On the bridge leading to Inokashira Boathouse, you might notice a traditional building at the other end of the lake. It is the home of the Benzaiten, who gets jealous of happy couples rowing boats in Inokashira Park. The Inokashira Benzaiten Temple (井の頭弁財天) in the park’s northwest corner is serene and ideal for contemplation. The lake scenery from the temple is picturesque!
Cross the Komae Bridge (狛江橋) from the boat deck and head west for the Benzaiten’s temple. Regardless of her jealousy issue, the Benzaiten is one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods. Known for wealth, music, and performance arts, she is the god that many people would go to for favors.
The reason that many artists, writers, and screenwriters choose to live in Kichijōji might have something to do with the temple!
Unlike other Benzaiten statues in Japan, the statue in Inokashira Benzaiten has eight arms, each holding a different type of weapon. Her facial expression is extra kind to balance out the weapon’s aggressiveness. It is said that the weapon in her hands is to protect us from the evil spirit.
Note that the Benzaiten statue is only shown to the public for a couple of days in the year of the snake.
Before praying, instead of clapping your hands, join your hands together below your mouth and recite the mantra below.
On Sorasobatei Ei Yowaka (オン・ソラソバテイ・エイ・ソワカ)
Tip: If you are interested in witnessing the temple’s daily ritual, it is usually held for 20 minutes at 7 am and 2 pm.
Money-Washing at Inokashira Benzaiten
There are several stone statues in Inokashira Benzaiten’s precinct. One of them is a stone dragon fountain behind the main worship hall. As Benzaiten is a god who looks after wealth, it is said that washing your money there can bring you more wealth.
While no instructions are provided on how to perform this ritual properly, many people just place the washed coins into the donation box in front of the fountain.
But we followed what we were told to do at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. The staff there told us to use the money after we have washed it. Maybe it is the same idea as investment. You have to “invest” your capital for the coins to bring you “profit”.
How to Get to Inokashira Benzaiten
- Inokashira Benzaiten is open from 7 am to 4 pm.
- The temple is a 5-minute walk from Kichijoji Station’s south/park exit.
Discover the Attractions in Kichijōji
While Inokashira Park is definitely what you shouldn’t miss out on when you are in Kichijōji, this part of Tokyo has much more to offer! The neighborhood that was rated “The Most Desirable Area to Live” in is great for almost everything. It is also where the famous Ghibli Museum is located!
For more ideas of what to do in the area, refer to our Kichijōji article!
