Here stands Fukuzoin. What stories lie within this temple’s walls?
Fukuzoin is a Shingon Buddhist temple. It belongs to the Toyoyama school. You can find Fukuzoin in Tokyo’s Nakano ward. It is a short walk south from Saginomiya Station.
Fukuzoin’s history dates back to 1521. A priest named Ryugen founded it during the Muromachi period. Much of the temple was rebuilt after the war. However the garden remains well-kept.
Until the Meiji Restoration Fukuzoin served as a Betto-ji temple. It was associated with Saginomiya Hachimangu Shrine.
Let’s talk about the main hall. The main hall of Fukuzoin was relocated from Chiko-in Temple. That temple is in Suginami ward’s Matsunoki district. This relocation happened in 1959. The Nakano ward history book says the main hall was rebuilt after a fire. The fire happened sometime between 1751 and 1764. The hall might be from the Edo period. The ‘kōhai’ or front canopy was added in 1996.
Fukuzoin is known for its Setsubun festival. The festival takes place on the Saturday before Setsubun. This is typically on February 3rd. There are bean-throwing ceremonies. You can also see lion dances. There are also Daikoku dances and demon performances.
In 2014 Nakano ward recognized Fukuzoin as a tourist resource.
When you pass through the mountain gate look to your right. You will see various Buddhist statues. Fukuzoin is the 14th station of the 88 sacred sites in the Imperial Palace.
The temple enshrines Fudo Myo-o as its main deity. Fukuzoin is also famous for its thirteen Buddha statues.
Fukuzoin has several cultural assets. The stone Jizo and the Gorinto pagoda are registered as tangible cultural properties. You can also find an Eleven-Faced Kannon statue here. Also present are statues of Nanda Ryuo and Uba Doshi. These are designated tangible cultural properties of Nakano City.
As we conclude our visit to Fukuzoin remember its long history. From its founding in the 16th century to its role today it connects us to the past. Take a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere of Fukuzoin. Let’s carry its peace with us.