Quietly nestled off the bustling Daiichi-Keihin highway awaits Raifukuji. This Shingon sect temple offers an oasis of calm in Oimachi. Imagine a journey back to the 10th century. That is when the temple’s story began. However the buildings you see now are postwar constructions.
Raifukuji Temple was founded in 990. It was founded by Chiben Ajari Kakuyu. In 1501, a Jizo statue was enshrined. This statue became the temple’s principal object of worship.
As you explore, notice the small yet lush garden inside the gates. But the highlight is the monument to the indigo dealers of Awa Province. This is today’s Tokushima Prefecture. From the 17th century these merchants supplied Edo with blue dye. Tokushima still exports this famous dye. Look closely at the monument. You will see a sitting bodhisattva statue on top.
There is a custom among Raifukuji’s Jizo devotees. They dedicate cherry trees to the temple. During the Kansei era, Kagemochi Yanagihara’s son Kageharu revered the Jizo. Kageharu planted a “life-prolonging cherry tree” and a “Yanagihara pine” within the temple grounds.
During the Edo period, Raifukuji became known for its cherry blossoms. Today you can see a stone monument. It bears a poem by Kyoka Setsuchu-an. The poem speaks of fleeting beauty like cherry blossoms.
Raifukuji also serves as a funeral hall. It has seating for 60 people. There is parking for 15 cars. Lodging is available. The temple welcomes people of all faiths.
Take a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere here at Raifukuji. Consider its history. Note the indigo dealers’ monument. Think of the cherry trees. Raifukuji offers a peaceful escape. It connects us to both history and nature in the heart of Tokyo.