| Period | Opening hours | Closing hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mar.21-Sep.22 | 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Sep.23-Mar.20 | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
About
Jindaiji is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Tokyo. And from the 8th century, it has housed the oldest national treasure of a statue of Buddha in Eastern Japan.
This temple is located less than an hour from the heart of Tokyo and miraculously preserves a rich woodland grove, blessed with spring water.
From ancient times, Jindaiji has combined a sanctuary of peace and prayer with a gathering place for multitudes seeking faith & assurance in life.
When you visit this temple, take a deep breath, in calm moments, you can separate yourself from your busy life.
In Jindaiji, time goes by slowly; surrounded by the beauties of nature.
Open Hours
Access
Public transportation
The easiest way to get to Jindaiji temple is to take a direct bus bound for Jindaiji from Chofu station or Kichijoji station. There are other ways which are shorter but they are more complicated. If you are familiar with public transportation in Japan, please look the route up on the internet.
From Kichijoji Station (via JR Chuo/Sobu Line)
Take bus No.04 (showing “吉 04”) from bus stop #6 at South Gate bound for “Jindaiji” and get off at Jindaiji bus stop which is the last stop.
From Chofu Station (via Keio Line)
Take bus No.34 (showing “調 34”) from bus stop #14 at central exit bound for “Jindaiji” and get off at Jindaiji bus last stop which is the last stop.
Visit
The Main Gate
As most Japanese temples were built in the mountains, the main gate of a Buddhist temple is called the “Sanmon”, literally “mountain gate”.
The Main Gate at Jindaiji Temple has stood for over 300 years since it was built in 1695.
The Bell Tower
The main function of a bell tower is to tell people the time.
The current bell was cast and installed in 2001 to replace the previous one which had become too old.
This previous bell was cast in 1376 in the late Kamakura period. The previous bell is designated as important Cultural Property and stored in the “Shaka Hall” (Hall of the Buddha), located to the left beyond the Main Gate.
The Main Hall
Jindaiji Temple was erected in 733 and is the second oldest temple in Tokyo after Sensoji Temple in Asakusa.
Its Main Hall was rebuilt in 1919 after the preceding building was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1646 and 1865. The Hall enshrines the statue of Amida Nyorai (Buddha).
The Ganzandaishi Hall
The statue of “Ganzandaishi” (Grand-master Ganzan), or “Jikeidaishi”, has been enshrined in the Ganzandaishi Hall since 991, and is very rarely on display.
Ganzandaishi was a monk in the Heian period (794-1185) and is famous for becoming the 18th Tendaizasu (the top rank of Tendai Buddhism).
Prayer
The daily Goma fire ceremony
The main place for praying in Jindaiji is Ganzan Daishi hall.
The Goma fire ritual is held there every day.
The word “Goma” derives from the Sanskrit word meaning “pouring offerings into fire”.
In the ritual, the fire symbolizes the wisdom of the Buddha and the wood sticks symbolize human desires.
The symbolic offerings include those made of materials such as Gomagi, grains, incense and seeds.
In this ritual, the Buddha burns away the root of our suffering as we pray for our wishes to come true.
The goodness, blessings and protection of the Buddha cannot be seen in our own lives unless we make the effort.
To always keep your wishes with you, we offer you a wooden amulet written with your name and prayer embodying your spirit of the heart.
Daily ceremony (30minutes)
Weekday – 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM
Weekend – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM
Please apply for the prayer talisman with an application paper at the reception of Ganzandaishi Hall. Please write your name and wish on it. The wooden talsiman, called “Ofuda”, written with your name and wish, differ in price dependig on the size. (from \3,000)
Learn
The Hakuhoh Buddha
The Hakuhoh Buddha is a Shaka Nyorai Izo (The Buddha sitting on a chair) from the Hakuhoh period in the late Asuka period (592-710).
It was discovered in 1909 under the stage in Ganzandaishi Hall. The government designated the statue a National Treasure but how it came to Jindaiji Temple is unknown.
It is a large, gilded bronze statue with a height of 83.9cm and a seated height of 59.3cm, the oldest of its kind in eastern Japan.
Ganzandaishi (Grand-master Ganzan)
“Ganzandaishi” was 18th Tendaizashu (the top priest of the Tendai sect) and said to be the incarnation of “Nyoirin Kannon”.
It is said that the founder of “Omikuji (Written fortune)” of temples and shrines in Japan is “Ganzandaishi”.
The statue Ganzandaishi of Jindaiji is about 2meters (6.5 feet) in height, and it the largest statue of a sitting monk in Japan. This seated statue is a “secret saint” and rarely revealed to the public. It is open to the public, once every 25 years at the event called “Gokaicho”.
It opened to public in 2009 and the next one will take place in 2034.
Event
New Year prayers
Setsubun
Ganzandaishi Taisai
