Fudo Myo-o, also known as Acala, is one of the Five Wisdom Kings in Buddhism. He is revered as a protector who helps to dispel evil and obstacles, often depicted with a fierce expression and holding a sword.
The temple features traditional Japanese Buddhist architecture, including a main hall, a pagoda, and several smaller shrines. The temple grounds are adorned with beautiful gardens and stone lanterns.
Yes, the temple hosts several important events, including the Setsubun Festival in February, the Obon Festival in August, and various rituals and ceremonies dedicated to Fudo Myo-o throughout the year.
The temple is located near Isezaki-chojamachi Station on the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line. It is also accessible from Kannai Station on the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, from where it’s a short walk to the temple.
■ Principal Deity
Acala (Fudo Myo-o)
This statue of Acala is said to have once been a treasured Buddha of the Tokugawa family. It was gifted to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple during the Genroku period (1608-1890) and then moved to Yokohama in 1870.
■ Sect
Shingon Buddhism Chizan School
This temple is a branch temple of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, head temple of the temple, located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. Its official name is "Naritasan Yokohama Betsuin Enmei-in."
■ Goshuin (Temple Stamps) Available
Yes
In addition to standard goshuin, you can also receive goshuin stamps from the Kanto Thirty-six Fudo Pilgrimage Sites (Temple No. 3).
■ Where and When to Get Goshuin
• Location: Amulet Dispensing Office (Temple Office) on the temple grounds
• Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
*Please note that reception times may vary or the temple may be crowded on festival days such as the 1st, 15th, and 28th.
■ Highlights
• Panoramic View of Minato Mirai
The temple's elevated location offers panoramic views of skyscrapers, including the Yokohama Landmark Tower, from the grounds in front of the main hall, creating a delightful contrast between the historic temple and the modern landscape.
• Goma Fire Ceremony (Gomakito)
Goma fires are lit daily (9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM), and anyone is welcome to enter the main hall to worship and view the fire. Experience the powerful sound of the drums and the flames up close.
• Main Hall Ceiling Painting
Rebuilt in 2015, the main hall's ceiling is adorned with over 100 vibrantly painted flower paintings, creating a truly magnificent sight.
• Noge's Seven Lucky Gods
The temple grounds are home to the Mantoku Benzaiten Hall, beloved as one of the "Noge's Seven Lucky Gods" that are part of the Noge area's pilgrimage route.
It was built in 1870 (Meiji 3) as a Yokohama branch temple of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, with the cooperation of Takashima Kaemon, known for his Takashima fortune-telling. Many immigrants to Yokohama after the port opened to the public were devout believers in Narita Fudoson, and upon petition to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a branch deity was enshrined there. Known as Nogeyama Fudoson, it stands on a remarkable hill.
The principal image, Acala, was originally a treasured Buddha of the Tokugawa family, but was bestowed upon Naritasan during the Genroku period when the Tokugawa family petitioned for prayers for generations to come. It is said to have been created by Shoho (Rigen Daishi). The temple grounds were donated by Takashima Kaemon and the Shin'ei-ko, and are dedicated to world peace and prosperity for all people. It is said to be a sacred place of prayer where wishes are granted, attracting many believers.
A new main hall was completed in 2015 (Heisei 27), and a Buddhist memorial service was held on November 25th. 2020 (Reiwa 2) marked the 150th anniversary of the temple's founding.
The grounds include the Main Hall, Daishi Hall, Inari Shrine, Mizuko Jizo, and the Seven Lucky Gods. There are many amulets available, so enjoy your visit and choose the one that best suits you. Goshuin stamps can be obtained to the left of the main hall.
