Fukagawa Fudou-dō (Naritasan Tokyo branch temple)

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The temple exterior is decorated with approximately 10,000 stone Fudo Myoo tablets known as 'Negai-fuda'.

2. 2

   The Goma fire ritual uses consecrated fire to burn away negative energy and worldly attachments.

3. 3

   The interior 'Prayer Corridor' features an installation of 10,000 small crystal statues of Fudo Myoo.

4. 4

   The temple was founded in 1703 during the Edo period to allow Tokyo residents to experience the Naritasan rituals without traveling to Chiba.

5. 5

   The modern main hall was completed in 2011 and was designed to accommodate large crowds for fire ceremonies.

6. 6

   The temple serves as a 'Kito' center, specifically dedicated to performing prayer rituals for individual petitioners.

Overview

Fukagawa Fudou-dō is a modern Buddhist temple known for its intense Goma fire rituals performed daily. The site is a Tokyo branch of the historic Naritasan Shinshoji Temple located in Chiba. The architecture features a striking exterior wall covered in thousands of small stone Sanskrit-carved tablets. Inside, the main hall houses a massive statue of Fudo Myoo, a deity representing absolute, immovable wisdom. Visitors can walk through a spiritual corridor lined with 10,000 miniature crystal statues. The temple serves as a center for ritual cleansing and protection prayers. Unlike many traditional wooden temples, the main building integrates contemporary design with religious function. The temple grounds include both modern concrete structures and smaller, older shrines. It is located in the historic Monzen-nakacho district, which has historically thrived as a temple town.

Insider tips

• Check the daily fire ceremony schedule upon arrival to ensure you are seated in the main hall during the ritual.

• Participate in the ritual by writing your wishes on the provided wooden slats before the ceremony starts.

• Spend time observing the exterior wall facade, as the Sanskrit characters are lit and textured differently throughout the day.