Old Edo 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #33 Ryusen-ji Temple

     Legend has it that Ryusen-ji Temple was founded by Ennin in 808.  It must have been established by 860.  In the year, Emperor Seiwa presented the framed piece of calligraphy with the phrase "Taiei" on it.  Since then the temple has also regarded as Taiei-san.

     The name of the surrounding district of "Meguro" derives its name from Ryusenji's black-eyed statue of Meguro Fudo (Black-eyed Acala).  Priest Tenkai (1536-1643), a religious advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), placed five protective Acala statues at strategic points on the outskirts of Edo in the early 17th century to religiously protect the new capital of the Tokugawa Shogunate.  Each statue had eyes of a different color.  For another example, Mejiro Ward was named for the white-eyed Acala.

Address: 3 Chome-20-26 Shimomeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0064

Phone: 03-3712-7549