Around Gokoku-ji

Just a few more photos of buildings and such around Gokoku-ji.

There is a variety of shrines and other buildings on the grounds of the temple. Some are newer dating from early 1900's, and some are much older, having survived Tokyo's fires and WWII bombings.

This is 薬師堂, Yakushi-do, another healing Buddha shrine. The bell shaped windows and other features are notable. The shrine was moved to this location in 1691, so it was one of the first buildings to become a part of Gokoku-ji.

I spent a little time here, along with this temple cat.

The cat was friendly. I took that as a good sign. Maybe the healing Buddha would keep me safe from the virus? Or at least a non-stressful trip home.

Speaking of trips, there are Jizo for that. And there are Jizo for other things. This one is Hitokoto Jizou. 

Actually this Jizo is a little unusual. Not just for travelers, but for people who desire something. The information I found was conflicting as to whether you can only pray for one thing, or only say one word when you pray to this Jizo. Either way, care is needed in deciding what you want to pray for.

I am not sure where this gate leads. But the wood work is impressive.

A temizuya for water purification.

Another Jizo. This is the Migawari Jizo, who is a protector of anyone who is suffering from being abused. Migawari Jizo will take your place in the conflict.

More sakura and a lovely white torii and toro.

I am not sure what shrine this is for. It is possible this leads to graves. Because there is a cemetery here also. And some rather important people are interred here. Prime ministers, Emperor Meiji concubines, and one of their sons, Prince Mikasa.

Because I spent a lot of time looking at buildings and more at Gokoku-ji, I did not spend time at 豊島岡墓地, Toshimagaoka Cemetery. This path is one of many that lead there. 

And this path leads to my last post about Gokoku-ji. And Mt Fuji. Sort of.

Suitengu Shinto Shrine

The other reason for my long walk through Ikebukuro that day was to avoid Sunshine 60 Dori because I wanted to go to Tomad's. Because people were still creating crowds there. I will have photos in a later post. After Tomad's I stopped for something to eat. This view, I've also posted from here before.

Because it's MOS Burger. A little comfort food for the times.

First time in MOS Burger where the person taking my order didn't understand anything I said or what I was pointing at on their menu. I think by this time many in Japan thought all the tourists fled the country. Although I was trying to speak Japanese and pointing at their picture menu...still the onion rings were good.

I ended up with their teriyaki tempura shrimp on a rice bun. It was different, and good.

One other place to share from this long walk. It is also in Ikebukuro, near the train station.

It is Suitengu Shinto Shrine, 池袋水天宮.

It is a small shrine without much around it, except for lovely trees and these interesting four Jizo statues.

Suitengu Shinto Shrine is surrounded by mostly concrete at the Ekimae Park, 池袋駅前公園, next to the train tracks. The shrine isn't old, having been built in 1933.

The other noticeable thing at the small park is the sakura trees. While most people just walk through the space on their way to or from the station, a few were looking up and enjoying the beautiful trees.

It's not a very big park and there isn't much else there except for concrete and people smoking or meeting up. But it was nice at this time in March.

Exploring Zoshigaya

Because I had started from Zoshigaya Station, I was able to see a bit more of the area right there. This simple storefront for アルテリア・ベーカリー 雑司が谷店 , arteria bakery, really put the focus on their "delicious melon pan".

Near there is a picturesque shopping street. 鬼子母神大門 けやき並木 , Kishimojin Daimon Keyakinamiki, which would be a name for a gate for Kishimonjin Temple, and Keyakinamiki Street. It is popular with it's Showa era architecture and shops. The trees are zelkova and there are a couple that are over 600 years old.

Nearby trees were changing color including what looks like a pomegranate tree.  

It was a few weeks before Christmas and of course stores had displays. This one made me stop not because of odd assortment of figures, but that Santa. I had something very similar as a child. Along with a couple reindeer blow-ups.  

I headed back towards Ikebukuro, towards the Owl Road and the walkway lined with sakura trees. 

This is the road to the many temples between Zoshigaya and Iekbukuro. Still have to wait to see these sakura in bloom. 

 I stopped at 観静院, Kanjoin or Kansei-in Temple. I've seen it spelled both ways online. 

 Where I paid my respects to Lucky Goddess Benzaiten.

 I also stopped by 真乗院, Shinjoin Temple, where another Lucky God, Daikokuten has a shrine.

The little Inari Shinto Shrine still well taken care of.

I wrote about both temples previously. That post is here if you would like more information about them http://blukats.blogspot.com/2019/05/kanjoin-and-shinjoin-temples.html

I didn't really have a plan, just wanted to enjoy the afternoon and see some autumn color. So I revisited 威光山法明寺, Ikosan Homyoji Temple and it's Sanmon Gate. 

If you would like more information about this temple, I wrote about it here http://blukats.blogspot.com/2019/05/ikosan-homyoji-temple.html 

Besides seeing the Hondo at the temple, there were cats. 

 Heading back towards Zoshigaya Station there was a Jizo statue. This one is more likely to be for travelers.

A little different architecture for the area is the 東京フード製菓中医薬専門学校, Tokyo Food Seika Chuiyaku Senmongakkou, or Tokyo Life Science College. It's a culinary school that also teaches about health and beauty aspects of food, among other things. Their neo-classical styled building really stands out.

It may have been December but camellias were still beautifully blooming. 

Another Zoshigaya kitty.  

It was a lovely day to be out walking.