Complete Guide to Komyoji Temple (Koto Ward, Tokyo) | History, Access, Funeral Services, and Cemetery Information
There are several temples named “Komyoji” in Koto Ward, Tokyo. Each has a different sect, history, and characteristics, which can be confusing for those considering visiting or using these services. This article provides a detailed explanation of Komyoji Temples in Koto Ward, covering their location, sect, history, access, funeral and memorial services, and cemetery information from all angles.
Overview of Komyoji Temples in Koto Ward
There are mainly two Komyoji Temples in Koto Ward.
Komyoji Temple (Shinshu Otani School, Fukagawa Sendamachi)
Location: 9-7 Sendamachi, Fukagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo (Sendamachi 9-7)
Sect: Shinshu Otani School (Jodo Shinshu)
Nearest Stations: Monzen-Nakacho Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line/Toei Oedo Line), Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station (Toei Oedo Line), Sumiyoshi Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
This is a Jodo Shinshu temple located in the Fukagawa area, and is a beloved temple among local residents. It is also used for funerals and memorial services, and ceremonies can be held in the main hall.
Komyoji Temple (Tendai Sect, Kameido)
Location: 3-42-1 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Sect: Tendai Sect
Nearest Station: Kameido Station (JR Sobu Line/Tobu Kameido Line)
This is a Tendai sect temple located in the Kameido area, known for housing the tomb of Utagawa Kunisada (the second Utagawa Toyokuni). As a temple of historical value, it is visited by those interested in cultural properties and burial sites.
This article will primarily focus on Komyoji Temple of the Shinshu Otani sect in Fukagawa Senda-cho, but will also touch upon Komyoji Temple of the Tendai sect in Kameido.
History of Komyoji Temple (Shinshu Otani School, Fukagawa Senda-cho)
From Founding to the Present
Komyoji Temple (Shinshu Otani School) was founded in April 1930 (Showa 5) as a preaching hall of the Shinshu Izumoji School at its current location, 21 Senda. Initially starting as a small missionary base, it gradually developed into a center of local faith.
Later, it became affiliated with the Shinshu Otani School, and at this time, it established itself as a religious corporation. However, the building was destroyed by fire during air raids in World War II.
Post-War Reconstruction
In 1947 (Showa 22), it was rebuilt at its current location, 9-7 Fukagawa Senda-cho, and the following year, 1948 (Showa 23), its name was changed to the current “Komyoji Temple.” In 1961 (Showa 36), it officially became affiliated with the Shinshu Otani School and received recognition as a religious corporation.
After the post-war reconstruction period, the temple has become deeply rooted in the community, serving as a venue for funerals, memorial services, and various Buddhist rituals, and is cherished by local residents.
History and Characteristics of Komyoji Temple (Tendai Sect, Kameido)
Burial Site of Utagawa Kunisada
Komyoji Temple in Kameido is a Tendai sect temple with a history dating back to the Edo period. The temple’s most distinctive feature is the burial site of Utagawa Kunisada (the third Utagawa Toyokuni), a ukiyo-e artist who was active from the late Edo period to the early Meiji era.
Utagawa Kunisada called himself “the second Utagawa Toyokuni,” but was effectively the third, and is a master of the ukiyo-e world known for his portraits of beautiful women and actors. For those interested in ukiyo-e and Edo culture, this burial site is an important historical site.
About Goshuin (Temple Seals)
At Komyoji Temple, a Tendai sect temple, goshuin may not be available depending on the presence or absence of the head priest. If you are considering visiting, we recommend contacting the temple in advance to confirm.
Access Information
Access to Komyoji Temple (Shinshu Otani School, Fukagawa Senda-cho)
Access by Train
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Monzen-Nakacho Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line/Toei Oedo Line)
- Use Exit 1 or Exit 6
- Head south along Kiyosumi-dori towards Senda
- Approximately 12 minutes on foot from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station (Toei Oedo Line)
- Use Exit A3
- Head north along Kiyosumi-dori
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Sumiyoshi Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
- Use Exit A1
- Via Yotsume-dori
Access by Car
Parking is available, so access by car is also possible. It’s about 5 minutes from the Kiba exit of the Metropolitan Expressway Route 9 Fukagawa Line, or about 7 minutes from the Fukuzumi exit. However, since parking is limited, it is recommended to check in advance if you are visiting for a funeral or memorial service.
