Fukagawa Fudou-dō (Naritasan Tokyo branch temple) — Attraction in Tokyo

​A Spiritual Experience Beyond Words: The Fire Ritual at Fukagawa Fudo-do ​You are invited to dive into one of the most powerful and fascinating spiritual experiences in Tokyo – the esoteric Buddhist Fire Ritual, known as 'Goma', at the Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple. ​This is a powerful and mesmerizing multi-sensory event: ​🔥 The Purifying Flames: In the center of the main hall, monks of the Shingon sect ignite a large, sacred fire. This fire represents the wisdom of the deity Fudo Myoo, which is believed to burn away all obstacles, worldly desires, and negative thoughts. ​🥁 The Hypnotic Rhythm: The ritual is accompanied by deep, resonant chanting (sutras), and above all – the powerful, rhythmic pounding of huge Taiko drums that fills the space with immense energy. This combination creates an overwhelming, almost meditative experience. ​🙏 Personal Purification and Blessing: At the climax of the main ceremony, you can partake in the traditional blessing: ​The monks stand by the dying embers, and for a small donation, they allow attendees to hand over personal items – such as bags, wallets, or mobile phones. ​The monk passes the object over the sacred fire and smoke as a symbol of purification, blessing, and protection from harm. ​This is an exceptional opportunity to feel the power of Japanese tradition, purify your personal energies, and receive a potent spiritual blessing in the heart of Tokyo. ​The ritual takes place several times every day – it is recommended to check the exact daily schedule...

門前仲町駅から徒歩すぐ、都会の喧騒を忘れさせてくれる厳かな空気に包まれているのが「深川不動堂（成田山東京別院）」です。

一歩足を踏み入れると、そこはまさに“五感で感じるお寺”。タイミングよく1階本堂で行われていた護摩祈祷に遭遇し、胸に響くような大太鼓の「ドンドン」という音が空気を震わせる中、十数名の僧侶が一心に祈りを捧げる光景に思わず圧倒されました。観光客や参拝者が静かに見守る中、その一体感とエネルギーは、日常ではなかなか得られない貴重な体験でした。

深川不動堂の魅力はそれだけではありません。実はこのお堂、地下1階から地上4階まである近代的な構造になっており、それぞれに見どころが詰まっています。

特におすすめしたいのが地下1階の「お砂ぶみ道場」。ここでは、四国八十八か所霊場のお砂が納められたプレートの上を歩くことで、現地に行かずとも一度に八十八か所参りができるという貴重な体験が可能です。足元に集中しながら静かに歩くだけで、不思議と心が整っていくような感覚に包まれます。

また、4階にある「内仏殿」も必見。 ガラス越しに見える美しい仏像群や、整然とした空間はとても神聖で、心が自然と落ち着いていきます。エレベーター完備でバリアフリー対応になっているので、高齢の方やベビーカーの方でも安心して参拝が可能です。

境内には、木彫りの不動明王や護摩木奉納所、御朱印授与所もあり、観光客から信仰深い参拝者まで、あらゆる人がそれぞれの目的で訪れられる場として親しまれています。

私が訪れた日は、観光客のほかにも家族連れ、ご年配のご夫婦、若いカップルなど様々な人たちが訪れていて、深川不動堂がまさに“開かれたお寺”であることを実感しました。

門前仲町のグルメや下町散策とセットで訪れるのもおすすめ。ここでしか味わえない祈りと癒しの時間、ぜひ体感してみてください。

Discover a Spiritual Sanctuary in the Heart of Tokyo: FUKAGAWA FUDODO Just a minute’s walk from Monzen-Nakacho Station lies Fukagawa Fudodo, the Tokyo branch of the famous Naritasan temple. But this is far from your typical sightseeing spot — this is a place that stirs your soul.

When I visited, I happened to walk in during a Goma fire ritual on the first floor. The deep, thunderous beat of taiko drums echoed through the hall, shaking my chest and commanding silence. Dozens of monks, clad in beautiful robes, were chanting and praying in unison. It was one of the most powerful, moving spiritual experiences I’ve ever had — even as a non-Buddhist. Everyone around, from locals to tourists, stood still in reverence, visibly drawn in by the energy.

What makes Fukagawa Fudodo truly special is its multi-level structure. Spanning from a basement floor to the 4th floor, each level offers something unique and meaningful.

In the basement (B1), you’ll find a remarkable “Osuna-Fumi” pilgrimage space. Here, by walking across sacred sand from each of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, you can symbolically complete the entire journey in just one visit — no need to leave Tokyo.

The 4th floor houses a serene inner sanctuary, where beautifully arranged Buddha statues shine in soft light behind glass. It's a peaceful space ideal for quiet reflection.

Whether you're seeking a moment of tranquility, a powerful cultural experience, or just a deeper connection with Japanese spirituality, Fukagawa Fudodo offers something truly unforgettable.

Don’t miss it when visiting Tokyo — especially if you’re exploring the charming Monzen-Nakacho area with its street food, traditional shops, and riverside paths. This temple is more than a stop on a map — it’s a moment of stillness in the midst...

This esoteric Buddhist temple is a bit of a mishmash - not very beautiful...even though the wood carvings on the main building are rather nice.

It is difficult to swallow the large LED display at the front of the temple advertising the times of the Goma fire ritual though. On top of that you have the hyper-modern building on the left of the temple with Sanskrit black, white and gold letters that give the temple an unnatural appearance.

To make matters worse, a large part of the grounds are pure concrete and a large part of it is painted green with very smooth surface like an indoor soccer field.

The highway passing by in the background does not help either.

Perhaps I was in a bad mood...