Buddhist temple
Hōshō-ji
放生寺（ほうしょうじ）
Shinjuku, Tokyo
A temple of the Kōyasan Shingon sect in Waseda, known for its “Ichiyō Raifuku” talismans, given out from the winter solstice to Setsubun. Its principal image, Shō Kanzeon Bosatsu, has long been cherished as the Yūzū Mushifūji Kannon.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Shō Kanzeon Bosatsu (popularly called Yūzū Mushifūji Kanzeon)
History and things to know
According to the temple's guide, it was opened in Kan'ei 18 (1641) by Ryōshō Shōnin, who devoted himself to building Takada Hachiman (Ana Hachiman), as its bettō temple. In Keian 2 (1649), on the occasion of a visit by the third shogun, Iemitsu, it was granted its temple name and became a temple of prayer for the Tokugawa family.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
The principal image is a hidden buddha and can be worshipped at the unveiling services on April 18 and on Sports Day (official guide).
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 放生寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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