Shibamata Taishakuten
Restored 17th-century temple with elaborate wood carvings depicting Buddha’s life & teachings.
Shibamata Taishakuten is rated 4.3 / 5 from 9,065 Google reviews and sits about 4.9 km (61 min walk) from Ayase station.
General overview
About Shibamata Taishakuten
Shibamata Taishakuten is a historic Nichiren Buddhist temple in Shibamata, eastern Tokyo, known for its elaborate wood carvings, traditional architecture, temple garden, and connection with the popular Japanese film and television character Tora-san. The temple precincts are free to enter; separate admission is generally charged for the garden and carving galleries. None of the information below is live-verified, and prices, hours, facilities, and policies should be confirmed on the official website before your visit.
- Historic Nichiren Buddhist temple founded in 1629.
- Detailed Edo- and Meiji-period wood carvings illustrating Buddhist and religious stories.
- Suikeien garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden associated with the temple.
- Atmospheric approach through Shibamata’s traditional shopping street, Taishakuten Sando.
- Easy combination visit with the Tora-san Museum, Shibamata Taishakuten Sando, and the nearby Edo River.
Things to do here
Temple precinct visit
Walk through the temple grounds, view the traditional gates and halls, and observe worshippers participating in Buddhist customs. General entry to the precinct is normally free.
Wood-carving gallery
See highly detailed carved panels incorporated into the temple buildings. These carvings are one of the site’s principal attractions and are typically visited with the paid garden area.
Suikeien garden
Visit the temple’s landscaped Japanese garden, traditionally appreciated for its pond, rocks, seasonal planting, and quiet atmosphere.
Taishakuten Sando
Explore the traditional approach road lined with long-established food shops, sweets shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants, especially noted for kusa-dango rice dumplings.
Tora-san and Shibamata walking route
Combine the temple with the Tora-san Museum, the statue of Tora-san near Shibamata Station, and the old-town streets associated with the film series Otoko wa Tsurai yo.
From Shibamata Station on the Keisei Kanamachi Line, the temple is roughly a 5–10 minute walk along Taishakuten Sando. The approach is pedestrian-friendly but can be crowded. Wear comfortable shoes, particularly if combining the visit with the riverbank or museum.
Advance reservations are generally not needed for ordinary temple or garden admission. Check ahead for group visits, special events, or unusual holiday schedules.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Shibamata Taishakuten is about 4.9 km (~61 min walk) from Ayase station on the Tokyo Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
APA Hotel Ayase-Ekimae
Hotels · 2 min walk
★ 4.2
Hotel Coco Grand Kitasenju
Hotels · 29 min walk
★ 4.1
Kakujogyorui Minamisenjuten
Restaurants · 45 min walk
★ 4.1
Adachi Park of Living Things
Places to visit · 47 min walk
★ 4.5
TOHO Cinemas Nishiarai
Restaurants · 48 min walk
★ 4.0
Kona’s Coffee Adachi
Restaurants · 51 min walk
★ 4.1
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Shibamata Taishakuten from Ayase station?
Shibamata Taishakuten is about 4851 m (roughly 61 min walk) from Ayase station on the Tokyo Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Shibamata Taishakuten rated?
Shibamata Taishakuten has a Google rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 9,065 reviews.
What's near Shibamata Taishakuten?
Also within a short walk of the same station: APA Hotel Ayase-Ekimae, Hotel Coco Grand Kitasenju, Kakujogyorui Minamisenjuten.
Is Shibamata Taishakuten free to visit?
The general temple precincts are normally free. The Suikeien garden and wood-carving galleries generally require a separate paid ticket.
How do I get there?
Take the Keisei Kanamachi Line to Shibamata Station, then walk approximately 5–10 minutes along the traditional Taishakuten Sando shopping street.
How long should I spend there?
Allow about one to two hours for the temple, garden, and approach street. Add extra time for the Tora-san Museum, lunch, shopping, or a walk toward the Edo River.
Can I visit during a religious ceremony?
Visitors may be able to observe portions of temple activity, but access can be restricted. Follow posted instructions and avoid interrupting worship or ceremonies.
Is the site suitable for wheelchair users?
Parts of the grounds may be accessible, but historic structures, steps, gravel, and garden paths can be challenging. Contact the temple or ask staff about the best accessible route before or upon arrival.
What else is nearby?
The Tora-san Museum, Yamada Yoji Museum, Shibamata Station’s Tora-san statue, the old shopping street, and the Edo River are the principal nearby attractions.
Can I pay by credit card?
Payment methods for temple admission and nearby shops are not reliably known. Carry Japanese yen, especially for small admissions, offerings, and traditional shops.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated October 27, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.