Senryuji Temple (Komae City, Tokyo)

This lushly green temple in Komae City, Tokyo, was founded in 765, the first year of the Tenpyo Jingo Era. Although the temple is located just a short distance from Komae Station, the grounds are lushly covered with greenery, and the natural scenery is rich with cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves, making it possible to experience the four seasons.

According to legend, Senryuji Temple was built here by Rōben, the monk who founded Todaiji Temple, to pray for rain. The temple was originally founded as a temple of the Hoso and Kegon sects, but was converted to the Tendai sect in the Heian period. Although the temple once fell into decline, it was restored during the Warring States period as a center for Zen meditation practice of the Soto sect. In the late Edo period, the temple was widely introduced in "Edo Meisho Zue" and "Shishin Chimeiroku", and has become the most historical spot in the Komae area.

The temple grounds are dotted with a rare two-story bell tower and a gate reconstructed in Ansei 6 (1859). The main hall, rebuilt in Hoei 3 (1706), is the oldest structure in Komae City. Benzaiten Pond, which is said to have sprung up when Rōben prayed for rain, is still preserved right next to the temple grounds.