Hidden amongst Tokyo’s bustling streets lies Shingyo-ji Temple a serene sanctuary steeped in history. This temple officially called Iouzen Toko-in Shinshoji Temple is one of the Edoroku Jizouson six Jizou guardians of Edo. Its exact founding date remains a mystery. However a monument with a haiku by Matsuo Basho dated 1615 stands within its grounds. This suggests a long and rich past.
Shingyo-ji Temple has a connection to Emperor Shomu. Imperial prayers for him were held here. Legend says the temple was founded by the priest Gyoki who later became a Bodhisattva. A 1826 survey notes a revival opening in 1615. This coincides with the Tokugawa clan’s rise to power. The temple’s affiliations changed over time. It was once a branch of Togakuji Temple then Ninnaji Temple. Finally in 1900 it became a branch of Hasedera Temple in Nara.
Shingyo-ji Temple is home to a remarkable Jizou statue. This large bronze figure sits cross-legged on a lotus base. It’s one of the six Jizou statues known as the Edo Roku Jizouson. The petition for this particular Jizou statue was made in 1706. The statue at Shingyo-ji was completed in 1714. It is the fourth of its kind. The other Edo Roku Jizouson statues are located at various temples throughout Edo. Unfortunately the sixth statue has been lost.
Every year on June 24 Shingyo-ji Temple hosts a special service. This is the Edoroku Jizouson Million-Prayer Rosary Memorial Service. During the service a massive 16-meter long Buddhist rosary is rotated by hundreds of people. This highlights the ongoing importance of Shingyo-ji Temple in modern Tokyo. The temple continues to be a place of prayer and spiritual reflection. It offers a quiet escape in the heart of a bustling metropolis. So let us take a moment to appreciate this hidden gem. Let its peace permeate us as we continue our tour.