Zenkoku-ji Bishamonten - Image 1
1 / 3

Zenkoku-ji Bishamonten

4
·1k reviews·新宿区, Japan

A serene 16th-century shrine in Kagurazaka, dedicated to Bishamonten, the god of fortune, known for its vermilion hues and stone tigers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late July evenings

Vibrant festival atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Zenkoku-ji Bishamonten - Image 1

Zenkoku-ji Bishamonten

Best Time

Late July evenings

Vibrant festival atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 16th-century shrine in Kagurazaka, dedicated to Bishamonten, the god of fortune, known for its vermilion hues and stone tigers.

4
(1k reviews)

"A peaceful Buddhist temple tucked away in Shinjuku, offering a nice escape from busy city streets. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Collect a Special Goshuin

Get a unique Goshuin with a golden tiger design for 400 yen. 🎟️

🚶 Explore Kagurazaka's Lanes

Wander through charming stone-paved alleys like Hyogo Yokocho near the temple. 🚶

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4 · 1,479 reviews

Type

Buddhist Temple

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple

Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple

Kagurazaka, Shinjuku

A serene 16th-century shrine dedicated to the god of fortune, known for its striking vermilion architecture and stone tiger statues.

Stone Tiger Statues

Stone Tiger Statues

Temple Grounds

Unique and eye-catching stone tigers guard the temple, adding a distinctive touch to this spiritual site.

Goshuin Collection

Goshuin Collection

Temple Office

Collect a special Goshuin (temple seal) featuring a golden tiger, a unique souvenir for your visit.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While Zenkoku-ji Bishamonten is open daily and free to enter, consider visiting during local festivals like the Kagurazaka Matsuri in late July for a vibrant experience. Be aware that popular times can get crowded, especially during events. Reddit

Kagurazaka Exploration

Zenkoku-ji Bishamonten is a key landmark in the charming Kagurazaka neighborhood. Plan to explore the surrounding stone-paved lanes and local shops before or after your temple visit for a complete experience. Instagram

Best Times

When
Late July evenings
Why
Vibrant festival atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and less crowded
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🏞 岐阜 / Gifu ・モネの池 / Monet’s Pond ・付知峡 / Tsukechi Gorge ・白川郷 / Shirakawa-go 🦌 奈良 / Nara ・長谷寺 / Hasedera Temple ・宝山寺 / Hōzan-ji Temple ・壺坂寺 / Tsubosaka-dera 🏙 東京 / Tokyo ・浅草寺 / Sensō-ji Temple ・東京スカイツリー / Tokyo Skytree ・渋谷スクランブル交差点 / Shibuya Scramble Crossing ⛩ 和歌山 / Wakayama ・那智の滝 / Nachi Falls ・元嶋神社 / Motojima Shrine ・高野山 / Mount Kōya 🌊 宮崎 / Miyazaki ・天安河原 / Amano Yasugawara ・高千穂 / Takachiho Gorge...
@reo_film
476.5K likes • 2.6M views

🎯 Collect a Special Goshuin

Get a unique Goshuin with a golden tiger design for 400 yen. Reddit 🎟️

🚶 Explore Kagurazaka's Lanes

Wander through charming stone-paved alleys like Hyogo Yokocho near the temple. Instagram 🚶

my Tokyo Asakusa food crawl itinerary + all my best tips! We hit 8 spots in about 3 hours and made sure to do this on the first day of our Japan trip to get a little taste of everything! These are all affordable, cheap eats within walking distance from each other and located by the famous Senso-ji temple and Nakemisedori shopping street, both of which are worth visiting! Watch for details and wha...
@itshelenmelon
46.6K likes • 697.3K views
📍 Kagurazaka, Tokyo Un angolo di pace nel cuore della frenetica Tokyo. Questo quartiere è ricco di storia e cultura tradizionale giapponese. Tra le stradine acciottolate si nasconde il Tempio Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji (毘沙門天善國寺), uno dei simboli di Kagurazaka. 🔎Fondato nel XVII secolo, il tempio è dedicato a Bishamonten, il dio della fortuna e della protezione. È noto per la sua spettacolare atmosfer...
elly_25
66 likes • 4.1K views

📅 Check Festival Dates

Visit during Kagurazaka Matsuri (late July) for food stalls and performances. Reddit 📅

