Touko-ji Temple

Overview

Touko-ji is a Tendai-school Buddhist temple in Futaba 1-chome, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. Its mountain name is Kuon-zan Fudo-in, and its principal image is Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha). Tucked into a quiet residential district close to central Tokyo, it is not a tourist-oriented site but a temple rooted in local faith, offering a calm and unhurried atmosphere. What makes it stand out are its unusual features rarely found at other temples, including a memorial for animals lost in war and a small hall dedicated to the guardian deity of the lavatory, rewarding visitors who take time to wander and notice small details.

Highlights

• ●A Tendai-school temple enshrining Amida Nyorai, with the mountain name Kuon-zan Fudo-in
• ●A war memorial pagoda mourning army horses, military dogs, carrier pigeons and other animals lost in war
• ●The Tosu hall enshrining Ususama Myo-o, guardian deity of the lavatory
• ●A pilgrimage stop enshrining Bishamonten, one of the Ebara Seven Lucky Gods

History

Belonging to the Tendai school, the temple bears the mountain name Kuon-zan Fudo-in and enshrines Amida Nyorai as its principal image. Within the grounds is Bishamonten, one of the Ebara Seven Lucky Gods, and the temple has long been visited as a pilgrimage stop on the seven-deity route. Beside the main gate stands a war memorial pagoda erected to console the spirits of animals sacrificed in war, such as army horses, military dogs, and carrier pigeons, keeping alive a spirit of remembrance for living creatures. For its detailed history and annual events, it is best to check official information or on-site notices when you visit.

Map

35.6056, 139.7268 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Pass through the main gate and pause at the war memorial pagoda to mourn the animals
2. 2Walk along the approach and visit the Tosu hall enshrining Ususama Myo-o
3. 3Offer a quiet prayer to the principal image, Amida Nyorai, in the main hall
4. 4Pray to Bishamonten of the Ebara Seven Lucky Gods, then explore the surrounding Shinagawa district

Did you know?

💡 Partway along the approach stands a small hall called the Tosu, which enshrines Ususama Myo-o, revered as the guardian deity of the lavatory. A hall dedicated to the deity who governs the privy is uncommon, making it one of this temple's distinctive sights.

Nearby spots