Ikō-in Temple

Overview

Iko-in is a temple of the Shingi Shingon school of Buddhism in Mitaka, western Tokyo. Its name is notably read Iko-in, not Seiko-in or Iguchi-in as the characters might suggest, and it quietly keeps its Buddhist tradition in a calm residential corner of the Musashino district. It is a long-established local temple that still conveys the flavor of Shingon esoteric Buddhism.

Highlights

• ●A long-established Shingi Shingon temple said to date from 1672
• ●The distinctive name reading, Iko-in
• ●A quiet precinct set in a calm Musashino residential area
• ●A local place of prayer that conveys esoteric Shingon Buddhism

History

Temple tradition places its founding in 1672, and it has stood here since the early Edo period. Belonging to the Shingi Shingon school, it has served as a place of prayer for local people since its establishment. The unusual reading of its name is a point often mentioned when the temple is discussed.

Map

35.6936, 139.5524 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Reach Iko-in by bus or on foot from the nearest station
2. 2Pay your respects at the main hall and feel the quiet Shingon prayer space
3. 3Walk the grounds and take in the seasonal greenery
4. 4Combine with nearby Mitaka temples and shrines for a Musashino temple tour

Did you know?

💡 The temple is known for the distinctive reading Iko-in, and the origin of its name often becomes a topic of conversation. Nearby stand other Mitaka temples such as Ryugen-ji, so the temples can be visited together for a Musashino temple tour.

Nearby spots