Kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple
1 / 10

Kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple

4.5
·2k reviews·Setagaya City, Japan

A vast, serene temple in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward, known for its ancient trees, nine Buddha statues, and stunning seasonal beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Vibrant fall colors

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple

Kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Vibrant fall colors

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast, serene temple in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward, known for its ancient trees, nine Buddha statues, and stunning seasonal beauty.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"A beautiful and quiet temple located in Tokyo..! It is beautiful in all the seasons."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Vast Grounds

The temple boasts a huge, spacious plot of land, offering a tranquil escape within Tokyo .

🍁 Catch the Autumn Colors

Visit in fall for stunning red and yellow foliage that creates a picturesque scene .

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 2,014 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Nine Amida Buddhas

The Nine Amida Buddhas

Main Hall vicinity

Marvel at the impressive golden statues of nine Amida Buddhas, each with a unique hand gesture.

Ancient Cedar Tree

Ancient Cedar Tree

Temple grounds

Stand in awe of one of Tokyo's oldest trees, a majestic cedar over 700 years old .

Instagram
Seasonal Foliage

Seasonal Foliage

Temple grounds

Experience vibrant autumn leaves or delicate cherry blossoms painting the serene temple landscape .

Instagram+1
Enma-do Hall

Enma-do Hall

Temple grounds

Gain life lessons from the imposing Enma Daiou Sama statue; offering a coin can be a unique experience .

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Escape the Crowds: Find Serenity

Discover a peaceful oasis in Tokyo! Kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple offers vast, serene grounds away from the usual tourist hustle. It's a perfect spot for quiet contemplation and appreciating nature's beauty.

Best Time for Stunning Scenery

While beautiful year-round, autumn foliage transforms the temple grounds into a breathtaking spectacle of reds and yellows.Instagram+1 Spring also offers lovely cherry blossoms.Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Autumn mornings
Why
Vibrant fall colors
Crowd
Low
When
Spring afternoons
Why
Cherry blossoms bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

today we're going to Gōtoku-ji Temple in Setagaya City also known as the Lucky Cat Temple! this temple is known for the thousands of lucky cats here, but it's quickly become one of my favorite places in Tokyō. while it is still a tourist destination, it's not nearly as popular as other spots in Tokyō so it's more peaceful and "off the beaten path." if you're wanting blessings or good fortune for y...
@anjeezyalmighty
5.9K likes • 61.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Vast Grounds

The temple boasts a huge, spacious plot of land, offering a tranquil escape within Tokyo.Reddit

🍁 Catch the Autumn Colors

Visit in fall for stunning red and yellow foliage that creates a picturesque scene.Instagram+1

Manifesting good fortune at Gotokuji Shrine 🐱🍀 #tokyo #japan #japanaesthetic #ghibli #summerinjapan
@dnrlajvl
4.8K likes • 21.3K views
why are you so divine、なぜかこんなにも神々しい🐈️🙏 ◇─────────────────────────◇ Shooting date:2022.12.24📸 Location:Tokyo kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple Camera:Galaxy S10 場 所:九品仏浄真寺(東京都九品仏駅)🌿 ◇─────────────────────────◇ 神対応🔱 やはり今年はネコ年ですか🐱 イチョウの落ち葉もふわふわ暖かそう、 お腹はもふもふ💗   ◇─────────────────────────◇ #beautifulplaces #japan_travel #lovers_nippon #top_favorite_shots #traveling #planet_earth_shots #special_spot_legend #...
masafumi_japan
362 likes • 2.5K views

🌸 Spring Cherry Blossoms

Enjoy the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, adding charm to the temple grounds.Instagram+1

📖 English Signage Available

Signs around the grounds provide descriptions in both Japanese and English for better understanding.Reddit

Kuhonbutsu Joshin-ji Temple🍂🍂🍁 The birthplace of one of Tokyo’s oldest trees (more than 700 years old) Joshinji Temple is a huge complex of several halls dating back to 1678, home of the three Buddha Halls which are just in front of the main Hall, housing the nine Amida (Amitabha) Buddha. Each of these tall statues shows a different hand position, also known as Mudra, which have a symbolic mean...
chris80fab
82 likes • 559 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Vast Grounds

