At a glance
Koganji Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Toshima City's Sugamo district, known for its healing Jizo statue and Arai Kannon. The temple attracts visitors seeking relief from physical ailments through the ritual of washing specific parts of the stone statue. Free admission with wheelchair-accessible facilities and open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM.
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Koganji Temple
Koganji Temple, affectionately known as Togenuki Jizo, is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Sugamo where visitors seek healing through a unique ritual. The temple’s most distinctive feature is the Arai Kannon, a stone statue of the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva that worshippers gently wash with cloth. According to tradition, pouring water on the statue and wiping the same part as your own ailing body area brings relief and healing, drawing believers seeking comfort for various ailments.
The temple grounds also house the secret principal image, Enmei Jizo Bodhisattva, whose sacred replica called “Omikage” is available as a small paper amulet. Legend has it that in 1715, a maid who swallowed a needle was cured by swallowing this blessed image, establishing the temple’s reputation for miraculous healing. On festival days ending in 4 (the 4th, 14th, and 24th of each month), the temple becomes especially lively with food stalls lining the approach and monks personally distributing omikuji fortune slips, continuing a tradition from Mount Hiei’s Enryaku-ji Temple.
Located along the charming Jizo-dori Shopping Street near Sugamo Station, the temple sits in the heart of what locals call “Grandma’s Harajuku,” a nostalgic neighborhood filled with traditional sweet shops, red underwear stores for good fortune, and welcoming cafes that create a distinctly old-Tokyo atmosphere.
Seasonal and Event Highlights
- Spring: Pleasant temperatures make spring one of the best times to stroll the temple grounds and explore Jizo-dori Shopping Street.
- Autumn: Cool weather is ideal for visiting, with the nostalgic shopping street offering seasonal sweets and decorations.
- Event: Monthly Ennichi (4th, 14th, and 24th), the temple and shopping street become especially lively with food stalls, additional worshippers, and special temple activities.
Before you go
Admission to Koganji Temple is free. Visitors are welcome to participate in the Arai Kannon washing ritual, but please do so respectfully and follow the instructions provided at the site. The temple grounds are mostly flat and accessible, though they can become crowded during monthly fair days. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as most visitors also explore Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street. Toilets, benches, cafés, convenience stores, and plenty of shops are available nearby. Basic English signage is limited but major information is easy to understand. Photography is permitted outdoors for personal use, but avoid photographing worshippers during prayers. Tripods are best avoided, especially during busy periods, out of courtesy to other visitors.
Koganji Temple is open daily throughout the year and does not have regular closing days. The grounds are generally accessible from early morning until evening, while individual shops around the temple may have their own operating hours.
When to go
Koganji Temple welcomes visitors year-round, with spring and autumn offering the most comfortable weather for exploring the adjacent Jizo-dori shopping street. The morning glory market held from July 2nd-4th adds special seasonal charm, while festival days on the 4th, 14th, and 24th of each month bring vibrant street stalls and heightened spiritual energy throughout the year. Early morning visits between 6-8 AM provide the most peaceful atmosphere for contemplative prayer at the Washing Kannon statue, with minimal queues even on weekends. Weekdays offer a notably calmer experience than weekends, particularly Wednesday and Thursday mornings when you can appreciate the temple's serene ambiance without extended waiting times.
Average crowd levels throughout the day, based on historical data.
Public review summary
Visitors consistently praise the peaceful atmosphere and meaningful ritual of washing the Arai Kannon statue to seek healing for ailments. The temple draws appreciation for its authentic spiritual experience and welcoming nature, though some note long queues during festival days ending in 4. Many find the Jizo-dori shopping street adds enjoyable exploration. First-time visitors appreciate helpful staff explanations of proper etiquette and prayer procedures.
What you'll find here
Location & access
- DirectionsAddress
3 Chome-35-2 Sugamo, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0002, Japan
- How to get there
By Public Transportation: Take the JR Yamanote Line or Toei Mita Line to Sugamo Station. From either exit, it is about a 5-minute walk along the lively Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street to Koganji Temple.
By Car: The temple does not have its own parking area. Several paid coin parking lots are available around Sugamo Station, but spaces are limited. Public transportation is generally the easiest way to visit.
Common questions
What is Koganji Temple known for?
Koganji Temple, also called Togenuki Jizo, is famous for its Arai Kannon statue where visitors wash the statue's body parts corresponding to their own ailments to pray for healing. The temple also houses a secret Jizo Bodhisattva statue and offers Omikage amulets believed to remove pain when applied to affected areas.
How do I get to Koganji Temple?
Koganji Temple is a 6-minute walk from Sugamo Station, which is accessible via the JR Yamanote Line and Toei Mita Line. You can also reach it from the Toei Arakawa Line Koshinzuka stop. The temple is located along the Jizo-dori shopping street in Toshima City, Tokyo.
What are the special festival days at Koganji Temple?
Koganji Temple holds festivals on days ending in 4 (4th, 14th, and 24th of each month). During these special days, the temple grounds become particularly lively with food stalls lining the streets, and monks hand out fortune slips directly to visitors, which is considered especially auspicious.
Are there accessibility facilities at Koganji Temple?
Yes, Koganji Temple offers wheelchair accessible entrances and wheelchair accessible restrooms. The temple also provides gender-neutral restroom facilities and is known to be LGBTQ+ friendly, making it welcoming to all visitors seeking spiritual comfort and healing.
What can I buy at Koganji Temple?
At Koganji Temple, you can purchase Omikage amulets (small paper charms with Jizo images), goshuin temple stamps for 300 yen, incense sticks, and towels for washing the Kannon statue. The nearby Jizo-dori shopping street also offers traditional Japanese sweets, shichimi spice, and specialty items like red underwear for good luck.
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