In “Yanaka” area each one of 7 deities called “Yanaka Shichifukujin” is enshrined in different temples. In this issue we introduce “Choanji” Temple where “Jurojin” a deity of long life is enshrined. Though it is small, it has many attractions so that worth visiting.

≫ about ”Yanaka Shichifukujin” please see the article  <Promenade in “Yanesen” (Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi) area – Charge your energy by “Yanaka Shichifukujin Meguri” (a tour of Seven Deities of Good Luck) !>

About “Choanji” Temple

source:  豊ですよ

“Choanji” Temple is small and situated in the west of “Yanaka Rei-en” (a cemetery). Facing a main street it has an easy access. In the precinct between the entrance and the main building, there are many Buddha stone statues standing among trees, which give off holy ambiance. The main building is not big but impressive in a quiet environment. Nearby, you will find “Asakura Chosokan”, a museum of famous sculptor. Recommended to visit both.

source:  ４travel

Though “Choanji” Temple is small, it has rare articles such as 4 “Itabi” (a pagoda for memorial service). They were installed more than 100 years ago. In the grave yard of the temple there is a tomb of “Hogai Kano”, a painter of Japanese style painting who made a great contribution to the recent Japanese style painting more than 100 years ago. He integrated western art techniques into the traditional Japanese style painting. If you learn about him first, it will make your visit more interesting. “Choanji” Temple has many attractions.

”Shichifukujin” at “Choanji” Temple is a deity for long life! Make a wish for your health.

source: 谷中七福神めぐり

In Japan many people believe in 7 deities called “Shichifukujin” and make a pilgrimage by visiting 7 temples which enshrine one deity each. The pilgrimage is called “Shichifukujin Meguri” (a tour of Seven Deities for Good Luck). Among many “Shichifukujin Meguri” in Tokyo, the one in “Yanaka” is the oldest going back to 250 years ago.

In “Choanji” Temple, “Jurojin”, one of “Shichifukujin” is enshrined. It is a deity for long life and will heal your sickness and provide with safety and good health.

source: ぶらぶら道中ひざくりげ

It is believed that “Choanji” Temple was built in 1699 and has a long history. The temple possesses an old statue of “Jurojin”. It is said that the statue was donated by “Ieyasu Tokugawa” who ruled the country as the Head of Samurai. It is a lively life-sized wooden sculpture holding a deer under the left arm. The picture of “Ho-oh” (a phoenix) painted on the upper wall in the same place where the statue is standing, also attracts your eyes. Why not meet the deity of long life?

Information about “Choanji” Temple

・Address: 5-2-22 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo

・Telephone: 03-3828-1094

・Hours: 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.

・Closed: open every day

・Direction (subway/bus):

7 minutes walk from “Nippori” JR Station

・Travel time from Haneda/Narita Airport, “Tokyo” Station

About 55 minutes from Haneda Airport / about 60 minutes from Narita Airport / about 20 minutes from “Tokyo” Satation

・Official Site URL：http://www.choanji.net/index.html

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