A seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha sits casually by the approach to Kichijo-ji Temple

Seated image of Shakyamuni Buddha at Suwasan Kichijo-ji — Seated image of Shakyamuni Buddha at Kichijo-ji

After passing through the large gate built in 1802, the approach to the temple stretched straight towards the main hall. There were no people walking along the path, and it was deserted. It was a shame, because the temple grounds were spacious and the sky was wide. It was just the right atmosphere for a stroll. This was Kichijo-ji Temple, a Soto Zen temple in Komagome.

As I walked along the empty approach, I saw a large seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha sitting on the side. It was not a guardian deity, but it was sitting on the side of the path with no roof or hall, as if it was borrowing this place to continue its training.

While most people think of Kichijo-ji as the area around Kichijoji Station in Musashino City, few people know that the temple in Komagome is the origin of its name. The residents who lost their homes by the Great fire of Meireki moved to Musashino City, and the place came to be called Kichijo-ji by those who were attached to the temple.

It is interesting to note that the inhabitants moved to Musashino City, far from the city center, while the temple itself only moved from Surugadai to Komagome. There must have been some adult reasons.

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