Is it possible that a temple moved to protect a castle? This is the story of Jotokuin now known as \u5e38\u5fb3\u9662. It stands as a testament to history. It sits quietly in Tokyo’s Setagaya district.
\u5e38\u5fb3\u9662 is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple. Its mountain name is Kanzeon. Temple lore says that it was founded between 1489 and 1501. At that time, it was called Jotokuin. It was located in the Funabashi area of Setagaya.
The temple was moved to protect Setagaya Castle.益芝永淳, a priest from Kaineiji Temple, was brought in. The temple’s name was changed to \u5e38\u5fb3\u9662. Then, it was relocated to its current location in Miyasaka.
Legend says 足利義尚, a shogun, founded \u5e38\u5fb3\u9662. His posthumous name was Jotokuin殿松山道治大居士. He was buried on March 26, 1489.
The temple possesses old documents. They refer to the temple as Jotokuin. 吉良氏, a family, may have also been involved in its founding. However, the details are uncertain.
益芝永淳, the temple’s founder, died on March 18, 1493. The temple’s layout includes a main gate. It faces south and has three bays. The bell tower is to the right after entering the gate.
A bell made in 1788 is housed there. It is about two feet in diameter and three feet long. The main hall has ten bays and seven bays. It also faces south.
The principal image is an eleven-faced Kannon. Kobo Daishi is said to have created it. Legend says that 吉良氏 enshrined it here. This Kannon was enshrined at \u5e38\u5fb3\u9662 by 吉良氏. Old documents suggest this may not be true.
These documents mention 田地, or fields. They were offered to the temple in 1573. Other statues are housed at \u5e38\u5fb3\u9662. These include 十王像, 達磨像, and 韋駄天像. There are also paintings of 涅槃像.
An old 地蔵菩薩像 also remains. One was erected in 1735. Twenty-six women contributed to it. Another was erected in 1865. Villagers contributed to it.
\u5e38\u5fb3\u9662 is also home to a kindergarten. It is called \u5e38\u5fb3 kindergarten. It was founded in 1954.
The approach to \u5e38\u5fb3\u9662 features a stone monument. It is inscribed with “Eleven-Faced Kannon.” As you explore, remember that \u5e38\u5fb3\u9662 was once named Jotokuin. It moved to protect Setagaya Castle. The temple continues to serve the community today.