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
Tap or click the posted images to view them at their original size.
1. Urban Oasis “Dharma Talk Café”
At Ekō-in, a contemporary “Dharma Talk Café” is held regularly. Here, you can enjoy tea or coffee while listening to the abbot’s Dharma talk. You can casually learn Buddhist teachings in a café style and spend a gentle moment that soothes mental fatigue. It is held once or twice a month, mainly on Saturday or Sunday afternoons.
© 回向院
2. Sacred Ground of Sumo and the Chikara-zuka
Ekō-in has a deep connection with sumo, Japan’s national sport. In the Edo period, it was the center of fundraising sumo tournaments, and for 76 years until the completion of the former Ryogoku Kokugikan, the “Ekō-in Sumo Era” continued. Within the grounds stands the “Chikara-zuka,” erected to commemorate generations of sumo elders; even today it serves as a place where new apprentices pray to receive strength, demonstrating the enduring bond between sumo and our temple.
© 回向院
3. Compassion for All Forms of Life and Unique Mounds
Ekō-in conducts a “Comprehensive Memorial for All Creatures,” offering memorial services for all lives—not only humans but also animals, mizuko, and the unclaimed dead. Throughout the grounds are unique and heartwarming mounds such as the “Mizuko-zuka,” said to be the origin of mizuko memorials; the “Salt Jizo,” to which salt is offered when wishes are fulfilled; and the grave of “Nezumi Kozō,” known as a chivalrous thief. The grave of Nezumi Kozō is especially popular among students praying for success in entrance exams.
© 回向院
Facility Information
| Name | 回向院 |
| Address | 〒130-0026 Tokyo, Sumida City, Ryogoku 2-8-10 |
| Access |
3 minutes on foot from JR Sobu Line Ryogoku Station (West Exit), 10 minutes on foot from Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku Station |
| Hours | 9:00-16:30 |
| Closed days | Open daily |
| Admission | Free |
| Official website | https://ekoin.or.jp/ |
Other recommended information
At Ekoin, a variety of events and activities are held throughout the year. The morning and evening services are conducted every day from 4:00 p.m., and anyone is welcome to participate. The temple also actively takes part in local events such as “両国にぎわい祭り,” deepening ties with the community. Why not enjoy a heart-enriching experience at Ekoin, where history and the present blend together?
© 回向院
© 回向院
© 回向院
© 回向院
References
- Ekoin official website：https://ekoin.or.jp/
BASIC INFORMATION
| Name |
回向院 (エコウイン) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-8-10 Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo Access |
| Fax | 03-3634-7776 |
| Official URL | https://ekoin.or.jp/ |
| Official Social Media |
|