Kuhon-butsu, formally Kuhonzan Yuizainembutsu-in Joshin-ji, is a Buddhist temple located in Setagaya City, Tokyo prefecture. The temple was founded by Kaseki Shonin in 1678 on land donated to Tokugawa Ietsuna. The temple’s site is where Okusawa Castle once stood. The temple has a main hall alongside many other halls, each of which enshrines a statue. The nine Amida Nyorai statues, which are synonymous with Kuhon-butsu, are enshrined in the Sanbutsudo Hall (The hall of the Three Buddhas).
After entering the Kuhon-butsu site and proceeding along the approach (sando), you will pass through the temple’s outer gate (soumon). Kuhon-butsu’s outer gate has a green roof and a plaque providing information about the temple in Japanese and English. After passing through, you will see a small worship building on your lefthand side and a memorial garden on your right.
As you continue to walk through the temple, you will come upon The Gate of the Two Deva Kings or ni-o mon. The gate serves as the main gate or sanmon of Kuhon-butsu. Built in 1793, the gate contains statues of the Deva Kings (Nio statues). They protect the grounds of the temple. Pictures of the statues are below. In addition, on the backside of the gate, there are statues of the God of Wind and the God of Thunder. The gate is also home to plaques containing informational material about its history and the gods which the statues represent.
As you continue, you will come upon Kuhon-butsu’s main hall (hondo). It is a large building that contains an offertory box at its entrance and inside it has a large golden statue of Buddha. After scaling a few sets of stairs, up will come across a large incense pot where you can light an incense stick in return for an offering. Just beyond the pot, is the main entrance of the building. Make sure to take your shoes off before entering the building!
My time at Kuhon-butsu was amazing and you truly can feel the passion put into its architecture. It also offers nice landscaping due to its buildings being far apart from one another. I reached the temple via the Oimachi Line and the closest station to it is Kuhombutsu Station.
