Araiyakushi Baishoin Temple

Araiyakushi Baishoin Temple

新井薬師梅照院

● Address : 5 Chome-3-5 Arai, Nakano, Tokyo 165-0026
〒165-0026 東京都中野区新井5-3-5
● Transportation : Araiyakushimae (Seibu Shinjuku Line) -
Numabukuro (Seibu Shinjuku Line) - Nakano (JR)
● Web : ?
● Entry fees : free

● Event : Setsubon ceremony in February
On the 8th, 18th and 28th of each month the temple is open for prayers.
Flea Market once per month
● Goshuin : Ok (from 10am to 5pm)

☆ The Araiyakushi Baishoin usually called Araiyakushi is a buddhist temple founded in the 16th century though today's buildings are more modern. It is one of the major temple in Nakano.

The temple is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai (healing Buddha).
Based on a story of one of the daughter of Tokugawa Hidetada (a Tokugawa Shogun) has been miraculously cure of her eye desease after coming to the temple, the Araiyakushi became famous to cure eye illness.
You can buy ema (絵馬) - wooden card to write your wishes - on wich you will rear "me" which means "eye" (め in japanese) and shaped as eyes.

Take a moment to go around, see the bell, the 2 floors pagoda and the stone pagoda, the statue of buddha you can shower with water for good luck and also check on the very nice fountain for purification shaped as lotus flower instead of the usual dragon.

★ In the middle of the city, the Araiyakushi of Nakano is a nice temple. It is a bit muddy but it has nice items and it definitely worth your attention when you come to Nakano. Nearby, you can also check on the Arai Tenjin Kitano Shrine (there is a big park in between, not 'unpleasant' but the muddy type)
★8/10