In the heart of the city, a quiet place of prayer that gently soothes the heart.
A healing spot in Ryogoku where history and compassion live on
【回向院】
Located in Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo, 回向院 is just a 3-minute walk from the JR Sobu Line Ryogoku Station West Exit and a 10-minute walk from the Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku Station. Despite this convenient access, a tranquil space unfolds here, making you forget the bustle of the city. The temple has long been revered as one that has walked alongside ordinary people throughout history. Valuing compassion for all forms of life — not only humans but also animals, miscarried and stillborn children, and the unclaimed dead — it continues to offer memorial services. Across the grounds, historic Buddhist statues and unique memorial mounds are dotted about, offering visitors peace of mind and new discoveries.
Top 3 highlights
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1. Urban oasis “Dharma Talk Café”
回向院 regularly hosts a modern “Dharma Talk Café.” Here, you can enjoy tea or coffee while listening to the head priest’s Dharma talk. You can casually learn Buddhist teachings in a café-style setting and spend a gentle moment that soothes a tired mind. It is held once or twice a month, mainly on Saturday or Sunday afternoons.
© 回向院
2. Sacred ground of sumo and 力塚
回向院 has a deep connection with sumo, Japan’s national sport. During the Edo period, it was the center of fundraising sumo tournaments, and for 76 years until the completion of 旧両国国技館, the “回向院相撲 era” continued. Within the grounds stands 力塚, erected to memorialize generations of sumo elders; even today, it serves as a place where new apprentices pray to receive strength, symbolizing the bond between sumo and our temple.
© 回向院
3. Compassion for diverse lives and unique mounds
At 回向院, “諸動物総回向” is conducted to offer memorial services for all lives—not only humans, but also animals, 水子, and 無縁仏. Within the grounds are heartwarming and unique mounds such as 水子塚, said to be the origin of 水子 memorials; 塩地蔵, to which salt is offered when wishes are granted; and ねずみ小僧の墓, known as the grave of the chivalrous thief. ねずみ小僧の墓 is especially popular among students praying for exam success.
© 回向院
Other recommended information
At 回向院, various events and activities take place throughout the year. The morning and evening services are held every day from 4:00 p.m., and anyone can participate. The temple also actively takes part in local events such as the 両国にぎわい祭り, deepening exchanges with the community. Why not enjoy an enriching experience at 回向院, where history and the present blend together?
© 回向院
© 回向院
© 回向院
© 回向院
References
- 回向院 Official Website：https://ekoin.or.jp/