Joshinji Temple

The birthplace of one of Tokyo’s oldest trees

Community writer

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The birthplace of one of Tokyo’s oldest trees (more than 700 years old), the Joshinji Temple or Jōshin-ji was first established in 1678 in Kuhonbutsu (a few meters away from the Kuhonbutsu Station in Tokyo) and home of the three Buddha Halls which are just in front of the main Hall, housing three of the nine Amida (Amitabha) Buddha.

Each of these tall statues shows a different hand position, also known as Mudra, which have a symbolic meaning in esoteric Buddhism.

These Buddha Statues are the craftwork of the great master Kaseki Shonin (1617-1694) who devoted many years of his life, from 18 years old – 51 years old, to create nine different manifestations of the Amida Buddha.