Serene and peaceful Shinshoji Temple awaits you. This 800-year-old temple is a hidden gem. It belongs to the Shingon school of Buddhism. Stepping through its gate is like entering a world of tranquility. Birdsong fills the air. Sunlight streams through the leaves of maple trees. The garden is informally arranged yet lovingly cared for. Unlike many temples that keep their main halls closed, Shinshoji’s doors remain open. The altar is visible. Soft light from lanterns creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Shinshoji is part of an annual pilgrimage. It features a shrine dedicated to Ebisu. Ebisu is the god of abundance and good luck. A previous visitor couldn’t see inside the shrine’s closed doors. She planned a return trip during summer to see the garden’s transformation. She also hoped to meet someone from the temple for more information.
During a visit on the Autumnal Equinox the visitor met the bomori. The bomori is the wife of the temple’s head priest. She shared stories from the temple’s history. Ninety years ago a fire almost destroyed a crepe myrtle tree. New shoots emerged from the burned trunk. The tree regrew its beautiful pink flowers. They became a symbol of the temple’s rebirth and longevity.
The bomori opened Ebisu’s shrine. A stunning wooden statue of the deity was revealed. The statue’s bright colors were well-preserved. The statue and shrine were made of hinoki. Hinoki is a fragrant Japanese cypress. The scent was heavenly. A gecko lived under the altar. The bomori wasn’t bothered. In Japanese gecko means house protector. The gecko brought good luck.
Shinshoji also has a Kannon-do. This is a small chapel dedicated to Kannon. Kannon is the Goddess of Mercy. An October festival honors her. Many pilgrims pray to the goddess. The temple becomes busy again for the New Year’s pilgrimage to the Seven Gods of Fortune. The temple is a place of serenity. It welcomes visitors year-round. Its beauty and history offer a unique spiritual experience.