Tucked between the vibrant streets near the Sumida River, you’ll find Hashiba Fudoin. This unassuming temple holds centuries of whispered secrets and captivating tales. Hashiba Fudoin was established in 760, during the Tempyo period. Originally belonging to the Hosso sect, it transitioned to the Tendai sect in 1163, becoming connected to the renowned Sensoji Temple.
The heart of Hashiba Fudoin is its principal image of Fudo-myoo. Legend says this powerful figure is one of a triplet of images, carved by the revered Roben-sojo, the same sculptor who created the Great Buddha of Nara. One sibling image resides in Oyama Temple in Kanagawa, known as Oyama-Fudo. Roben kept one image for himself. He entrusted the third to his disciple, Jakusho-shonin. In 773, while journeying to Chiba, Jakusho was inspired to enshrine the image. He built a small shrine, naming it Sunao-Fudo-son, the precursor to Hashiba Fudoin.
For 1250 years, local people venerated this image. The temple also houses an image of Yakushi-Nyorai, believed to be the work of Eshin-sozu. Because of this image, the temple also became known as Sunao-Yakushi. A bridge near the temple offers a picturesque view of the area. It leads toward the route that connects to Koda-Kudari Line Suda Station. Today, the current head priest, Kamiya Ryoshu, carries the legacy as the hundredth successor of Hashiba Fudoin.
Hashiba Fudoin isn’t merely a temple. It’s a living testament to devotion. A thread connecting the past to the present, woven into the fabric of Tokyo’s vibrant tapestry.