
Monzen-Nakacho Naritasando Street
Experience a unique Buddhist temple known for its daily Goma fire rituals, powerful Taiko drumming, and a striking 'angry' Buddha.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the Goma fire ritual

Monzen-Nakacho Naritasando Street
Best Time
Witness the Goma fire ritual

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a unique Buddhist temple known for its daily Goma fire rituals, powerful Taiko drumming, and a striking 'angry' Buddha.
"Wonderful Taiko experience in this Buddhist temple. A must visit either for worship or just as a tourist."

Arrive Early for Rituals
Get a good spot for the Goma fire ritual and Taiko drumming. Be mindful and respectful during services. :pray:
Remove Shoes and Hat
Be prepared to take off your shoes and hat before entering certain areas of the temple. :foot:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Goma Fire Ritual
Witness a powerful daily fire ritual with chanting and taiko drumming. A truly unique spiritual experience.

The 'Angry' Buddha
An impressive and unique Buddha statue with a distinct Indian influence, offering a striking visual.

Taiko Drumming Performance
Experience the thunderous rhythms of Taiko drumming during the temple's services. A captivating auditory spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Fire Ritual
Embracing the Unique Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Rituals
Get a good spot for the Goma fire ritual and Taiko drumming. Be mindful and respectful during services. :pray:
Remove Shoes and Hat
Be prepared to take off your shoes and hat before entering certain areas of the temple. :foot:
Respect Photography Rules
Refrain from taking photos during official services to show respect for the cultural experience. :camerawithflash:
Embrace the Modern Mix
Appreciate the temple's unique blend of traditional and modern elements, including unique art and architecture. :art:
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Rituals
Get a good spot for the Goma fire ritual and Taiko drumming. Be mindful and respectful during services. :pray:
Remove Shoes and Hat
Be prepared to take off your shoes and hat before entering certain areas of the temple. :foot:
Respect Photography Rules
Refrain from taking photos during official services to show respect for the cultural experience. :camerawithflash:
Embrace the Modern Mix
Appreciate the temple's unique blend of traditional and modern elements, including unique art and architecture. :art:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Goma fire ritual and Taiko drumming at this Buddhist temple to be a unique and impressive experience. While some appreciate the 'angry' Buddha and the blend of traditional and modern elements, others find the contemporary additions and concrete grounds detract from the aesthetic. Respectful observation during services is highly recommended.
"This esoteric Buddhist temple is a bit of a mishmash - not very beautiful...even though the wood carvings on the main building are rather nice.
It is difficult to swallow the large LED display at the front of the temple advertising the times of the Goma fire ritual though. On top of that you have the hyper-modern building on the left of the temple with Sanskrit black, white and gold letters that give the temple an unnatural appearance.
To make matters worse, a large part of the grounds are pure concrete and a large part of it is painted green with very smooth surface like an indoor soccer field.
The highway passing by in the background does not help either.
Perhaps I was in a bad mood this day...hmmm."
Jim Reaugh
"Very nice temple, kind of modern atmosphere with buildings."
Bonjour Tokyo
"Wonderful Taiko experience in this Buddhist temple The big (angry) Buddha is unique and seems to have an Indian influence. We stayed for an entire service, which was quite an experience. Be prepared to remove your shoes and hat."
Warren Paul Harris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Monzen-Nakacho Naritasando Street is accessible via public transport. The nearest station is Monzen-Nakacho Station, served by the Toei Oedo and Tozai subway lines. From Narita Airport, you can take a train or bus to central Tokyo and then transfer to the subway. Some travelers suggest using the Visit Japan Web service for easier immigration and customs procedures upon arrival.
Reaching Monzen-Nakacho from Narita Airport involves a train or bus journey. While the Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner are options, some travelers recommend a lower-cost bus service for around 1,300 yen to Tokyo Station, which takes about an hour. From Tokyo Station, you can then take the subway to Monzen-Nakacho.
Tokyo's extensive subway system is the most efficient way to get around. Consider purchasing a Klook Value Rail Pass if you plan on extensive travel between cities, as it can be more cost-effective than a JR Pass for certain routes. For local travel, the Toei Oedo and Tozai lines are key for reaching Monzen-Nakacho.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the temple grounds and to witness the Goma fire ritual is generally free. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the sacred space and any donation boxes available.
