Ikegamihonmonji Temple is the main temple of Nichiren Shoshu and is also known for its cherry blossoms.
The Tokyu Ikegami Line, created to transport visitors to Ikegami Honmonji Temple, is a three-car train line connecting Kamata Station in Tokyo’s Ota Ward and Gotanda Station in Shinagawa Ward.
Introducing Ikegamihonmonji Temple, which has been visited by many people since ancient times.
History of Ikegami Honmonji Temple
The holy place where Nichiren Shonin passed away and the temple of hope for the people
In 1282, Nichiren Shonin, the founder of Nichiren Shoshu, was on his way to Hitachi (Ibaraki Prefecture) from Minobuyama (Yamanashi Prefecture) to recover from an illness, when he stopped by Ikegami Soshinaka’s mansion in Ikegami, Musashi-kuni (Ota-ku, Tokyo), where he spent the last days of his life.
When Nichiren died on October 13, Munenaka donated 69,384 tsubo of land for Choeizan Honmonji Temple, named by Nichiren according to the number of characters in the Lotus Sutra (69,384), and the temple was thereafter known as “Ikegami Honmonji Temple.
In the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, Honmonji Temple was patronized by the Kanto Samurai, and in modern times, it flourished as a temple for the prayers of lords such as Kiyomasa Kato, Toshiie Maeda, and the Kii Tokugawa family.
In 1868, at the end of the Edo period, the headquarters of the Tokaido Highway expeditionary force was located here, and it is said to be the place where Saigo Takamori and Katsu Kaishu met, and is designated as a historic site by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Although the historic hall was destroyed by fire in an air raid during World War II, the five-story pagoda, main gate, sutra storehouse, and treasured pagoda survived the fire, and their appearance is said to have given hope to the local people.
Sights to see of Ikegami Honmonji Temple
Main gate
Built in the Genroku era (late 17th – early 18th century), the oblong plaque inscribed with “Honmonji” is a copy by Honya Koetsu, and the original is on display in the Reihouden.
Five-storied pagoda
An important cultural property of Japan. The oldest five-story pagoda in Kanto.
It was built in 1607 by Tokugawa Hidetada, the second Tokugawa Shogun, in gratitude for the success of his prayer for the healing of his nanny Shoshin-in’s illness.
Shikyo Nanji-zaka（Slope name of Shikyonanjizaka）
The stone steps of the main approach to the shrine are said to have been donated by Kiyomasa Kato (1562-1611) and consist of 96 steps associated with the Lotus Sutra. There are also gentle steps on the side to suit your fitness level.
Temple bell
The inscription on the first temple bell, donated in 1647 by Yorinin, the daughter of Kiyomasa Kato and the wife of Yorinobu Kishu Tokugawa, is preserved beside the present temple bell.
Shotoen
The garden, said to have been created by Enshu Kobori, is a circular garden that takes advantage of the abundant underground spring water and natural hollows in the garden.In 1868, Shogun Kaishu Katsu and Saigo Takamori, the chief of staff of the Eastern Expeditionary Force, held a meeting to surrender Edo Castle.
(Nichiren Buddhism) memorial service for Nichiren (13th day of 10th month)
On the anniversary of Nichiren Shonin’s death, the Okaeshiki Buddhist memorial service is held every year from October 11 to 13.The Manto-neri procession parades through the town, peaking on the evening of the 12th. Many worshippers visit Honmonji Temple.
Tomb of a historical figure
The graveyards of Honmonji Temple are the resting places of many great men and women of the feudal families. The cemetery has a guide to explain the names of these great men, including Rikidozan, a wrestler and professional wrestler, and father and son of novelists Rohan Koda and Fumi Koda.
One of them is the grave of a Kano school painter. The Kano school was the center of the art world for about 400 years from the Muromachi period to the Edo period. Many painters of the Kano school are buried in Honmonji Temple.
Access to Ikegami Honmonji Temple
1-1-1 Ikegami, Ota City, Tokyo
・Ikegami Station /10 min on foot/Ikegami Line
・Nishi-magome Station / South Exit /12 min on foot/Asakusa Line
Parking around Ikegami Honmonji Temple
Ikegami Honmonji Temple Official Website
Official site:https://honmonji.jp/outline/engi.html