Access to Komyoji Temple (Tendai Sect, Kameido)
Access by Train
- Approximately 8 minutes on foot from JR Sobu Line Kameido Station
- Exit the North Exit and head towards Kameido Tenjin Shrine
- Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Tobu Kameido Line Kameido Station
Access by Bus
Approximately 3 minutes on foot from the Kameido 3-chome bus stop (Toei Bus, Keisei Bus).
About Funerals and Memorial Services at Komyoji Temple’s Main Hall
Komyoji Temple’s Main Hall as a Funeral Facility
The main hall of Komyoji Temple (Shinshu Otani Sect) can be used as a venue for funerals and memorial services. As a temple funeral hall, it provides an environment where you can send off your loved one in a solemn atmosphere.
Estimated Funeral Costs and Price Plans
Funeral costs at Komyoji Temple’s main hall vary depending on the plan and scale, but generally, the following are estimates:
- Family Funeral Plan: Approximately 107,000 yen and up
- General Funeral Plan: Approximately 300,000 yen and up
- Private Funeral Plan: Approximately 150,000 yen and up
*The above are estimates for basic plans. Costs will vary depending on the number of attendees, the size of the altar, the number of floral tributes, the contents of the meal, etc. Please contact the funeral home directly for details.
Available Funeral Homes
Several funeral homes can provide services at Komyoji Temple’s main hall. Our main affiliated funeral homes include:
- Local funeral homes in Koto Ward
- Large nationwide funeral homes
- Funeral homes specializing in family funerals
When choosing a funeral home, it is important to check the following points:
- Transparency of Fees: Is the estimate clear, and are additional costs explained thoroughly?
- Responsiveness: Is 24/7/365 support available, and are the staff courteous?
- Experience: Do they have extensive experience conducting funerals at temples?
- Plan Details: Are there plans that meet our needs?
Details of Komyoji Temple Main Hall Facilities
Capacity: Approximately 30-50 people (depending on the size of the main hall)
Facilities: Waiting room, waiting room, parking lot
Available Funeral Types: Family funeral, general funeral, private funeral, memorial service
The main hall is a traditional Buddhist building, allowing for ceremonies to be held in a calm atmosphere. It is equipped with air conditioning and heating, making it comfortable to use regardless of the season.
Cemetery/Burial Park Information
About Komyoji Temple’s Cemetery
Komyoji Temple (Shinshu Otani sect) also manages its cemetery. In addition to burial plots for temple parishioners, general public members may also be able to use the cemetery depending on the conditions.
Cemetery Features
- Quiet environment despite being in the city center
- Peace of mind due to temple management
- Convenient location for memorial services and rites
Conditions for Cemetery Use
In principle, becoming a temple parishioner is often required to use the cemetery, but please contact the temple directly for details. Perpetual use fees and management fees vary depending on the size and location of the burial plot.
Kameido/Komyoji Temple Cemetery
Komyoji Temple (Kameido), a Tendai sect temple, also has a cemetery, known as the burial place of Utagawa Kunisada, as mentioned above. Again, you need to contact the temple directly regarding cemetery use.
Nearby Crematorium Information
If a funeral is held at the main hall of Komyoji Temple, the following crematoriums are available.
Rinkai Crematorium
Location: 1-3-1 Tokai, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Distance from Komyoji Temple: Approximately 8km (approximately 20-30 minutes by car)
Features: As a public crematorium in the southern part of Tokyo’s 23 wards, reservations are relatively easy to obtain.