The temple is typically open daily, with prayers and the Goma fire ritual starting from 9 AM and occurring every two hours. It's advisable to check for any specific holiday hours or temporary closures.
No advance booking is usually required for the Goma fire ritual. However, arriving early is recommended to secure a good viewing spot, especially on busy days.
🎫 ⛩️ Onsite Experience
The Goma fire ritual is a significant Buddhist ceremony involving chanting of sutras and the burning of sacred wood. It's a powerful and visually striking event that many visitors find deeply moving.
The Taiko drumming is a dynamic and resonant part of the temple's services. The powerful beats create an immersive and energetic atmosphere that many visitors find impressive.
Photography is generally discouraged or prohibited during the official services and rituals to maintain a respectful atmosphere. It's best to put your phone away and fully immerse yourself in the experience.
The temple presents a unique blend of traditional Buddhist architecture with modern elements. Some reviews note a 'mishmash' feel, including a large LED display and contemporary buildings, alongside traditional wood carvings and the striking Buddha statue.
Visitors are expected to be respectful of the religious site. This includes removing shoes and hats when required, and refraining from disruptive behavior during ceremonies.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the street itself is known for its temple, the surrounding Monzen-Nakacho area offers various dining options. You can find traditional Japanese eateries and local restaurants serving a range of dishes. Some TikTok videos highlight hidden gem restaurants in Tokyo, though not specifically on this street.
The area typically offers classic Japanese cuisine. You might find soba shops, sushi restaurants, and other local favorites. Exploring the side streets can lead to some authentic culinary discoveries.
📸 📸 Photography
Key photo opportunities include the Goma fire ritual (from a distance or before/after the service), the unique 'angry' Buddha statue, and the Taiko drummers. The temple's blend of old and new architecture also offers interesting visual contrasts.
Yes, photography is generally not permitted during the religious services to maintain a respectful atmosphere. Always check for posted signs or ask temple staff if unsure.
A versatile lens that can handle both wide shots of the temple grounds and closer details of the statues and rituals would be beneficial. A camera with good low-light performance can also be helpful for capturing the atmosphere during services.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Spiritual Seekers & Culture Enthusiasts
Beyond the ritual, the temple's unique blend of traditional and modern architecture can be fascinating for those interested in the evolution of religious sites. The 'angry' Buddha statue, with its Indian influences, is also a point of interest for those exploring diverse religious iconography. This is a place to engage with, rather than just observe.
Budget-Conscious Travelers
When it comes to getting to Tokyo, opting for the more affordable bus services from Narita Airport instead of the express trains can save a considerable amount of money. Within Tokyo, utilizing the efficient subway system and considering passes like the Klook Value Rail Pass for longer journeys can also help manage transportation costs effectively.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Goma Fire Ritual: A Spiritual Spectacle
Visitors are welcome to observe the ritual, which typically occurs hourly from 9 AM. It's important to arrive a bit early to find a suitable viewing spot. As a sign of respect, attendees are asked to remove their shoes and hats before entering the ritual area. Photography during the actual ceremony is generally prohibited to ensure a solemn and focused atmosphere.
The combination of the crackling flames, the resonant chanting, and the thunderous beat of the Taiko drums creates an intense and memorable sensory experience. While some find the temple's modern additions a bit jarring, the spiritual core of the Goma ritual remains a powerful draw for many.
Navigating Tokyo's Transportation for Your Visit
Once in Tokyo, the subway system is your best friend. The Toei Oedo Line and Tozai Line directly serve Monzen-Nakacho Station, making it easily accessible. For travelers planning extensive inter-city travel, researching rail passes like the Klook Value Rail Pass might offer significant savings compared to the JR Pass, depending on your itinerary.
Many TikTok videos offer tips on navigating Japan's transportation, including advice on using apps like 'Visit Japan Web' for pre-filling immigration forms, which can streamline your arrival process. Planning your routes in advance using navigation apps will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit