Kishimojin Temple

It may be difficult to top the religious redemption legend that makes up the story of this temple and its deity. Located in Ikebukuro, Kishimojin Temple is dedicated to the Buddhist deity, Kishimojin. A goddess who cares for and protects children, Kishimojin also helps mothers with their deliveries. The goddess will often be found with a child in one hand and a pomegranate in the other, symbols of her undying love and fertility.

But, as the legend goes, the goddess was not always so kind and benevolent. In her early days, she was actually a horrifying demon who, in an effort to feed her thousands of children, would go out and abduct other children to serve as food. One day, as she went out looking for kids, the Buddha hid one of her children. In a fit of panic at losing her child, the demon became enlightened to the suffering of other mothers and swore to protect their children.

Founded in the late 16th century, Kishimojin Temple is now a Tangible Cultural Property of Tokyo with thousands visiting each year to pray for good health and safe deliveries for both mothers and children. The temple grounds also feature numerous gingko trees, most well over 400 years old with one said to be approaching an amazing 600 years of age.

Wirh the trees standing sentinel and the general conditions of the grounds, the temple complex makes for a relaxing break from the outside heavyweight grit of modern Ikebukuro. Temple visitors will find a series of red torii gates belonging to the Takeyori Inari Shrine, a common Shinto element to an otherwise Buddhist affair. As befits a temple dedicated to children, there is also a very small - if basic - children's park on the western side of the ground.