At the top of a steep hill, the Ikegami Honmoji Temple is one of Ota Ward’s most sacred sites and home to some of Tokyo’s most beautiful buildings. Dedicated to Saint Nichiren, the founder of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, it is here that the saint died in 1282. Today, the temple serves as training and living quarters for the monks who carry on the traditions started so long ago. Come here for a window into some of Japan's most enduring cultural and religious practices.
Mingle in the temple precincts at the base of the hill, where vendors, still located in traditional wood-and-tile shops, sell mochi (rice cakes) and senbei (rice crackers). Have a snack to fuel your climb up the 96 steps to the temple. On the way, stop to peer into the sub-temples whose gardens sit alongside the staircase. In March, colorful cherry blossoms decorate the hillside.
Arrive at the top and gaze at the enormous size and beauty of the Honden, the temple’s main building. Spot a painting of a huge dragon on the ceiling.
From outside, admire the Kyozo, a two-story black building which stores the entire Buddhist canon for use by the monks. Behind, see the cypress octagon that shelters the ashes of Saint Nichiren.
Head down the path to the cemetery, where the enormous five-story red pagoda built in 1608 stands as the temple complex’s emblem. Saint Nichiren was cremated here. Feel his presence in the atmosphere of spirituality that pervades the space.
Given the Ikegami Honmoji’s preeminence in Ota Ward, it is relatively easy to access within the larger park complex. Walk here in about 10 minutes from the closest train station. Reach the temple by train from Haneda International Airport in about 50 minutes or from Chofu Airport in 1.5 hours. There is no parking in the area and the streets can be extremely congested, particularly during peak tourist season, so using public transportation is better than driving. Visit the temple complex itself at any time. Opening hours for buildings vary.
