If you’re looking for a great cultural experience, visiting the 17th-century Shinobazu no ike Bentendo Temple is a must. Located in the southern part of Ueno Park in Tokyo, this beautiful Buddhist temple is on an island in a pond filled with lotus flowers. Dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, Shinobazu-no-ike Bentendo Temple has a great long history, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Location:
Ueno Shinobazu Bentendo Temple is located on an island in Shinobazu Pond in the southern part of Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten. The temple is part of the Kaneiji Temple, established by the Buddhist monk Tenkai in the early Edo period. The temple is open during festivals, and regular opening hours are from 9:00-17:00. Nearby attractions include the Kiyomizu Kannon-do, a nearby temple dedicated to the goddess of mercy.
‘Bentendo’ means in Japanese ‘a Buddhist Temple dedicated to Benten (Benzaiten), goddess of wisdom, happiness, wealth, and music.’
Find the detailed Google map here.
History:
Shinobazu no ike Bentendo Temple is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten. Built-in 1634, the temple is believed to have been founded by the monk Tenkai, who served as the head priest of Edo’s Kan’eiji Temple. It is said that Tenkai chose the site due to its similarity to the legendary island of Benzaiten, which was believed to be her home.
Initially, the temple was named Benten-yashiro, but it was later renamed Shinobazu no ike Bentendo Temple by order of the Shogunate. The temple was damaged several times during the Edo period due to flooding and other disasters but was rebuilt each time with help from the local community. Today, Ueno Shinobazu Bentendo Temple is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over Japan to see the impressive Benzaiten Temple.
What to See?
While searching for a beautiful park in Tokyo, you probably saw many great images of a temple surrounded by a lotus pond on adobe stock, and it’s the temple of Bentendo. It’s one of the best photo locations in Tokyo.
Shinobazu no ike Bentendo Temple is an impressive example of 17th-century Japanese architecture and a must-see for anyone visiting Ueno Park. The temple stands on an island in the middle of Shinobazu Pond, surrounded by beautiful lotus flowers. Visitors can explore the main hall, which contains a statue of Benzaiten and several smaller shrines dedicated to her. There is also a stone lantern near the temple entrance, a three-storied pagoda, and a small shrine dedicated to the goddess Benten.
Ueno Shinobazu Bentendo Temple grounds are also filled with statues, including two bronze dragons flanking the entrance and several stone lanterns. The grounds are surrounded by a wide path, making it easy for visitors to take in all the sights and sounds of the area. In addition, visitors can participate in rituals such as offering incense and prayers at the shrine or joining in chanting sessions held by local monks.
Besides, various big festivals and events occur in front of the temple every year, where visitors can enjoy delicious food. In addition, many of Tokyo’s famous food traders make food stalls here to sell food.
Visitors can see substantial snapping turtles and koi fishes under the bridge between Shinobazu Boat Rent Pond and the temple. The southern gate of the Ueno Zoo is in front of the Bentendo Temple.
The temple looks even more beautiful than in real during the Cherry Blossom season in Spring.
How to Get There?
Shinobazu no ike Bentendo Temple is located in the southern part of Ueno Park. So the easiest way to the temple is to take the JR Yamanote Line from Tokyo Station to Ueno Station. Once you’re at Ueno Station, take a short walk to the park and the temple.
Ueno Park is huge. If you want to arrive direct, you can use a mobile app like Google app on your mobile device. Also, many hire a Tour Guide to know the history and learn more about these kinds of beautiful places.
Admission: Free
Opening hours:
24 hours open, and visitors can see it from outside any time. But the main hall opens from 9:00-17:00.