Before us stands Chokokuji Temple. But what if I told you this temple has a surprising connection to Tokyo’s pleasure district?
Chokokuji Temple’s story began in 1630. Nichiren, a Buddhist priest, founded it. The temple honors Washimyoken Bodhisattva. This deity holds a sword and stands on an eagle. People believe this brings good fortune. Locals call him Otori-sama.
Now, about that pleasure district. The Washimyoken Bodhisattva was unveiled in November. This day was the day of the Rooster. Many people flocked to see it. An open-air market sprang up. This became the Asakusa Tori no Ichi fair. Chokokuji became known as Tori no Tera. That means Temple of the Rooster.
During the Edo period, the fair thrived. It was right next to the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter. Bamboo rakes were popular. People believed they brought business success.
In 1868, Shintoism separated from Buddhism. Part of Chokokuji became Otori Shrine. Today, both Chokokuji Temple and Otori Shrine host the Asakusa Tori no Ichi Fair. It is a continuing Edo tradition. People give thanks and pray for good fortune.
Chokokuji Temple also houses the Jikkai Mandala. This mandala represents ten states of mind. They range from enlightenment to hell.
The temple’s Washi Myoken Daibosatsu is special. It wears Hagunsei. This is the star of defeating enemies. People believe Washi Myoken Daibosatsu guides them. He is the guardian of luck and happiness.
Every June, Chokokuji Temple holds the Asakusa Ajisai Matsuri Fair. This is also known as the Summer Tori-no-Ichi Fair. It began in the late Edo period. The temple prayed during a summer epidemic. After it subsided, the fair started. Visitors enjoy many hydrangeas. A unique item is the Kago-Ajisai. It is a hydrangea in a bamboo fishing basket. You can only buy it here.
Chokokuji Temple and Otori Shrine work together. They host the Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi Fair each November. It is Japan’s largest Tori-no-Ichi Fair. It’s a cherished Asakusa tradition. The fair thanks for the past year. It also prays for success in the new year. The fair became popular for two reasons. It was close to Asakusa and Sensoji Temple. It was also near the Yoshiwara Yukaku. This allowed fairgoers to easily visit the pleasure district.
So, as you stand before Chokokuji Temple remember its history. It is a place of faith, commerce and unique traditions. It connects to the past. It also looks forward to the future.