Temple · Okusawa / Jiyugaoka

Kuhonbutsu Joshinji 九品仏浄真寺

A huge, tree-filled Pure Land temple a few minutes from Jiyugaoka. Three halls stand facing the main hall, and each holds three gilded Amida Buddhas, nine in all. Its gingko and maple grounds turn gold and crimson in late November, and it is one of Setagaya's favourite autumn walks.

About

Joshinji was founded in 1678 on the site of an old castle, and its grounds are still about 36,000 square metres of old trees, raked gravel and long approach paths. That is enormous for a temple sitting among the houses of Okusawa. The name Kuhonbutsu means "nine Buddhas". Across from the main hall, which represents this world, stand three halls (the Sanbutsudo), each holding three seated Amida statues, one for each of the nine grades of rebirth in the Pure Land. Every three years the temple holds the Omen-kaburi, a rare procession in which masked bodhisattvas cross a bridge between the halls. On ordinary days the precinct is almost empty apart from local dog walkers and sketchers. In late November, though, its giant gingko trees and maples draw photographers from all over Tokyo. The tiny Kuhombutsu Station on the Oimachi Line has a platform so short that some train doors stay shut there.

Highlights

• Nine gilded Amida Buddhas in three halls facing the main hall
• Huge gingko and maple trees that peak in late November
• A long, cedar-lined approach with an old-castle atmosphere
• The Omen-kaburi masked bodhisattva procession, held every three years
• A temple precinct of about 36,000 m² hidden in residential Okusawa

Tips

• Ride the Oimachi Line to Kuhombutsu. The platform is so short that some doors stay shut there, so listen for the announcement and use a door that opens.
• Peak autumn colour is usually the last week of November. Go before 9:00 to beat the camera crowds.
• Walk on to Jiyugaoka (about 10 minutes) for cake and coffee afterwards.
• The statues are visible from the hall doorways. Be quiet, since services are often going on.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Coin Lockers · Jiyugaoka StationLuggage Storage · 660 m away
• La Vita JiyugaokaLocal Secret · 720 m away
• Jiyūgaoka Kumano-jinja ShrineShrine · 760 m away
• Den-en-chofu Old Station BuildingLandmark & Tower · 1.2 km away
• Todoroki ValleyNature & Hike · 1.2 km away
• Tamagawadai ParkPark · 2.0 km away
• Komazawa Olympic ParkPark · 2.0 km away
• Den-en-chofu Seseragi ParkPark · 2.1 km away