About Matsuchiyama Shoden

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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 .

  • 本堂入口
    Mainhall pouch
  • 境内石碑
    Stone Moment
  • 灯篭
    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)
Copyright (C)2000- 2016 Matsuchiyama Syouden. All Rights Reserved.