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Koya-San Tokyo Betsuin Temple

Find peace in busy urban Shinagawa

Even in the most built-up, officey parts of Tokyo, it's still possible to turn a corner and happen across a temple or shrine, often quite a big one. Occupying a good-sized piece of what must be very valuable real estate near Shinagawa station, Koya-San Betsuin is the Tokyo branch of Koya-San, a home of Japanese Buddhism.

Apparently it dates back to 1655, but I imagine it's been substantially rebuilt more recently, as much of it looks very modern. The main worship hall is pretty large and imposing, and has a goodly amount of space around it, allowing you to admire it in its entirety from a distance.

There are also plenty of interesting statues dotted around the grounds. There's a Buddhist monk with two tiny cute little guardians, some more traditional figures of deities and devotees, and an interesting fountain/pond arrangement of very modern design, home to a number of small statues whose red bibs and hats stand out strongly against the black and grey around them.

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