“Graffiti temple?” you ask. Indeed, that’s the nickname for Tanden’an Temple. It is also known as Rakugakidera. This small Buddhist temple offers a unique way to connect with the divine.
Tanden’an’s story took a turn when a new hall was built. It was built to house the statue of Daikokuten. Daikokuten is a god of wealth and fortune. To help the deity see their hopes, people began writing wishes directly on the walls. This replaced traditional wooden tablets called ema.
Imagine the walls covered in prayers. Wishes fill every available space. Each year in late December, monks repaint the interior. They prepare it for a fresh start. Visitors can then write on the clean white walls again in the new year.
The origins of Tanden’an are a bit of a mystery. Records show it was reestablished in 1711. Zuio was a monk from the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. The temple moved several times. It fell into disrepair in the early 20th century. A new chief abbot collected donations. He revived the temple. This included building the Daikokudo hall in 1957.
Inside Daikokudo hall stands Hashiri Daikoku. It is also called the “running Daikokuten”. The statue seems to be caught mid-stride. He carries a large sack and a mallet. Both symbolize prosperity. Legend says the statue comes from a camphor tree. Kusunoki Masashige donated it to Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine. He prayed for victory in battle.
Besides Daikokudo, Tanden’an has a two-story main hall. It holds a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. There is also a statue of Kannon. Kannon is the bodhisattva of compassion. It has been kept at the temple for over 200 years. The Jizodo hall honors Jizo. Jizo is the savior of all beings. Small altars dot the temple’s garden.
Tanden’an is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and New Year holidays. Group visits are possible on weekdays. You need a reservation by phone. Remember that inquiries are accepted only in Japanese.
So, go ahead. Write your wish upon the wall at Tanden’an. Become a part of its evolving story. Your hopes will join the countless others. They create a tapestry of faith and dreams within this special temple. It is a testament to the power of shared wishes and community.