 Temples & Shrines: Tennoji, Tokyo
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Tennoji Temple 天王寺
- Located in Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo.
- Known for its ancient cherry trees
- Founded in 1274.
- Connected with the nationalist Buddhist priest, Nichiren.
- Tendai sect temple.
- Close to Nippori Station and Yanaka Cemetery.
Tennoji is a temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. It was founded in 1274 and now lies on the edge of Yanaka Cemetery overlooking Nippori Station.
Originally a Nichiren sect temple associated with the life of the nationalist sage Nichiren, the temple became a Tendai sect temple in 1833. During the Edo Period, public lotteries were held at the temple along with Ryusenji in Meguro and Yushima Tenjin Shrine, so Tennoji became known as one of the "Three Lotteries."
The large, bronze, seated image of Buddha was constructed by Ota Kyuemon in 1690 and was known as the "Tennoji Daibutsu" by local people.
A 35m, five-storied pagoda dating from the late eighteenth century used to stand on the temple grounds but was infamously burnt down in 1957 when a young seamstress and her older (married) lover committed suicide by setting themselves and the pagoda alight to atone for their adultery. Only the stone foundations now remain of what was once one of the largest pagodas in the Kanto area.
Free admission
Access
Nippori Station on the JR Yamanote, Joban, Keihin-Tohoku Lines, the Keisei Main Line and the Toei Nippori-Toneri Liner.
Tel: 03 3821 4474
7-14-8 Yanaka, Tokyo, 110-0001.
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