“Why does this temple feel so different?” you might ask. Well, let’s uncover the story of \u4e94\u5fb3\u5c71\u6c5f\u6771\u5bfa also known as Kotoji. It is a unique blend of history and modernity.
\u4e94\u5fb3\u5c71\u6c5f\u6771\u5bfa is a Tendai sect temple. Its mountain name is \u4e94\u5fb3\u5c71. The temple’s main deity is the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu. It is also known as the Jiangdong Kannon. This temple serves as a branch temple of the Mizusawa Temple. The Mizusawa Temple is the sixteenth temple of the Bando Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage.
Established in 1940 \u4e94\u5fb3\u5c71\u6c5f\u6771\u5bfa has interesting origins. The Tokyo Rakutenchi Co. played a role in its creation. The aim was to foster development in the Jiangdong and Honjo areas. A grand ceremony marked its opening. It attracted people from the Ryogoku Kaikomuin which is about two kilometers away.
However disaster struck in 1945. A major air raid destroyed much of the temple. This included the main hall and library. Fortunately the main deity was saved. It had been moved to Mizusawa Temple beforehand.
Despite the devastation \u4e94\u5fb3\u5c71\u6c5f\u6771\u5bfa was rebuilt. Reconstruction was swift during those turbulent times. In 1949 it was relocated to its current location. After the war major rezoning took place. Today’s main hall dates back to 1980. It was rebuilt with reinforced concrete. The library was rebuilt in 1994 using a steel frame.
\u4e94\u5fb3\u5c71\u6c5f\u6771\u5bfa is close to Kinshicho Station. It stands in a bustling downtown area. People affectionately call it Jiangdong Kannon. It is a beloved temple of the common people.
Within the grounds many deities are enshrined. The Seisho Inari Shrine is dedicated to Ukanomitama. The shrine holds a festival on the fourth of each month. The Shutsuse Benzaiten hall is also noteworthy. It enshrines Benzaiten who is said to have appeared in the Kamakura period.
Local lore says that the deity was once known as Dojinten. A major earthquake buried it. Later it reappeared. A man named Kanamaru Tojiro dreamt of it. The deity was renamed Shutsuse Benzaiten. In 1944 it was moved to \u4e94\u5fb3\u5c71\u6c5f\u6771\u5bfa.
Today \u4e94\u5fb3\u5c71\u6c5f\u6771\u5bfa holds several events. On New Year’s Day there is Hatsumo. A grand protection prayer is also offered. In February a memorial service takes place. People celebrate Setsubun with bean-throwing. On April 8th there is a flower festival and sweet tea is served. A lecture is held on the 4th of each month.
As you explore notice the incense. Good smells waft from the ever-burning incense burner. The golden crest marks this as a Tendai sect temple. You will also find statues of the Mizusawa Kannon and Jizo Bosatsu. A statue of Bato Kannon is also here.
So here we are at \u4e94\u5fb3\u5c71\u6c5f\u6771\u5bfa a place of resilience. It is a testament to faith. It stands as a beacon in this busy part of Tokyo. Take a moment to appreciate its unique story. It has been shaped by war reconstruction and community spirit.