Temple · Zoshigaya

Zoshigaya Kishimojin-do & Kamikawaguchiya 雑司ヶ谷鬼子母神堂・上川口屋

A 1666 hall to the protector of children at the end of a zelkova-lined approach, with what is said to be Japan's oldest dagashi candy shop (since 1781) trading under a 700-year-old ginkgo.

About

Five minutes from Ikebukuro's neon, the Toden tram drops you at a different century. A wide approach lined with old zelkova trees leads to Kishimojin-do, a hall completed in 1666 and designated an Important Cultural Property, with richly carved and painted interiors. Kishimojin is a demon-turned-protector of children and mothers; here her name is written without the horns at the top of the character for "demon", a local quirk. In the grounds stands Kamikawaguchiya, a tiny wooden stall run by the same family since 1781 and said to be the oldest dagashi shop in Japan, selling cheap sweets and toys from wooden boxes beside a giant ginkgo some 700 years old. The shop also sells susuki-mimizuku, owl charms woven from pampas grass that are the temple's traditional souvenir.

Highlights

• Main hall of 1666, an Important Cultural Property with carved and painted interiors
• Zelkova-lined approach, a Tokyo Natural Monument
• Kamikawaguchiya, said to be Japan's oldest dagashi shop (founded 1781)
• Ginkgo tree around 700 years old
• Pampas-grass owl charms (susuki-mimizuku)

Tips

• Ride the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) to Kishibojin-mae for the full atmosphere.
• The dagashi stall keeps short, weather-dependent hours, afternoons on fine days are best.
• The Oeshiki festival (16–18 October) fills the approach with lantern processions and drums.
• Monthly handmade-crafts markets are held at the temple, check dates locally.

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

Nearby

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• Toshima City Office Rooftop Garden (Toshima no Mori)Photo Spot · 500 m away
• MutekiyaRamen & Noodles · 560 m away
• Yodobashi Camera Multimedia IkebukuroCamera Store · 610 m away
• Minami-Ikebukuro ParkPark · 620 m away
• Coin Lockers · Mejiro StationLuggage Storage · 620 m away
• Higashi-Ikebukuro Taishoken HontenRamen & Noodles · 650 m away
• Zoshigaya Missionary MuseumMuseum · 650 m away