A huge jizo statue at Taisoji temple
I did a photowalk in Shinjuku with a fellow photographer several years ago. He introduced me to a local temple, Taisoji. We entered and marveled at the huge Buddhist statue in its courtyard. A city hidden gem revealed itself.
The discovery excited me. How could it be so close to Shinjuku Station without me knowing? I had never heard of this temple and its Buddha statue. But winter was here, and the light was fading. We took a few photos and moved on.
That was in 2019. I revisited Taisoji in 2021. I realized something on my return. Something about the statue niggled me. What gave me that feeling? Slowly but surely, the answer came to me. It wasn’t a Buddha. Do you know Jizo?
What is a Jizo Statue?
They are made of stone and have spiritual power. Jizos are guardians of children, travelers, and firefighters. There was no mistake. That is what it was.
What gave me the answer? Here is a hint. The neck has a giveaway. What’s there? A red bib. Jizos have them.
How embarrassed was I? Quite, let me tell you. When I first laid eyes on the statue, its size deceived me. I had ignored all the telltale signs.
This one is famous. The attached plaque tells the story. I should have read that on my first visit. It tells the story of the six Big Jizo Statues in Tokyo. That means another five are in the city. I’ll find and photograph them.
I did some research. Vicki L. Beyer wrote an article about it on her website, Jigsaw Japan. She explains who built them and why. Of course, the locations are included.
Anyway, it is good to set the record straight! Tell us if you have seen the other five giant jizo statues. I’m sure they are interesting Tokyo photo spots.
Where is this statue?
It is at Taisoji temple, about ten minutes from the JR Shinjuku Station.
Address: 2-9-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Statue Height
267 cm.
Opening hours
9 AM to 5 PM
Entry fees
None
Taisoji’s bonus jizo statue
What? A bonus jizo? Yes, a special one is in a corner. Salt covers the statue from head to toe! I’m not joking, the stuff is piled on thick. The sick need to visit it. Why?
Apply a pinch of salt to the afflicted area. Offer double what you took from the jizo after recovery. Does it work? I can’t say because I’ve never used it. But the story makes the claim! Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
Here are more Shinjuku articles:
External sites about Taisoji Jizo
- Vicki L. Beyer’s article on Jigsaw Japan