Ikō-in Temple

Overview

Ikō-in is a temple of the Shingon Chisan branch in Taitō-ku, Tokyo. As an esoteric temple that carries on the teachings of Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), its tradition of chanting shingon (mantras) lives quietly in a corner of the old town. The solemnity distinctive of esoteric Buddhism, symbolized by goma fire rituals and mantras, gives it a singular presence even within the everyday townscape.

Highlights

• ●Esoteric prayer transmitting the teachings of Kōbō Daishi
• ●The solemn atmosphere distinctive of the Shingon Chisan branch
• ●Quiet grounds set within an old-town temple district
• ●The unique esoteric experience of chanting mantras

History

The Shingon Chisan branch takes Chishaku-in in Kyoto as its head temple, and Ikō-in belongs to that esoteric lineage, transmitting the teachings of Kōbō Daishi. Details of its founding are best confirmed through official sources. Set in the temple district of Taitō-ku, it preserves to this day the solemn place of prayer that only an esoteric temple provides.

Map

35.7091, 139.7886 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Join your palms at the gate and enter the grounds
2. 2Quietly encounter esoteric prayer at the main hall
3. 3Take in the old-town temple district on foot
4. 4Extend your walk toward Asakusa and Ueno to enjoy the old town

Did you know?

💡 In Shingon, worshippers praise Kōbō Daishi with the phrase Namu Daishi Henjō Kongō. At an esoteric temple you can encounter the distinctive prayer of chanting mantras.

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