⛩️ Five Hundred Arhats Temple (Tokyo)

The Five Hundred Arhats Temple is nicknamed "Mr. Arhat of Meguro." It was established in the 8th year of Genroku (1695) in what is now Koto Ward, relocated to Sumida Ward in the 20th year of Meiji (1887), and then moved to its current location in Meguro Ward in the 41st year of Meiji (1908). Arhats are real figures who personally listened to Shakyamuni's teachings, practiced according to the doctrines, and became saints by eliminating their troubles. Inside the main hall of the Five Hundred Arhats Temple, the scene of Shakyamuni preaching to the Arhats is recreated. The current main hall was rebuilt in the 56th year of Showa (1981) and features a modern appearance that is worth seeing. According to legend, the original collection of over 500 Arhat statues was completed after more than ten years of fundraising by Zen Master Shōun Genkō, who was also a Buddhist teacher, as he traveled around Edo with a begging bowl. Currently, 305 statues remain, which, along with the wooden triad of Shakyamuni, are designated as tangible cultural properties of Tokyo. The more than 300 Arhat statues, each with different expressions and postures, create a magnificent sight. Additionally, there are several must-see attractions, including the Hall of Sacred Treasures displaying temple treasures and historical materials, the Jizō statue of Rebirth standing over 3 meters tall, and monuments such as the haiku poet Takahama Kyoshi's stone monument and the Sakura Squad Atomic Bomb Victims Memorial.

The wooden Rakan statues and the three statues of Shakyamuni are listed as important cultural properties of Tokyo. Over three hundred Rakan statues, each with different expressions and postures, create a magnificent sight. The main hall was rebuilt in 1981 (Showa 56) and has a modern appearance. The giant Rakan statue, which stands over 3 meters tall, is the Jizō statue that prays for a resurgence in Higashiyama.