Overview
Shinshō-ji is a temple of the Buzan branch of the Shingon school, located in Akiruno, Tokyo. Akiruno lies in the western part of the Tama region, surrounded by the nature of the Akigawa Valley and its hills, and is wrapped in the calm atmosphere of a mountain-side setting quite different from temples in the city center. Temple tradition holds that it was founded in 891 during the Heian period, making it an ancient temple bearing over a thousand years of history. Amid its lush green surroundings, it has long been cherished by the community as a place of Shingon esoteric prayer connected to Kōbō Daishi Kūkai.
Highlights
- ●An ancient temple of western Tama said to date from 891, bearing over a thousand years of history
- ●The standing of the Buzan branch of Shingon, which takes Hase-dera in Nara as its head temple
- ●A setting surrounded by the rich nature so characteristic of Akiruno, including the Akigawa Valley
- ●A prayer environment of mountain-side stillness and seasonal color, unlike temples in the city center
History
Shinshō-ji is said to have been founded in 891, giving it a very old history reaching back to the early Heian period. Its school is the Buzan branch of Shingon, which takes Hase-dera in Nara as its head temple and carries on the esoteric tradition transmitted by Kōbō Daishi Kūkai. As an ancient temple that has gathered faith for more than a thousand years in the Akiruno area of western Tama, its long journey has run alongside the life of the mountain villages. For details on its history, treasures, and principal image, it is best to check the notices on site or official information when visiting.
Access
The temple is located in Akiruno, Tokyo (roughly around 35.72°N, 139.27°E). Being in western Tama, it is mainly reached from central Tokyo by train and bus, or by car. It lies close to nature-rich areas such as the Akigawa Valley, and since it can be some distance from the nearest station, it is reassuring to look up your transport in advance. Please confirm the route and whether the precinct is open to visitors through official information.
Best season
Given its nature-surrounded setting, the seasons from spring into early summer, when fresh greenery shines, and autumn, when foliage colors the valley, are especially beautiful and recommended. Cherry-blossom season brings the gentle scenery of a mountain-side spring, while autumn offers prayer amid tinted trees. Summer draws visitors seeking the cool of the Akigawa Valley, and winter offers crisp air and stillness, each season showing a different face. Combining the visit with hiking or a valley walk is also appealing.
Map
35.7219, 139.2683 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head to Shinshō-ji in Akiruno by train and bus, or by car
- 2Pray in the precinct and take in the historic atmosphere of a temple said to date from the Heian period
- 3Extend the trip to nature-rich spots such as the nearby Akigawa Valley for a walk
- 4Drop by a local eatery or specialty shop to round off a day that is uniquely western Tama
Did you know?
💡 The Buzan branch of Shingon is a school that takes Hase-dera in Nara as its head temple and carries on the teachings of Kōbō Daishi Kūkai. That an ancient temple said to date from 891 survives in Akiruno, far from the city center, hints at how western Tama has long been a land where mountain worship and Buddhist culture took root. Prayer handed down across more than a thousand years lives on here amid abundant nature.
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