What is Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple known for?

The temple is dedicated to Bishamonten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods and a warrior deity associated with protection and prosperity. It houses a Bishamonten statue designated as a Cultural Property of Shinjuku City. The temple features two stone tiger statues at the entrance, reflecting the deity's connection to tigers. It is part of the Shinjuku Yamanote Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage route.

When can visitors see the main Bishamonten statue?

The main statue of Bishamonten is normally kept behind a curtain and is not visible to the public year-round. It is revealed only on special Days of the Tiger, which occur in January, May, and September according to the lunar calendar. This tradition stems from the legend that Bishamonten appeared in the Year, Month, Day, and Hour of the Tiger, creating a sacred connection between the deity and this zodiac animal.

How much does it cost to visit Zenkokuji Temple?

Admission to Zenkokuji Temple is completely free. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, view the stone tigers, admire the vermilion gate, and visit the main hall without any entrance fee. However, if you wish to purchase protective charms, ema votive plaques, or the popular tiger figurines from the gift shop, these items are sold separately.

How do I get to Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple?

The temple is conveniently located in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku Ward, and is accessible from multiple stations. From Iidabashi Station (served by JR Chuo-Sobu line and multiple Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines), take Exit B3 or the west exit and walk approximately 5-7 minutes. The closest station is Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station on the Toei Oedo line, which is just 1 minute away on foot. The temple's distinctive vermilion gate makes it easy to spot and serves as a popular local landmark and meeting point.

Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple

Q: What festivals are held at the temple?

The temple hosts several major festivals throughout the year. The Kagurazaka Festival takes place annually at the end of July and features the energetic Awa-odori Dance, traditional performances, food stalls, and a market selling hozuki (Japanese lantern plants). During this festival, the temple offers limited-edition protective charms. Additionally, the temple celebrates Setsubun on February 3rd with a traditional bean-throwing ceremony to ward off evil spirits. The temple grounds are also particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring.

4 (1455)Tourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple stands as a vibrant symbol of Kagurazaka, one of Tokyo's most charming neighborhoods. Originally founded in 1595 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the temple was initially established in Nihonbashi Bakurocho in present-day Chiyoda Ward. After enduring damage from fires in 1670 and 1792, the temple relocated to its current location in Kagurazaka, where it has remained for over 200 years. The temple belongs to the Nichiren sect of Buddhism and was built under Tokugawa Ieyasu's directive to protect and stabilize the nation through Buddhist philosophy.

The temple is dedicated to Bishamonten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods and one of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhist tradition. This warrior deity, depicted in armor while holding a treasure pagoda in his right hand and a staff in his left, is revered as a protector who brings good fortune, business prosperity, protection from misfortune, and success in competition. The statue of Bishamonten housed within the main hall has been designated as a Cultural Property of Shinjuku City. According to legend, Bishamonten appeared in the Year, Month, Day, and Hour of the Tiger, creating a strong association between the deity and tigers. The statue is typically hidden behind a curtain but revealed to the public on special Days of the Tiger in January, May, and September.

Visitors are greeted by the temple's distinctive vermilion gate, which has made it a popular meeting spot and local landmark. Two imposing stone tigers stand guard in front of the main hall, serving as both protective symbols and popular photo opportunities. The temple grounds feature beautiful gardens that attract crowds during cherry blossom season in spring, when the grounds fill with pink and white petals. The temple achieved notable historical significance as reportedly the first place in Tokyo where night stalls appeared during temple festivals, contributing to Kagurazaka's development as a thriving entertainment district during the Edo Period. Today, it remains part of the Shinjuku Yamanote Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage route.

The Kagurazaka Festival takes place annually at the end of July, transforming the temple and surrounding streets into a lively celebration featuring the Awa-odori Dance, traditional performances, food stalls, and a market selling hozuki (Japanese lantern plants). During this festival, the temple offers limited-edition protective charms unavailable at other times. The bean-throwing festival on February 3rd involves rituals to chase away evil spirits. The temple's gift shop sells protective charms, ema (votive plaques) decorated with tiger motifs, and distinctive palm-sized papier-mâché tiger figurines throughout the year.

