Welcome to Zōjō-ji (三縁山増上寺)! But what makes it so special? Aren't there many Buddhist temples in Tokyo?
A short walk from Tokyo Tower, it's extremely interesting to walk around because of the cemetery for unborn children. Take this as mid-way point between Roppongi and Odaiba (including the scenic walk along the Rainbow Bridge) and you got a pretty decent way to spend Sunday off the beaten track - and as usual, for FREE.
We were pretty shocked by the amount of statues… Poor kids.
Each statue carries toys and offerings, each statue was laid for someone missing an unborn child.
Incredibly colorful, able to light up the cloudiest day of Fall. Like this Sunday turned out to be.
The toys are offerings for Jizō, the figure who is in charge of carrying dead kids to the other side.
Rows of stone statues of children represent the unborn children of Japan, including miscarried, aborted and stillborn children. Parents can choose a statue in the garden and decorate it with small clothing and toys. Usually the statues are accompanied by a small gift (i.e. fan) for Jizō, the guardian of unborn children to ensure that they are brought to the afterlife.
Access MAP
*(Daimon in Toei Subway or Hammamatsucho are stations nearby)
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