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About Matsuchiyama Shoden
Matsuchiyama Shoden Honryuin is one of the constituent temples of Sensoji. It belongs to Sho-Kannon Sect which is a branch of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism. Although being a temple，a framed plaque bearing the title “Shoten -Gu"
meaning Shoten Shrine can be found in the front of the Main Hall，showing
the close connection between Buddhist and Shinto faiths which is still
alive today.
The history of Matsuchiyama and the seating of Kangi-ten
It is said that during the reign of Emperor Suiko，the mountain of Matsuchi
suddenly raised itself from the earth，and a golden dragon descended from
the heaven to protect it.
During the summer six years later when the land was suffering from a severe drought,Eleven-Faced Kannon，one of the different incarnations of the famous Buddhist deity “Kannon”, mercifully perceived the hardships of the people，and appeared in the form of Daisho-Kangi- Ten to deliver immediate salvation. This is said to be the origin of the seating of Kangi-Ten on this mountain.
Later in 857 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Montoku，Jikaku-Daishi Ennin，who is famous for restoring the Tendai Sect, stayed at this mountain during his journey
through the eastern part of Japan，and performed the oil-bathing ritual
for 21 days to pray for peace in the nation. It is said that he also carved
the image of Eleven-Faced Kannon from red sandalwood while strictly observing
the religious rite.
Ever since its founding，this temple has been revered by many people over
the years，and it retains a highly spiritual atmosphere even today.
Daisho-Kangi-Ten is considered to represent the utmost means of salvation
of Dainichi Nyorai，the universal deity in Esoteric Buddhism，and is also
considered to be an avatar of Kannon. Kangi-Ten has pledged to lead our
wishes which originate from our ignorance into fulfillment by following
natural processes，ultimately leading us to the righteous path. Kangi-Ten
takes the form of an embracing couple representing the unity of the sacred
and the profane，the importance of harmony between oneself and the others，and
the mercifulness of Kangi-Ten to save the world without exception.
Yokuyu ritual
Yokuyu (oil-bathing) is the most sacred ritual to honor Kangi-Ten. It is offered every day in Matsuchiyama to pray for the prompt fulfillment of all the wishes of the believers. The temple accepts requests for Yokuyu anytime，and a seal or an amulet relic is awarded after the ritual is practiced for seven days.
>浴油祈祷とは(Application in Japanese)
Daikon(Japanese radish) and Pouch
There are many images of a daikon and a pouch found in various places of
the temple grounds，and they represent the gifts granted by the prayers.
The daikon represents our minds trapped in deep ignorance，emanating poison
of anger，but by offering a daikon to Kangi-Ten，that poison will be purged
from our body and soul. We will be healthy both physically and mentally，be
able to find a good match，and live long in harmony with one's spouse and
other family members. The pouch is a symbol of treasure，and it represents
the gift of prosperity in business .
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| Mainhall pouch |
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| Stone Moment |
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| Lanterns |
Sakura Rail
Sakura Rail is a monorail connecting parking lot and the main hall of Matsuchiyama.It's
the shortest monorail in Japan which opened to traffic in 2012. The person
disabled walking are using it mainly
Matsuchiyama in Ukiyo-E
Up until the Edo Period(1603~1869), Matschiyama was famous as a scenic
spot in Edo(Tokyo),and it was captured by many ukiyo-e artists and poets
of that time.
Matsuchiyama Shoden had many believers and visitors,almost all of whom
were the common people.They visited this temple to pray for the wellbeing
of themselves and their families.
At that time, Matsuchiyama Shoten,surrounded with thick forest, standing
high near the Sumida River, was introduced through poems,folk songs,dramas
and pictures as one of the most famous places of scenic beauty and historic
interest in Edo.
東都名所真土山之図.
"Matsuchiyama"from the series
famous place of the Easterm Capital.
東都三十六景 今戸橋 待乳山
Matsuchiyama and Imado Bridge from the series Thirty-six Views of the Eastern
Capital.
東京名勝図絵待乳山
Scenic Spots in Tokyo.Matsuchiyama
Access
10 minute walk from Asakusa Station.
BY Train
Tobu SkyTree Line:
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line:
Toei Subway Asakusa Line:
Matsuchiyama Shoten Buddhist Temple.
7-4-1,Asakusa,Taito-ku,Tokyo 111-0032
Tel.03-3874-2030(Japanese only)