龍田寺

Ryusen-ji. A place of peace, nestled within the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Did Ryusen-ji always enjoy such tranquility? Not quite. Journey back to 808 AD. Picture the wandering monk Ennin, on a pilgrimage from Shimotsuke to Mount Hiei. He stops in the area now known as Meguro. There, according to temple legend, he establishes Ryusen-ji, enshrining a statue of Fudo-Myoo. Ryusen-ji is also known as Meguro Fudo, meaning “Black-eyed Fudo,” a name derived from the striking statue. This statue is one of five protective Fudo-Myoo statues placed strategically around Edo, each with different colored eyes. Ryusen-ji became the 18th temple on the Kanto Sanjusuroku Fudo pilgrimage route. Centuries pass. The temple fades into obscurity, resurfacing in the Edo period. Disaster strikes in 1615. A devastating fire engulfs the main hall. Yet, like a phoenix from the ashes, Ryusen-ji rises again. It is restored in 1624 under the patronage of Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. The surrounding district, Meguro, takes its name from the temple’s iconic black-eyed Fudo-Myoo. During this time, Ryusen-ji became a popular spot for a lottery. Locals believed that the temple’s springs and waterfall held curative powers. Edo meisho zue, a popular guidebook, features Ryusen-ji as a must-see attraction. The temple town flourished, known for its bamboo products. These were introduced to Edo by the Shimazu clan of Satsuma Domain. But Ryusen-ji also holds a tale of love and tragedy. It’s the final resting place of Hirai Gonpachi and Komurasaki, star-crossed lovers immortalized in Kabuki plays and literature. Their story adds another layer of intrigue to this ancient temple. Sadly, tragedy struck again in 1978. Another fire ravaged the temple. Much of what you see today is a modern reconstruction. Yet, the spirit of Ryusen-ji endures, a testament to its resilience. Within the temple grounds, you’ll find the Seishi-do chapel, a survivor of the 1978 fire. It stands as a tangible link to the Edo period. Nearby, you can visit the grave of Aoki Konyo, who popularized sweet potato cultivation in Japan. So, as you stand before Ryusen-ji, remember its rich history. It is a place of peace, resilience, and a touch of romance, woven into the fabric of Tokyo’s vibrant tapestry.