📸 Admire Vermilion Architecture

The temple's striking orange/vermilion colors make for beautiful photos. Instagram 📷

3️⃣ days left until the Tokyo To Do lists are released! 🎉 Here is a sneak peak of the To Do list 👀⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Pay your respects at a shrine or a temple ✅⁠⁠ Established in 1595 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple was eventually relocated from Nihonbashi to Kagurazaka, Shinjuku 🚚 It has been an integral part of the community ever since 🙏⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Be sure to check the Tokyo Tokyo Official Website...
tokyotokyooldmeetsnew
3.3K likes • 40.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Collect a Special Goshuin

Get a unique Goshuin with a golden tiger design for 400 yen. Reddit 🎟️

🚶 Explore Kagurazaka's Lanes

Wander through charming stone-paved alleys like Hyogo Yokocho near the temple. Instagram 🚶

📅 Check Festival Dates

Visit during Kagurazaka Matsuri (late July) for food stalls and performances. Reddit 📅

📸 Admire Vermilion Architecture

The temple's striking orange/vermilion colors make for beautiful photos. Instagram 📷

What Travellers Say

4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Zenkoku-ji Bishamonten Temple to be a peaceful and visually striking sanctuary in the heart of Kagurazaka. Its free entry and unique tiger motifs are highlights, though some note it's a relatively simple temple. The opportunity to collect a special Goshuin is a popular draw. Reddit+1

"Zenkokuji Temple in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, built around late 16th or early 17th century, is located near Tokyo Metro Kagurazaka Station and is the symbol for Kagurazaka community.

The Temple is quite plain but stylish, with most wood frames painted in red color.

It opens daily to the public free for entrance.

For visitors who plan to stroll Kagurazaka-dori and nearby slope, Zenkokuji Temple is also a good geographic spot, because there are area maps outside the Temple and because Hyogo Yokocho [stone-paved lane] area is across the Temple."

Ben Hsu

"A peaceful Buddhist temple tucked away in Shinjuku. Beautiful architecture, serene atmosphere and a nice escape from the busy city streets. Worth a quick visit while exploring the area!"

Hana Fujimoto

"2 goshuin. Special one with Tiger. 400 yen per goshuin. Beautiful goshuin with a gold tiger."

K L

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Striking vermilion color
Unique tiger statues

What People Dislike

Relatively plain architecture

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The temple is conveniently located near Tokyo Metro Kagurazaka Station. It's easily accessible via the Tozai Line. Instagram

Yes, the temple is situated in the charming Kagurazaka neighborhood, perfect for exploring on foot. Instagram

You can take the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line to Kagurazaka Station. Other nearby stations include JR Iidabashi Station. Instagram

Parking is limited in the Kagurazaka area. It's recommended to use public transportation. Reddit

Taxis are available, but navigating the narrow streets of Kagurazaka might be easier with public transport. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Zenkoku-ji Bishamonten Temple is free for all visitors. Reddit

The temple is open daily to the public. Specific hours are not always listed, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase a special Goshuin with a tiger design for 400 yen at the temple's side office. Reddit

The temple is a focal point for the Kagurazaka Matsuri festival, usually held in late July, featuring food stalls and performances. Reddit

While the main temple area is generally accessible, some of the surrounding narrow lanes might present challenges. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Souvenirs

Photography is generally permitted within the temple grounds, but always be respectful of worshippers. Instagram

The vermilion architecture and the unique stone tiger statues are popular subjects for photos. Instagram

Besides the Goshuin, you can find local crafts and souvenirs in the shops along Kagurazaka-dori. Instagram

The special Goshuin with the golden tiger is a highly recommended and unique souvenir. Reddit

Moguharu is a local mascot associated with Kagurazaka and might be seen during events or promotions. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Kagurazaka area is known for its diverse culinary scene, from traditional Japanese to international cuisine. TikTok

Kagurazaka offers a mix of upscale dining and casual eateries, with many restaurants along Kagurazaka-dori. TikTok

During festivals like Kagurazaka Matsuri, numerous street food stalls pop up. Reddit

While some restaurants can be pricey, you can find more budget-friendly options, especially if you explore side streets. TikTok

Asakusa Unana is a popular food spot near Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, known for its unagi rice balls, not directly related to Zenkoku-ji Bishamonten. TikTok+1

You may also like