Jorenji Temple, located in Itabashi City in Tokyo, is home to Tokyo’s Daibutsu – otherwise known as the Tokyo Giant Buddha Statue is currently, the statue the 3rd largest bronze buddha statue in Japan, following behind the Daibutsu in Nara at Todai-ji temple, and the Kanagawa Daibutsu at the Kotoku-in Temple. The Tokyo Daibutsu stands at 13m tall, and weighs approximately 32 tons.
The Buddha was enshrined here at Jorenji temple in 1977 to commemorate those who lost their lives in the World War II, and also the Great Kanto Earthquake. The grounds of the temple offer a tranquil place for relaxation amidst the concrete jungle that is Tokyo.
While the Buddha statue is relatively new, the temple does date back around 500 years. When you arrive at the temple, you are greeted by a large gate a top a short, yet steep, staircase. Inside the gate, you can see four statues that are said to be the guardians of the temple, and the nearby Akatsuka castle – which unfortunately does not exist anymore
In the neighborhood, you also have the ruins of Akatsuka Castle, the Itabashi Art Museum, and Akatsuka Park, but aside from that, there really is not a whole lot to do in the area, but it is a little hidden gem that very few people know about.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm
- Free
- Average Time Spent: 15-30 Minutes
Accessing Jorenji Temple
The Jorenji Temple Daibutsu is a little out of the way, with it taking about 50 minutes total from Shinjuku Station, 30 minutes via the train, and 20 minutes by walking from Shimoakatsuka Station.
You can get to the temple from Shinjuku from as low as 240JPY by taking getting on the train from Shinjuku-sanchōme Station (subway station just outside Shinjuku Station), to Shimoakatsuka Station along the Fukutoshin Line, on the local Wakoshi train.
Discover Japan like never before with the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), your ticket to seamless travel across the Japan. Unlock the full potential of Japan’s extensive rail network, renowned for its punctuality, comfort, and convenience.
Discover Japan like never before with the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), your ticket to seamless travel across the Japan. Unlock the full potential of Japan’s extensive rail network, renowned for its punctuality, comfort, and convenience. Read More…
Forget the hassle of purchasing individual tickets for every journey. The JR Pass offers exceptional value for money, available in flexible durations ranging from 7 to 21 days, allowing you to tailor your travel experience to suit your itinerary. Read More…
English