Kirigaya Crematorium
Location: 5-32-20 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Distance from Komyoji Temple: Approximately 10km (approximately 30-40 minutes by car)
Features: A large-scale crematorium in Tokyo, with an attached funeral hall.
Machiya Crematorium
Location: 1-23-4 Machiya, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
Distance from Komyoji Temple: Approximately 9km (approximately 25-35 minutes by car)
Features: Arakawa Ward’s public crematorium has both a crematorium and a funeral hall.
While funeral homes typically handle crematorium reservations, it’s important to make arrangements early, as it can get crowded depending on the time of year.
Recommended Funeral Homes in the Area
Besides the main hall of Komyoji Temple, there are several other funeral homes in and around Koto Ward.
Main Funeral Homes in Koto Ward
- Fukagawa Gatheria Funeral Hall
- Location: Kiba, Koto Ward
- Features: Modern facilities and comprehensive services
- Monzen-Nakacho Funeral Hall
- Location: Around Monzen-Nakacho, Koto Ward
- Features: Conveniently located near the station
- Kameido Funeral Hall
- Location: Kameido, Koto Ward
- Features: Community-oriented funeral hall
Funeral Homes and Crematoriums near Stations in Koto Ward
Around Monzen-Nakacho Station
- Komyoji Temple Main Hall (10-minute walk)
- Various private funeral halls (multiple within a 5-minute walk from the station)
Around Sumiyoshi Station
- Temple funeral halls in the Sumiyoshi area
- Family funeral halls
Around Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station
- Funeral halls near Kiyosumi Garden
- Small-scale family funeral facilities
Around Kameido Station
- Komyoji Temple (Tendai sect)
- Temple funeral halls around Kameido Tenjin Shrine
Hospitals near Komyoji Temple that offer pick-up service
Funeral home pick-up service from the following hospitals near Komyoji Temple is available.
Main Hospitals We Serve
- Showa University Koto Toyosu Hospital
- Location: 5-1-38 Toyosu, Koto-ku
- Distance from Komyoji Temple: Approximately 3km
- Tokyo Joto Hospital
- Location: 2-1-22 Kitasuna, Koto-ku
- Distance from Komyoji Temple: Approximately 4km
- Juntendo Tokyo Koto Elderly Medical Center
- Location: 3-3-20 Shinsuna, Koto-ku
- Distance from Komyoji Temple: Approximately 3.5km
- Fukagawa Tachikawa Hospital
- Location: 1-8-10 Fukagawa, Koto-ku
- Distance from Komyoji Temple: Approximately 2km
Most funeral homes offer 24-hour pick-up service from hospitals.
About Memorial Services and Ceremonies
Annual Memorial Services
At Komyoji Temple, various annual memorial services can be held from the seventh day after death to the 33rd anniversary.
Main Annual Memorial Services
- Seventh day, 49th day
- First anniversary, third anniversary, seventh anniversary
- Thirteenth anniversary, seventeenth anniversary, twenty-third anniversary
- Twenty-seventh anniversary, thirty-third anniversary
Characteristics of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism
At Komyoji Temple, which belongs to the Shinshu Otani sect, memorial services are conducted based on the teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Jodo Shinshu Buddhism has the following characteristics:
- Instead of using memorial tablets, a Buddhist name scroll and family register are used.
- Based on the teaching of “immediate enlightenment upon rebirth,” the deceased is believed to become a Buddha immediately.
- The memorial service is not for merit-making purposes, but rather a time to remember and express gratitude for the deceased.
Perpetual Memorial Service
Komyoji Temple offers consultations regarding perpetual memorial services. This service is for those without successors or those concerned about future grave management. Please contact the temple directly for details.
Temple Activities and Events
End-of-Life Planning Seminars
Komyoji Temple (Shinshu Otani sect) regularly holds end-of-life planning seminars. In the past, courses for local residents have been held on themes such as “Learn the Secrets to a Vibrant Long Life! Frailty Prevention You Can Start Today.”
