Shibamata Taishakuten 柴田又帝釈天

Atmospheric temple and garden

Taishakuten Temple at Shibamata is a wonderful example of period architecture and garden. The temple, dedicated to Taishakuten, or Indra, is flanked by a long corridor and receiving hall open to the public (admission Y500). The outside of the main hall is decorated with carved wooden reliefs depicting scenes from the Lotus Sutra. Below the main hall are dragons carved into the supporting beams. The temple bell is rung on the hour by the priests. The garden behind, designed by a famous gardener in the 1960s, is surrounded by a covered walkway. The garden views expand the space and make it appear much larger than it is. At a pavilion overlooking the garden, visitors can help themselves to tea and relax.