Shibamata is located in Tokyo and the place is famous for Shibamata Taishakuten (Shibamata Taishakuten Temple) and the filming place for the series of movie named Otoko wa Tsuraiyo (Being Man is Tough).
Though it’s located in Tokyo and the temple is famous, this would be my first time visiting this temple and temple town.
On the way, I took a bus from Kanamachi Eki (Kanamachi Station); therefore, I got off near the Sando (Commercial Road to Temple).
If you take train, Keisei Line, to Shibamata Eki (Shibamata Station), then Tora san (the main character of the movie) and Sakura chan (sister) will welcome you at the Station.
There are many attractive stores standing next to each other all the way to the temple.
I was tempted to try fresh traditional local food, but I forced myself to visit temple for prayer.
The main entrance of the temple.
There are many people coming for prayer.
I tried a fortune paper…. I pulled the Good Luck.
Everything gonna be as I wish! Yeahhhhh
After praying, we continued for sightseeing.
This temple is famous for curving.
I found my zodiac: Rat.
There are many Buddha’s stories.
This curving describes trying not to look down and treat people equally, yet suffering from persecution.
Nonetheless, there is always a light for guidance.
There are many dragons are curved or drawn at this temple.
After admiring curving, we admired Japanese garden, Suikei-En (Suikei Garden).
This is a nice Japanese garden.
Many prototypes of curving are displayed there.
Chandeliers look antique.
There is a Byobu (folding curtain) drawn by famous Japanese painter, Yokoyama Taikan (Taikan Yokoyama).
And this is the main room with the most important Kakejiku (hanging scroll) with the Japan’s largest nandin alcove post which skewered to the roof.
We also admired the garden from outside.
There is a well of Goshinsui (Holly Water).
Of course, I washed my both hands.
And this must be the main entrance of the garden with the garden’s signage.
Now it’s time to enjoy food!
We had a brunch today so we are ready for nice meal after a walk.
We had local specialty Unagi (eel) at Kawachiya.
We took a window side table on the second floor.
The view from window was nice; I can see the main gate of temple.
I had Unaju (Eel Rice Bowl), kimo roll (Eel Liver Roll) and Koi Arai (carp raw fish).
I enjoyed both side dishes very much.
Then I went to look for desserts: Kudamochi (mugwort ball).
I enjoyed Yoshinoya’s very much; these are fresh, warm, soft and rich with mugwort!
I also tried another shop’s Kusamochi, Takagiya.
I enjoyed visiting the temple and temple town.
I would love to come back again.
Choco was patiently waited for us at home.
I wanted to take him out for stretch so we went Gaston & Gasper for dinner.
I’m glad to know that we can all sit together inside.
Cheers Choco!
sonokotchi 