⛩️ Honsenji
Honsenji Temple (品川寺, read as Honsenji) is the oldest temple in Shinagawa Ward. It belongs to the Daigo school of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The temple was founded between 806 and 810, during the Daidō era, by the monk Kūkai, also known as Kōbō Daishi. It has stood in Shinagawa for more than 1,200 years.
🙏 Bronze Bell and Protector
The main deity is Suigetsu Kannon (Water-Moon Kannon), a peaceful figure not on public display. The temple also enshrines Bishamonten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. On its grounds, you’ll find the Edo Roku Jizō, one of six great protector statues built during the Edo period, and a massive bronze temple bell. Both are celebrated individually in the Shinagawa Hyakkei and have their own pages.
See the Edo Roku Jizō | Explore the Temple Bell
🏯 Honsenji Temple – Burned, rebuilt, reborn
In 1457, the military figure Ota Dokan built new temple halls and named it Kinkazan Dairenji. After war left the grounds in ruins, a monk named Koson led the temple’s full restoration in 1652. That year, it was renamed Honsenji and became a branch of the famous Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto.
🖼️ Honsenji Temple – Silent treasures, sacred art
One of the temple’s most important artifacts is the Butsugan Mandara (仏眼曼荼羅図), a silk painting from the Kamakura period. It is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and is now carefully preserved in the Tokyo National Museum.
🌳 Honsenji Temple – The wisdom of an old tree
At the temple gate stands a 600-year-old ginkgo tree, one of the oldest in the city. It is registered as a Shinagawa Ward Natural Monument. The tree rises 25 meters high and has a wide, sweeping shape. According to a sign nearby, the tree’s age and size help prove just how long this sacred place has existed.
Shinagawa Ward Designated Natural Monument
Ginkgo Tree of Honsenji
Location: Shinagawa Ward, Minami-Shinagawa 3-5-17, Honsenji
Designation: February 14, Showa 53rd year
(Natural Monument No. 2)
This tree, with a trunk circumference of 5.35 meters, a height of 25 meters, and an estimated age of about 600 years, is an old tree. It has a well-ordered tree shape and its vitality is extremely vigorous, with many branches drooping from the trunk and large branches. Among the many ginkgo trees in this ward, it stands out conspicuously, and it can be viewed from quite a distance, which is spectacular. Also, the tree age of about 600 years is one factor proving that this temple has a long history.
March 31, Heisei 15th year,
Shinagawa Ward Board of Education.
Honsenji has been through war, rebuilding, and even international travel—the great bell was once removed to Switzerland but later returned. Today, the temple stands strong again, full of quiet power, history, and care.
🙏 Temple Notes
- Sect: Shingon Buddhism (Daigo school)
- Principal Deity: Suigetsu Kannon (Water-Moon Avalokiteśvara)
- Founded: Between 806–810 (Daidō era) by Kūkai
- Major Features: Edo Roku Jizō, Great Bell, Mandala painting, Ginkgo tree
- Cultural Role: Oldest temple in Shinagawa; historical and spiritual site
🧭 Visitor Information
Address: 3-5-17 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0004
Best season: Spring for cherry blossoms; Summer for lantern displays
Admission: Free
Official Info: Honsenji Temple Official Site
Note: Please be respectful when visiting. This is an active religious site and place of quiet reflection.
Where is it?
| what3words | ///nitrate.tens.kick |
| latitude longitude | 35.6097651 139.7409441 |
| Nearest station(s) | Aomono-yokochō (Keikyū Line) |
| Nearest public conveniences | Aomono-yokochō station |
Show me a sign.
Triple sign. As new.
Withervee says…
The tree’s been here for six centuries. The bell went to Europe and came back. The mandala left the temple but not the story. This place holds it all—roots, echoes, and the names that lasted.
Site Character
- Lifestyle 生活 (Seikatsu): ✔️
- Historical Significance 歴史 (Rekishi): ✔️
- Atmosphere/Natural Features 風土 (Fūdo): ✔️
Who in their right mind would vote for this?
- Local Shingon Buddhists
- History buffs
- Tree huggers
- Mandala maniacs
- Bell ringers
Further reading
While you’re there…
Don’t miss the Bell in Honsenji Temple, or walk north to visit the Edo Roku Jizō.
