between 645 and 654 AD.
Here at Fukuju-in, you will find Jizo statues. One is called “cough-stopping Jizo”. During the Meiji era, an old woman loved candy. Doctors told her to stop eating it. But she did not listen. She eventually died from her cough. Locals felt sorry for her. They built a Jizo statue. They offered her favorite candy. They prayed for her happiness in the afterlife.
People began praying to the Jizo for cough relief. They offered candy. This custom continues today at Fukuju-in. It is a touching reminder of compassion.
Fukuju-in offers a peaceful escape. It reflects the blend of tradition and local stories. Take a moment to appreciate its history. Notice the unique Daikokuten statue. Remember the tale of the cough-stopping Jizo. This temple connects us to the past. It enriches our understanding of Tokyo’s cultural tapestry.