Dharma Talks
Monthly Dharma talks and Buddhist lectures are also held, and participation may be open to non-parishioners. These can be used as an opportunity to learn Buddhist teachings and find peace of mind.
Community Interaction
Komyoji Temple aims to create a temple where anyone can easily visit, striving to become a place of relaxation for the community. The head priest and assistant priest work to create a friendly atmosphere.
Temple Culture and History of Koto Ward
Temple Town Culture of Fukagawa
Koto Ward, particularly the Fukagawa area, has developed as a “temple town” with many temples since the Edo period. It boasts famous temples and shrines such as Fukagawa Fudodo and Tomioka Hachimangu, and has a history of flourishing as a center of faith and culture.
Komyoji Temple also plays a part in this Fukagawa temple culture, serving as a spiritual pillar for the community.
History of Kameido
The Kameido area developed around Kameido Tenjin Shrine and was known as a recreational area during the Edo period. Komyoji Temple, of the Tendai sect, also occupies an important position within the historical context of this area.
Summary of Key Points for Choosing a Funeral Hall
When choosing a funeral hall, including the main hall of Komyoji Temple, it is important to consider the following points.
1. Location and Access
- Is it easily accessible for attendees?
- Is it easily accessible by public transport?
- Is there sufficient parking?
2. Cost and Facilities
- Are there plans that fit the budget?
- Are the facilities well-equipped (waiting room, waiting room, air conditioning, etc.)?
- Are the conditions for additional costs clear?
3. Religion/Sect
- Is the temple suitable for the deceased’s and family’s beliefs?
- Is it possible to use the temple for non-religious services?
4. Capacity
- Can it accommodate the expected number of attendees?
- Can it accommodate small family funerals?
5. Services
- Is the funeral home’s support system comprehensive?
- Is the arrangement for transportation to the crematorium smooth?
- Is aftercare (memorial services, etc.) available?
Map and detailed information about Komyoji Temple
Komyoji Temple (Shinshu Otani School, Fukagawa Sendamachi)
Official Name: Komyoji Temple
Sect: Shinshu Otani School (Jodo Shinshu)
Address: 9-7 Fukagawa Sendamachi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0044
Phone: Please contact the temple directly
Access:
- 10-minute walk from Monzen-Nakacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and Toei Oedo Line
- 12-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station on the Toei Oedo Line
- 10-minute walk from Sumiyoshi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line
Parking: Available (limited number of spaces)
Available Services: Funeral services, memorial services, cemetery, perpetual memorial services
Komyoji Temple (Tendai School, Kameido)
Official Name: Komyoji Temple
Sect: Tendai School
Address: 3-42-1 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0071
Access:
- 8-minute walk from JR Sobu Line “Kameido” Station
- 8-minute walk from Tobu Kameido Line “Kameido” Station
Features: Contains the grave of Utagawa Kunisada
Goshuin (temple stamp): Available depending on the presence or absence of the head priest (prior confirmation required)
Summary
Komyoji Temple in Koto-ku, Tokyo, comprises two temples belonging to different sects: the Shinshu Otani sect and the Tendai sect. The Shinshu Otani sect Komyoji Temple in Fukagawa Senda-cho has a history of being rebuilt after the war and currently handles a wide range of Buddhist services, including funerals, memorial services, and cemetery management. On the other hand, the Tendai sect Komyoji Temple in Kameido is a temple of historical value due to the presence of the grave of Utagawa Kunisada.
Both Komyoji Temples have been cherished by local residents for many years as places of worship rooted in their respective communities. For those considering funerals or memorial services, those seeking burial plots, or those interested in Buddhist culture and history, this temple is well worth a visit.
When considering a visit or use of its services, it is recommended to choose the appropriate Komyoji temple based on your purpose and contact them in advance to confirm details. Especially regarding funerals and burial plots, it is crucial to carefully check the costs and services offered to make a satisfactory choice.
As part of Koto Ward’s rich temple culture, Komyoji Temple will continue to serve as a spiritual pillar for the community, supporting many people in the future.
