Buddhist temple
Zenkoku-ji
善國寺（ぜんこくじ）
Shinjuku, Tokyo
A Nichiren sect temple in Kagurazaka, called “Kagurazaka no Bishamon-sama” since the Edo period. It enshrines a statue of Bishamonten handed down since its founding.
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
Buddha enshrined: Bishamonten (main hall / Bishamon Hall; the name of the principal image is not given on the official website)
History and things to know
According to the temple's guide, it was opened in Bunroku 4 (1595) by Nissei Shōnin of Ikegami Honmon-ji, and Tokugawa Ieyasu is said to have presented a plaque bearing the temple's name. After a fire it was rebuilt in Kōjimachi by Mito Mitsukuni, and after the fire of Kansei 4 (1792) it moved to Kagurazaka. After burning in the air raids of Shōwa 20, the Bishamon Hall and the main hall were rebuilt.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
The statue of Bishamonten is usually kept behind a bamboo blind and is shown on days such as the first Tiger Day of January, May and September (official guide).
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 善國寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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