Kensho-ji Temple (Katsushika-ku, Tokyo)

Kensho-ji Temple, located in Kameari, Katsushika City, Tokyo, is a temple with a history of more than 400 years since its founding in 1620. It is about a 4-minute walk from Kameari Station on the JR Joban Line. Though it stands in the middle of the city, the grounds are filled with greenery and a calm, quiet atmosphere.

On the grounds is Mujina-zuka, which preserves a legend passed down for more than 100 years.
The mound was built to memorialize a tanuki (raccoon dog) said to have disguised itself as a train and was hit by a train when the railway first opened. The current mound was built in 1953. There is also a stone monument inscribed with a haiku by the Japanese poet Masaoka Shiki, and the temple is known for its connection to haiku. Another highlight is the hokyointo (a stone pagoda), a tangible cultural property of Katsushika City.

A large dragon painting spans the ceiling of the main hall. A zazen (seated meditation) session is held on the fourth Saturday of every month, and you can experience zazen along with your visit. It is a temple where you can encounter local history and Japanese culture in the area around Kameari Station.