Tokyo Travel Guide 2025: Asakusa to Kuramae Itinerary

Matsuchiyama Shoten — Basics

Address: [Tokyo, Taito-ku — near Asakusa; check the official site for details]
Opening hours: Daily 6:00 – 16:30 (prayer times follow temple notices; garden typically open 9:00 – 16:00)
Admission: Free

What to see

Matsuchiyama Shoten, officially called “Honryuin”, is a historic temple near Asakusa in eastern Tokyo. Quietly perched about 10 meters above the surrounding streets, it’s a peaceful little retreat from the city noise. The main figure worshipped is Daisho Kangiten (often just called “Kangiten”) — a Japanese form of Ganesha with a reputation for answering wishes, which is why folks come to pray.

The temple’s quirky charm comes from two mascots you’ll spot everywhere: the daikon (big white radish) and the money bag. The daikon symbolizes health, good relationships and marital harmony; the money bag stands for wealth and prosperous business. Don’t miss the Daikon Matsuri on January 7th, when the temple serves steaming Furofuki Daikon (simmered radish) with sacred sake — comfort food with a spiritual twist. There’s even a tiny single-car tram (about 20 meters long) — arguably the shortest tram in East Tokyo — that helps visitors reach the main hall from the parking area. Cute and handy.

History snapshot

Temple tradition traces Matsuchiyama Shoten back to 595 AD (the era of Empress Suiko). Legend tells of a golden dragon that descended to guard the hill, giving it sacred status. A few years later, during a severe drought, Kannon is said to have appeared as Daisho Kangiten and saved many people — and since then the site has been revered as a protective place. Even ukiyo-e masters like Ando Hiroshige featured the spot in their works, so you can say it has a bit of artistic fame too.

Culture & rituals

Matsuchiyama Shoten isn’t just a religious site; it’s a slice of everyday Japanese belief. Daisho Kangiten blends the Hindu image of Ganesha with local devotional practice, producing a unique, compassionate deity people rely on for help. The temple performs the “Yoku Prayer” every morning at 6:00 — an esoteric ritual; those who take part can undertake a strict seven-day ascetic practice for deeper vows. The combo of daikon (health/family) and the money bag (wealth/business) speaks to practical wishes for a happy, prosperous life — very relatable, very Japanese.

The temple also honors one of the Seven Lucky Gods (Bishamonten), and many visitors pray here to boost their luck. The small “Seijo Bridge” garden may be modest, but its flowing water and stone arrangements offer a quiet, traditional Japanese aesthetic. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual moment or a calm detour from the tourist crowds, this little temple is worth popping into — charming, local, and full of character.