Ikosan Homyoji Temple

 One of the Buddhist temples in the Zoshigaya area is Ikosan Homyoji.

The main entrance has the impressive Sanmon gate.

The entrance leads into a nicely wooded temple ground. 

 With displays of stone markers

and stone lanterns, toro.

 The Hondo, main hall, has an air of older design. This temple founded around 810, but the structures are post-war so they are not that old.

 Still the design has a nice flow to it, perhaps reflecting back to prior incarnations of the building. Homyoji is a Nichiren Buddhist temple.

The bell here is popular with it's unusual designs of scales and abacus on it. This is also one of the top spots in Tokyo to ring in the new year.

Something else that makes this temple area popular is cats. 

I did see a number of cats at various temples and shrines including at Homyoji. 

Along with lovely sakura beginning to bloom. 

I have a feeling this temple is very beautiful when all the trees flower.

Owl Road and Zoshigaya Shrines and Temples

 After my visit to the Reading Glasses Museum, I decided to take a look at some of the shrines and temples near Ikebukuro, Toshima. Toshima Ward is known for the shrines and temples in the Zoshigaya area. There is even a Seven Lucky Gods walk that you can do.

There was a feeling of older times along the roads in the area. It was nice and quiet also, with very few cars in this neighborhood. 

Along the way there are views of numerous temples and shrines. I will mention a few in a couple other posts. 

Although I was too early for the full sakura blooming, there were a couple trees showing off early. This area is also known for its wonderful sakura viewing.

Along with enticing views of Japanese architecture. 

 Part of my walk was along Owl Road. 

 One of the translations of Ikebukuro's kanji is similar to the word "fukurou" which means owl. Locals have made use of this with many images of owls throughout the area. Including this road through Zoshigaya.

One could imagine owls enjoying the trees along this lovely shaded road. 

With it's glimpses of of shrines and temples. 

 And many owl statues.

It was nice to see the various stone work along Zoshigaya's Owl Road.

Walking in Shinjuku

I don't remember how many times I went to Shinjuku this last trip. I did discover that I could walk underground all the way to Marui Annex. Which is helpful if it rains. 

This day it wasn't raining. The sky was a beautiful blue. And I was heading to Marui Annex. And then to another place. 

I wish I could have taken a better photo of the window display for Takano Fruit Bar. The hanging glass balls with lights were very pretty.

Not all the buildings in Shinjuku are modern. Some still retain their look from prior eras. 

After stopping at Marui Annex I came across the Tsutaya Book Apartment. 

It's a place where you can hang out with a lot of books. Unfortunately you can't see it unless you pay first. It is an interesting idea. You can even stay overnight and use their showers if needed. The prices are by the hour.

 Back to Shinjuku Station and beyond. Walking in a different direction now.

Still going. I didn't know there was a Ladurée here. I will remember for next time. 

Still walking in Shinjuku. Ignore the guy in the sign across the street. 

After stopping at a couple temples and shrines, I made it to my destination. Yes, I wanted to eat at Potohar again.

Back inside at the counter, I was able to get a photo of their tandoori oven. 

It was lunch time so I ordered one of their lunch sets. It included salad and a peppery soup. 

I went with the chicken curry and rice. This was more filling than it looks. 

I was offered not one free drink,  

but two. Having a nice cup of chai tea is a good way to end a meal. 

As for why I went to Marui Annex, well it was back to KERA Shop for the brand new Moi-même-Moitié Rose Flared Sleeve cutsew. I gave in and bought both colors. It was fun to be able to buy something in a store the day the first day they had it. 

I will say wearing mostly black when traveling does make it easier. Along with the fact not having a closet for clothing is common in hotels in Japan means bringing less clothing is easier. I did have a few other outfits to wear.

Shōunji Temple in Ikebukuro

In March I spent a little more time wandering around Ikebukuro, getting to know the area. 

Another nice day under a daytime moon. 

Ikebukuro is interesting with it's mix of businesses and people. No pestering the women! 

I was headed to a Buddhist temple. Which just happened to have a couple early blooming sakura trees. 

Yes, this is my happy place. Gazing up into sakura trees. 

As for the temple, it is Shōunji Temple and this is the main gate, 山門, which I think is Yamamon.

This temple has a bit of history. The original Shōunji Temple was established in 1532 as a Zen temple in Edo Castle.

Freshly painted clouds underneath the main gate. 

And the back of the gate with two very large stone lanterns. The original temple took 30 years to build. When Tokugawa Ieyasu decided to have Edo castle repaired, he ordered the temple to be moved to Kanda.

Following this the temple was relocated twice, to Nippori and Hakusan. 

It finally ended up in Ikebukuro in 1915 where it now mostly handles Buddhist funerals in the main hall.

I am not sure how much of the temple is still wood, since it has burned a number of times in the various Tokyo fires. 

There is a garden at the site, along with a cemetery. 

There is a small Inari Shinto shrine there. 

A little worn but it is still in use. 

There was a solemnity to the grounds, but the people there were friendly. 

I did visit a few other temples and shrines in Ikebukuro so I will try to post more photos soon.