Founded in 1274 Tennen-ji temple stands proudly in Yanaka Tokyo. This Tendai Buddhist temple boasts a rich history. It was originally named Choyosankannoji-sonjuuin. The temple’s name later changed to Tennen-ji. Nichigen erected the temple to house a Buddha statue.
Tennen-ji endured hardship. In the late 17th century the Shogunate closed it due to alleged heresy. It reopened in 1699. It became a branch of the Kan’eiji Temple. The temple then adopted the Tendai sect. This sect made Tennen-ji the seat of Bishamonten. Bishamonten is a god of resources and bravery.
Tennen-ji’s bronze Buddha statue is a captivating sight. Ota Kyuemon constructed it in 1690. It stands to the left of the entrance gate. Remarkably this statue survived the civil war of 1868. The temple also houses a shrine dedicated to Bishamonten. This makes Tennen-ji part of the Yanaka Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage.
The temple’s grounds are beautifully landscaped. They offer a serene atmosphere. The temple is surrounded by Yanaka Cemetery. The cemetery was originally part of Tennen-ji’s premises. The government confiscated it during the Meiji Restoration. They did this to separate Buddhism from Shinto. Despite this separation the cemetery and temple remain closely linked.
Tennen-ji played a unique role in Tokyo’s history. During the Edo period it held lotteries for fundraising. From 1728 to 1842 it was Tokyo’s only temple permitted to do so. A five-storied pagoda once stood nearby. It was tragically destroyed in 1957. Only the granite foundations remain. Today Tennen-ji continues to be a significant cultural and spiritual landmark in Tokyo. It is a place where history faith and culture intertwine.