Just 20 Minutes from Haneda:

Discover 700 Years of History at Ikegami Honmonji and Its Five-Story Pagoda

Just a 20-minute drive from Haneda Airport, the dynamic gateway to Tokyo gives way to the sacred grounds of Ikegami Honmonji, a head temple of Nichiren Buddhism where a tradition of prayer has endured for more than 700 years since its founding in the 13th century.

At the top of the 96 stone steps, surrounded by lush greenery and associated with a celebrated samurai warrior, visitors are greeted by an elegant five-story pagoda designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Built in 1608, it is the oldest wooden five-story pagoda in the Kanto region, having remarkably survived centuries of natural disasters and the ravages of war. Its intricate, vermilion-painted wooden framework has withstood the elements for more than 400 years and stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese architecture.

The appeal of Ikegami Honmonji extends far beyond the beauty of its architecture. At dawn, the temple bell resonates through the crisp morning air; at dusk, its solemn tones fade into the crimson sky. The deep sound of the great bell, heard each morning and evening, mingles with the monks’ resonant chanting and the gentle fragrance of incense. Together, these sights, sounds, and scents offer a glimpse into an enduring Japanese tradition that has accompanied the prayers and daily lives of local people for more than 700 years.

Step away from the everyday and awaken your senses to the peaceful silence and resonant sound of the temple bell.

At Ikegami Honmonji, where more than 700 years of history and a remarkable five-story pagoda await, immerse yourself in a moment of tranquility that will stay with you long after your visit.

Basic Information

Official Name: Ikegami Honmonji

Address: 1-1-1 Ikegami, Ota City, Tokyo

Access:

Car:  20 minutes from Haneda Airport (actual time depends on traffic)

Rail:

  • Tokyu Ikegami Line: 10 min from Ikegami Station
  • Toei Asakusa Line: 12 min from Higashi Magome Station South Exit

Website: Official Website