JINDAI-JI
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Founded in 733, Jindai-ji is the2nd oldest temple in the Tokyo area, after Senso-ji in Asakusa. The main gate dates from 1695. A statue of Amida Nyorai is preserved in the main pavilion, which was rebuilt in 1919. A little off-center, it is less frequented by tourists than the temples in the city center, but nevertheless has a very popular and lively atmosphere, especially near the noodle stalls at the entrance.
During the Ganzandaishi festival in early March, the temple is transformed into a huge daruma market, one of the largest in Japan. Round, red, good-luck figurines pile up on the stalls. Once you've found your doll, a priest "opens" one of its eyes by painting a Sanskrit letter on it. The daruma is then kept for a year, and brought back to the temple the following year to "close" the 2nd eye. Also not to be missed is the celebration of the autumn moon in October. At this time, priests chant incantations in front of the main gate (Sanmon).
Behind the temple, a pet cemetery testifies to the love the Japanese feel for their dogs and cats. It's a moving visit that teaches us a great deal about Japanese funeral rites.
Just outside the temple grounds, you can also visit a botanical garden, particularly renowned for its thousands of roses with poetic names. This is Tokyo's largest rose garden, and attracts many visitors in autumn.
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