🗺️ Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple毘沙門天 善國寺

Zenkoku-ji Temple is located in the center of Kagurazaka, marked by its striking red gate. Founded in the 4th year of Bunroku (1595) by Tokugawa Ieyasu, it was relocated twice after the completion of Nihonbashi and moved to its current site in the 4th year of Kansei (1792). In Kagurazaka, which prospered around the area in front of Zenkoku-ji, Bishamonten, revered by the public as "Bishamon-sensei," is a war god depicted with a pagoda in his right hand and a treasure staff in his left, dressed in armor. He is highly respected for bringing good fortune and warding off evil. The temple is usually draped with a curtain, but during the opening ceremonies on the days of the tiger in January, May, and September, visitors can pay their respects directly. It is said that Bishamonten only appears in the year, month, day, and hour of the tiger, and he has a deep connection with tigers. Stone tiger statues, representing Bishamonten's messengers, stand on either side of the main hall. These stone tigers are quite rare in temples, which usually feature komainu (guardian dogs), and have become popular photo spots. Since their dedication in the first year of Kaei (1848) during the late Edo period, they have welcomed worshippers with a majestic presence and continue to protect Kagurazaka with their strong aura. The ema (votive tablets) at Zenkoku-ji also feature stone tigers, and tiger designs can be found on amulets, charms, and paper dolls. It is worth visiting to pray for good fortune and the warding off of evil.

The善國寺 (Zenkoku-ji), with its striking red gate, is also a gathering place for those waiting in Kagurazaka. Bishamonten can bestow fortune and ward off misfortune. This famous temple, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu to pray for national peace and the well-being of the people, is one of the temples in the "Shinjuku Yamanote Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage." In front of the main hall, there are imposing stone tigers on the left and right. Due to the rarity of stone tigers, they have become a popular photo spot. The temple offers amulets featuring various tiger designs and unique palm-sized paper tigers.