Did you know that Zenkoku-ji (Bishamonten) in Kagurazaka was founded by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu?
Did you know that Zenkoku-ji (Bishamonten) in Kagurazaka was founded by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu? Zenkoku-ji (Bishamonten) in Kagurazaka: Founded by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu An important temple for the development of Kagurazaka is Zenkoku-ji (Bishamonten), which remains a symbolic presence in the area even today. In 1595, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate, established the Zenkoku-ji (Bishamonten) temple in Nihonbashi Bakurocho, which is historically linked to Kagurazaka. He dedicated the temple and mountain name plaques of “Chingosan Zenkoku-ji” to protect the nation. After its destruction by fire in 1670, Zenkoku-ji was rebuilt in Kojimachi by the famous Tokugawa Mitsukuni (grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu), also known for creating the vast Koishikawa Korakuen Garden within the Mito clan residence. This extensive garden served as a refuge from Kagurazaka. In 1792, following another fire, Zenkoku-ji relocated to Kagurazaka. Initially surrounded by samurai residences, the area gradually developed as various shops moved from Kojimachi to Kagurazaka, along with increasing residential houses, marking the beginning of its development. Why Does Zenkoku-ji Have Stone Tigers? Flanking the main hall of Zenkoku-ji are pairs of guardian tiger statues akin to the Komainu (guardian dogs) found in shrines. This is because the temple