How many temples do you know with a link to a shogun? Today, we explore Saishoji Temple. This temple has an intriguing story. It involves a powerful shogun and a deeply devoted monk.
Saishoji Temple is a serene Buddhist temple in Shinjuku. It belongs to the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai school. Its mountain name is Tojoryuzan. Saishoji Temple is known as the temple of Sokushin-Nikolai.
Let’s step back to 1646. Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, greatly respected the monk Sokushin-Nikolai. To honor him, Iemitsu ordered the construction of Saishoji Temple. The land was granted on the former site of the Obata bridge. It was also the site of the Tatsukeya residence in Ushigome.
Iemitsu chose the name Saishoji. He combined characters from two important figures. He took “Sai” from Rinzai Zen master, Eisai. Also he took “Sho” from the Tokugawa family. Iemitsu wanted the temple to flourish. He also wanted the Tokugawa family to prosper. The mountain name Tojoryuzan was chosen. It expressed Iemitsu’s wish. He wanted the temple to offer shade to all people.
Iemitsu had a deep connection to Saishoji Temple. He said that even in death, his heart would remain there. Saishoji Temple was grand. It had many buildings. It was a major temple in Ushigome.
However, Saishoji Temple faced many challenges. Fires and wars caused damage. A major fire occurred during the Hoei era. The Meiji Restoration brought anti-Buddhist movements. World War II caused air raids. Despite these disasters, it was rebuilt.
Inside Saishoji Temple you can find several notable structures. There is the main hall. Also see Sokushin-Nikolai’s tomb. The Daio-den Hall is for Zazen meditation. Additionally, there is the Kannon-do Hall. Once, Saishoji Temple had a famous garden called Kohko-en. Today, a stone monument commemorates it. The garden was lost during the Meiji Restoration. It is now a parking lot. The temple also features a phoenix pond and a tea room.
Please note that Saishoji Temple is not generally open to the public. If you wish to visit, you must make a reservation.