Have you ever been to Ameya Yokocho in Ueno? Ameya Yokocho is lined with various shops where you can buy fresh fruit, sweets, food supplies, general goods, clothes, and much more. Today, I would like to introduce Marishiten Tokudaiji Temple, which is located in Ameya Yokocho. Even if you have not heard its name before, you may have come across it if you have been to Ameya Yokocho and thought it was strange. Did you wonder to yourself, "Why is there a temple here?" Yes, that is the temple I am referring to.

Marishiten Tokudaiji Temple, which is a Nichiren Buddhist temple, is located off of a side road to the left if you enter Ameya Yokocho from Okachimachi Station. This temple is located right in the middle of Ameya Yokocho, which is packed with shops. The red building of the temple, which is up the giant stone steps that rise right from the market's street, has a major presence.

Marishiten Tokudaiji Temple was built roughly 400 years ago. It survived the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake, which inflicted immense damage on Tokyo, and did not burn down during the air raids in the Asia-Pacific War. Furthermore, although the cityscape of Ueno changed during the post-war period of confusion, as a black market even emerged near it, it has remained in this location to this day. The parts that have suffered fire damage have been restored several times.

This temple enshrines a statue of Marici that is said to have been created by Prince Shotoku. Even during the Edo period, many people are said to have paid a visit to this temple to receive its blessings. Marici is a deva who protects Buddhism and is said to grant visitors vitality, physical fitness, and financial power, while also warding off evil, inviting good luck, and providing fortunate opportunities. Also, given that it has a history of surviving earthquakes and air raids, visiting Marishiten Tokudaiji Temple is considered to grant the benefits of good fortune, warding off evil, avoiding disasters, and receiving good luck. Wouldn't you like to stop by this temple when you visit Ameya Yokocho?

Address: 4-6-2, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
*Please check in advance for business hours and holidays.