護国寺
● Address : 5-40-1 Ōtsuka, Bunkyō-ku, Tokyo 112-0012
〒112-0012東京都文京区大塚 3-15-20
● Transportation : Gokokuji (護国寺 - Tokyo metro Yurakucho line)
● Web : http://www.gokokuji.or.jp/
● Entry fees : free
● Event :
● Goshuin : Ok
● Stamp : No
☆ This buddhist temple was built starting february 1681 with the main building. The fifth shogun Tunayoshi Tokugawa had it build for his mother.Other buildings were added through the years. In 1697 the Kannon-dô (entrance door) was built and therefore the opening ceremony was held the same year.
What makes the Gokokuji special is that, despite earthquakes and despite a war that destroyed most of the temple of Tokyo, the Gokokuji survived and is still a testimony of Edo's period temple.
The main building is a large hall which exhibits a collection of arts dating back to the Genroku period.
The photography are prohibited inside the main hall so for view only : take the time to enjoy the beautiful paintings on wood of horses above the austel. Above the central door an adorable painting of a myriad of rooster. On the ceiling on one side their is 3 musicians and one god with a fan (is it some sort of instrument?) on the other side more gods with offerings and in the middle an almost vanished black dragon.
There is also an intriguing painting of a buddha riding a dragon in a very european 18th century style.
The main hall also housed some nice sculpture. One red demon surrounded by the flames of a phenix and also look for the famous 3 monkeys.
Outside of the main hall the beautiful gates are worthed going up and down. And by the way, down the scales on your left, don't miss out the "Mont Fuji". In different place of Tokyo you can find those small climbing passway leading to mostly not much but a stone. As pilgrim to Mont Fuji was very important for japanese people but not easy to do for elderly. So they build small replica that elderly could reach so they would do the important pilgrim.
If you don't have time to go to Mont Fuji you can join the elderly team and do the fast version ! Spiritually it's the same !
★If you want a little bit informations about the construction of each buildings I invite you to check on the website which also have an english version.
The Gokokuji is a huge temple surrounded by a cemetary. I really enjoyed the view of the beautiful pine trees and the nice smiling Buddah.
Down the stairs there are tables and bench if you want to eat a snack or a picninc (that you brought)
★ 8/10
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| The Main hall and one of the gracious pine tree |
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| The smiling Buddha |
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| The taho-to on the left, built in 1938 |
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| The Furô-mon, based on the gate of the Kurama temple in Kyoto |
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| Entry of the Mont Fuji |
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| Beautiful Lotus Bowl down the stairs |
