“Revolutionary spirit” echoes through the grounds of Tozenji. This temple honors Kozukenosuke Oguri a pivotal figure from the end of the Edo period.
Tozenji stands in Tokyo’s Adachi ward. It offers a serene escape from the city bustle. This temple belongs to the Jishu sect. Its principal image is Amida Sanzon.
Founded in the mid-14th century by the priest San-ami Amidabutsu Tozenji holds centuries of history. San-ami Amidabutsu was the third head priest of Ogonji Temple. Records of Tozenji’s early days are sparse due to war and natural disasters. Choden revitalized Tozenji between 1688 and 1704.
The main Amida Nyorai statue dates from the late Kamakura to early Muromachi periods. This makes it nearly as old as the temple itself. It is believed to be the temple’s original principal image.
Tozenji holds a unique treasure called the “Ibo Jizo”. People scrape powder from the Jizo statue. They mix it with salt. Then they apply the mixture to warts to remove them. Over time the Jizo statue has been worn down. It barely resembles its original form.
The temple crest of Tozenji is Maru ni Tatunami. It means Raging Waves in Circle. This is same as the family crest of the Oguri.
In 2025 Tozenji priest Taiken Murakami is working to translate texts about Kozukenosuke Oguri into English.
Consider the serene garden. Imagine the whispers of prayers from centuries past. Envision Kozukenosuke Oguri contemplating Japan’s future. Tozenji is more than a temple. It is a living testament to history and faith.