Peeking through Koenji’s serene temple area stands Chugenji Temple. It is not like the others. Founded in downtown Tokyo in 1590, Chugenji Temple relocated to Koenji after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. Fires caused nearly 150000 deaths.
Notice the red lacquered pillars holding the front gate. These are original. Look up at the main temple’s roof. Dragons with a jewel-like box are there. The box holds the statue of the Nichiren Buddhist Sect’s highest priest. This roof is unique. You won’t see it on other temples.
The sculptures are the main attraction here at Chugenji Temple. The chief priest collected these statues, hoping to please visitors. He is over 90 years old. See reliefs of lotus flowers, lions, rabbits, and turtles. There are even characters like Kintaro, Snow White, and the Seven Dwarfs. A local designer, Minoru Tsuchiya, completed a colorful wall painting in 2017. He also designed the logo for the website.
Don’t miss the lotus flowers in the pond. Sixty-four kinds bloom in June and July. It is a beautiful sight. Chugenji Temple promotes good relations with locals. It provides cultural activities and events. They have English lessons, paper craft workshops, art exhibitions, and flower arrangement workshops. Ichirin Osawa teaches flower arrangement. She speaks fluent English.
Chugenji Temple is different from most temples. It welcomes foreign visitors. You can learn many things or enjoy the artistic features. Consider this a peaceful place to visit.