Shinobazu no Ike Bentendō

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The temple was modeled after the Chikubushima Island temple in Lake Biwa to replicate its sacred landscape.

2. 2

   The octagonal shape of the building is traditional for temples dedicated to Benzaiten, reflecting the 'eight-armed' iconography of the deity.

3. 3

   During the Edo period, the surrounding pond was a popular pleasure district for boaters and lotus viewers.

4. 4

   The original temple was destroyed during the Battle of Ueno in 1868 during the Meiji Restoration.

5. 5

   The pond features three distinct sections: the lotus pond, the boat pond, and the cormorant pond.

6. 6

   The temple houses a 'hakkaku-do' (octagonal hall) design which is a signature of Tendai Buddhism architecture.

7. 7

   A stone monument dedicated to glasses (spectacles) is located near the temple, honoring the history of optics in Japan.

Overview

Shinobazu no Ike Bentendō is an octagonal Buddhist temple located on an artificial island in the center of the Shinobazu Pond within Ueno Park. The current building is a 1958 concrete reconstruction of a structure originally founded in the 17th century by the monk Tenkai as part of the Kaneiji Temple complex. It is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, wealth, and arts, whose image is enshrined within the temple's altar. The surrounding pond is renowned for its dense lotus blossoms that cover the water surface during mid-summer. The island is accessible via two stone bridges that connect the temple grounds to the walking paths encircling the pond. Visitors can find various small stone monuments and memorial markers scattered throughout the temple premises. The site serves as a religious focal point for practitioners seeking blessings related to fortune and artistry.

Insider tips

• Visit during the early morning in July or August to witness the lotus flowers in full bloom before they close for the day.

• Walk the full circumference of the pond to see the temple from various angles against the skyline.

• Visit the small shrines dedicated to specific animals or business luck located on the temple island.