How about a journey back to the Edo period? I am excited to share the story of Chudaiji Temple. This temple stands as a serene testament to Tokyo’s evolving history. Chudaiji Temple is a Jodo sect temple in Nerima. Its mountain name is Shonensan.
Chudaiji Temple’s story began in the Tenbun era around 1532 to 1555. Shonen Shonin founded it in Tanasue. Shonen Shonin was a renowned monk of the Jodo sect Nishiyama school. He established 47 temples including Kyoto Higashiyama Isshin-in. He passed away in 1554.
Originally, the temple was located in what is now Kita Ward. It earned its name Chudaiji because it stood on a middle rise. Some say it was originally in Nakadai in Itabashi Ward. The temple denies this account.
In 1945, war severely damaged Chudaiji Temple. The temple structures burned down during an air raid. Post-war, the temple grounds became a site for the reconstruction of Yono Kawadai-7th Elementary School. In 1961, Chudaiji Temple relocated to its current location. Before the war, the land belonged to Kenkichi Gakuyo. He was the president of Nippon Yusen. It was known as the Korakusha farm. After the war, a person from Hachijojima named Kikuchi owned it. It then became a pasture.
The main deity of Chudaiji Temple is Amida Nyorai. Legend says that the priest Kobo Daishi created it. It is also known as “Lightning Protection Amida.” The story goes that lightning frequently struck the area. Despite this, Chudaiji Temple was never struck. Hence the name.
In 1777, a stone monument was erected. It marks Chudaiji Temple as the tenth sacred site. This was during the establishment of the Ueno Prince Kishi Shinobi Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage. To the left of the temple path, there is a Nyoirin Kannon stone pagoda. People from Koen Village built it in 1668. This Nyoirin Kannon pagoda is rare nationwide.
Today, Chudaiji Temple continues to be a place of worship. It is a place of historical significance. Every first Saturday of the month, Chudaiji Temple holds a special service. It is called the “Memorial Service”.
As we conclude our visit to Chudaiji Temple let its story linger. Remember its resilience. Recall its connection to the community. May the echoes of the past resonate. May it enrich our understanding of Tokyo’s cultural tapestry.