The temple is easily accessible from Iidabashi Station, served by the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho, Namboku, and Tozai lines, the Toei Oedo line, and the JR Chuo-Sobu line. From Exit B3 of the subway or the west exit of the JR station, the temple is approximately a 5-7 minute walk. Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station on the Toei Oedo line is even closer at just 1 minute on foot. Admission to the temple grounds is free, making it an accessible destination for both casual visitors and serious pilgrims seeking Bishamonten's blessings.

What other travelers are saying about Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple

良かった点 • 神楽坂の散策中、気軽に立ち寄れるアクセスの良さが魅力です。飯田橋・神楽坂・牛込神楽坂の各駅から徒歩圏内。 • 境内や建物の朱色のコントラストが印象的で「写真に映える」との声多数。 • 縁起物・石虎（狛虎）が本堂前に鎮座し、通常の狛犬とは異なる趣きがあるため、参拝の際の話題にもなります。気になる点 • 境内は都心の立地ゆえにそれほど広くはなく、静かにゆったり過ごしたい時には少し混雑を感じることも。 • 接客・施設案内に関して「職員の態度に改善の余地あり」といった口コミもあり、参拝時の印象に差が出る可能性も。総合評価善國寺は、神楽坂での街歩きの途中に「ちょっと足を止めて心を整える」には最適なお寺です。「朱色の佇まい」「毘沙門天の信仰」「写真映え」など、ちょっとした非日常を感じさせてくれます。私・大畑慶高としても、神楽坂を訪れる際は必ず立ち寄りたいスポットの一つです。もし次回訪問するなら、朝早い時間帯に訪れて静かな雰囲気の中で参拝したいと思います。

大畑慶高

2025/11/12

神楽坂のど真ん中にある日蓮宗のお寺さん。天正19年（1591年）創建。特に毘沙門天を本尊とすることで広く知られており、江戸時代には「神楽坂の毘沙門天」として庶民から武家に至るまで厚い信仰を集め、現在では商売繁盛・厄除け・勝負運のご利益に多くの参拝客が訪れています。都会の喧騒の中に石畳の町、神楽坂と調和を成す歴史あるお寺さんて心休まる時間を過ごせます。

狛犬ではなく石虎なんですね。初めて見ました。よく見ると虎の縞模様も彫ってあります。吽形は何か笑っているようにも見えます。なお、堂内は撮影禁止です。

神楽坂商店街のメインストリートに存在している善國寺は、「神楽坂の毘沙門さま」として親しまれ、江戸三毘沙門（善國寺、芝正伝寺、浅草正法寺）の一つです。創建は1595年、安土桃山時代の文禄4年です。木造の毘沙門天は通常は簾が掛かっていて見れないが、御開帳の日は拝観出来る。御開帳は毎年、1月、5月、9月の寅の日です。これは毘沙門天が姿を表したとされる、寅の月、寅の日、寅の刻に御開帳をしている。本堂前の左右の狛虎は一般的には狛犬が多いのですが、毘沙門天が姿を表した故事に因み虎（寅）の形をしています。左右にある狛虎のうち向かって左側の狛虎は東京大空襲で損傷を受けた傷や修復痕が残っています。毘沙門天は古代ヒンドゥー教で財福の神とされているそうで、他にも開運、厄除けにご利益があると言われています。昨今では金運パワースポットとして知られています🤩

新宿区神楽坂の坂を登っていくとある「善国寺」に参拝しました。 1595年の安土桃山時代に創立され、毘沙門天で有名ですが、日蓮宗善國寺です。毘沙門天は仏教で四天王の1人で、七福神の1人でもあります。朱色の本堂も素敵でした。「嵐」の二宮和也さんが主演し、2007年に放映されたテレビドラマは、神楽坂を舞台とした作品で、ドラマ内で善国寺が登場したことや、嵐のメンバーが出演したドラマなどのロケ地を紹介する書籍「嵐の聖地」（鉄人社、千代田区九段南3）などの影響から、ファンの間では「嵐の聖地」の一つとして親しまれています。絵馬には嵐ファンの多くが願い事を書いて奉納されていました。季節の御朱印や切り絵の御朱印もありました。