The temple boasts a huge, spacious plot of land, offering a tranquil escape within Tokyo.Reddit

🍁 Catch the Autumn Colors

Visit in fall for stunning red and yellow foliage that creates a picturesque scene.Instagram+1

🌸 Spring Cherry Blossoms

Enjoy the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, adding charm to the temple grounds.Instagram+1

📖 English Signage Available

Signs around the grounds provide descriptions in both Japanese and English for better understanding.Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Find Inner Peace

This temple is a beautiful and quiet spot, perfect for reflection and a break from city life.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple as a beautiful, spacious, and tranquil hidden gem in Tokyo. Its serene grounds, impressive Buddha statues, and stunning seasonal foliage are frequently highlighted, offering a peaceful escape from the city's bustle. Some find the Enma-do Hall particularly interesting for its unique life lessons.

"I feel like this is a hidden gem in Tokyo! I'd never heard of this temple before, but the grounds are huge and the temples and surrounding greenery is beautiful. It includes Japanese maple trees, cherry blossoms and cedar trees that really help isolate the temple from the outside world.

The temples house several golden Buddhas that are amazing to see, and there are plenty of signs around the grounds with both Japanese and English descriptions.

I can't wait to see this temple again!"

Chris Birdwell

"A large temple a short walk near Kuhombutsu station. Great, spacious place."

TIMOTHY LOI SOSMENA

"A wonderful temple that lets you see the wonderful statue of Buddha. It is truly dignified, affordable and boring! !! And the fun of Enma-do is also fun! !
I was allowed to cool in the main hall. the 9 Buddhas outside the main hall are also wonderful. I pray that the restoration will continue without interruption ❤️"

Raj Sharma

What People Like

Spacious and serene grounds
Beautiful seasonal foliage
Impressive Buddha statues

What People Dislike

Limited dining options nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The temple is a short walk from Kuhonbutsu Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line.Instagram From Shibuya, it's about a 15-minute journey.Instagram It's considered a peaceful escape within Tokyo.Reddit

Yes, it's located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo.TikTokInstagram Follow signs from Kuhonbutsu Station for a straightforward walk to the temple grounds.Instagram

Taking the train to Kuhonbutsu Station is recommended. The temple is then a short walk away, making it easily accessible without a car.Instagram

While in Tokyo, it offers a serene experience away from the busiest areas. It's about 15 minutes from Shibuya,Instagram making it a convenient day trip.

The temple is located near the upscale neighborhood of Jiyugaoka,Instagram offering a contrast of modern city life and ancient tranquility.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The temple grounds are generally free to enter, offering an affordable way to experience its beauty and history.Reddit

The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, allowing for visits throughout the day.Instagram

Yes, visitors can enter the main temple hall to see the Buddha statues up close.Reddit

No advance booking is typically required for general entry to the temple grounds.

While the grounds are spacious, some areas might have uneven terrain. It's advisable to check accessibility details if needed.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted on the temple grounds, allowing you to capture its serene beauty and seasonal changes.Instagram+1

The areas with the nine Buddha statues, the ancient cedar tree, and the seasonal foliage (autumn leaves or cherry blossoms) are highly photogenic.Instagram+1

While not explicitly stated, it's always respectful to avoid intrusive photography, especially during prayer times or in sacred areas.

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic experience.Instagram

While some videos mention cats,TikTokInstagram they are not a primary feature of this temple, unlike the famous Gotokuji Temple. Focus on the temple's architecture and nature.

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

You can see the nine Amida Buddha statues, a 700-year-old cedar tree, various temple halls, and beautiful natural scenery that changes with the seasons.Instagram+1

Compared to other Tokyo attractions, Kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple is often described as peaceful and less crowded, especially on weekdays.TikTokReddit

Established in 1678, the temple has a rich history and is built on the former grounds of Okusawa Castle.Instagram+1

Yes, signs around the grounds often include English descriptions, making it informative for international visitors.Reddit

Its vast, serene grounds, ancient trees, impressive Buddha statues, and beautiful seasonal foliage offer a unique sense of tranquility within Tokyo.Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2
Kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide