福昌寺 光明会館

“A temple’s bell, a doctor’s wisdom…” Here at Fukushōji Temple, that phrase holds a special meaning. Fukushōji Temple, also known as Kyōdōzan Fukushōji, stands just a short walk from Kōjimachi Station. Its history intertwines with the very name of this district, Kōjimachi. Fukushōji Temple, a曹洞宗 Buddhist temple, traces its origins back to either 1624 or 1626. A doctor named Matsugahara Doso Tsūsūmon, who served the Edo shogunate, founded it. He also owned land in the area, and his residence was called “Kōjimachi” because it housed his extensive library of medical texts. Locals, valuing his knowledge, began to refer to the area around his house, and later the temple itself, as “Kōjimachi”. This is just one theory behind the name Kōjimachi, adding a layer of intrigue to Fukushōji’s history. The temple grounds once held a mesmerizing wooden statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. It was said to be carved by Unkei, a famous sculptor, and measured over two feet tall. Sadly, this statue, along with many other temple treasures, was lost in a devastating fire in 1975. Yet, from ashes rise new beginnings. The temple was carefully reconstructed, upholding its vital role in the community. Even before its fiery trial, Fukushōji had weathered change and disaster. In the mid-Edo period, the tenth head priest, Daishinboku Zenji, rebuilt the temple after a plague swept through the village. He also commissioned the creation of the Hyakutai Kannon, a hundred-bodied Kannon statue. It was meant to offer solace and protect the villagers from further suffering. This devotion to community well-being continues to this day, with Fukushōji now also managing the adjacent Komei Kaikan hall. This place, a peaceful retreat near the bustling station, offers space for ceremonies and gatherings. So, as you stand here at Fukushōji Temple, remember the doctor, the fire, and the enduring spirit of this quiet sanctuary in the heart of Tokyo. It is a story etched not just in stone and wood, but in the very name of this place, Kōjimachi.