“Is that a stone pagoda?” someone asks. It is indeed. We are standing before the Ryobenda. This hidden gem holds stories of faith history and unique artistry.
The Ryobenda is a small temple that contributes to the development of Nanzoin Temple. It is said that the priest Ryoben built it. Ryoben walked all over the country chanting the Lotus Sutra at sacred places before deciding to settle here. Nanzoin Temple manages the temple.
Inside the Ryobenda many stone towers stand. The most famous is the Stone Pagoda with Seven Faces and Six Kannon. It dates back to 1740. Stone pagodas were mainly built in the Middle Ages. They have a roof on top of a stone pillar. The Ryobenda’s stone pagoda has seven faces. Each face depicts six Kannon and Seishi Bosatsu.
The Stone Pagoda with Seven Faces and Six Kannon is designated as a cultural property of Nerima Ward. It is the only remaining example of a heptagonal stone pagoda in the ward. The carvings beneath each figure show donors. It seems each donor was different for each Buddha.
The Ryobenda marks a spot along the old Shimo Nerima Road. This road once connected Kami Itabashi to the Hawk Palace. A Koshin tower from 1740 also serves as a signpost. It reads “turn left” and “turn right”. This road was part of the Kamakura Road.
The grounds of Ryobenda are enclosed by iron pillars. You can only glimpse inside from the road. Besides the Stone Pagoda many stone towers stand. Among them is a Koshin tower built in 1667. It is one of the oldest in Tokyo. Several women are named as donors on the tower. It may be an early example of a women’s association.
Another interesting example is a Koshin tower built in 1764. It also serves as a signpost. A blue-faced Kongo image is carved on it with demon monkeys and chickens. The demon is hunched over. His expression seems like a child scolded by his father.
It seems many of the stone towers in the Ryobenda were gathered here later. They were moved from nearby locations due to development. We should thank Nanzoin Temple for carefully managing them.
The Ryobenda may be small but it is remarkable. Its stone towers each have a story. They offer a glimpse into the beliefs of people from centuries ago. Take a moment to appreciate this quiet sanctuary.