Would you like to visit an old and historical temple after Ghibli Museum? Jindai temple is the second oldest prestigious temple in Tokyo next to Sensou temple in Asakusa and is about 20 minutes by bus from Ghibli Museum.

It is well known as a temple which third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu Tokugawa (1623 – 1651) stopped in the middle of hunting with a falcon and had Soba (Japanese buckwheat noodle). If you have not had lunch yet, how about Soba for lunch. There are many Soba places around Jindai temple. You do not have to wander. They are all good wherever you go.

How to pay respect and make a wish at Japanese temple

1. Follow Sando (approach to Honden, main sanctuary). Main sanctuary is not open for everyone and cannot enter unless you are receiving special ceremony by a temple master
2. Go to front of main sanctuary. There is a huge box where people are putting small change before making their wishes.
3. Bow (angle is about 15 – 20 degrees)
4. Donate (amount of donation really depends on your wish. Most of people donate from 10 JPY to 500 JPY)
5. Join your hands in front of your heart and make a soundless prayer (you do not need to say it out loud)
6. Bow again (angle is the same as the first time)
7. End

Tipｓ on making a wish

At a special praying ceremony, called “Kitou”, a temple master calls out your name and address so that God can recognize exactly who wants that wish to come true. So whenever I go to pay respect at temple or shrine, I say my name and address in my heart before expressing my wish. Please feel free to try out my way!

How to get there

You need to take a bus from Ghibli Museum. Get on #04 bus to Jindai-ji from “Myojyo Gakuen Iriguchi” stop which is 50 meter away from Ghibili Museum. Get off the bus at the last station, “Jindai-ji”. See the google map for Myojyo Gakuen Iriguchi stop.

If you have any questions on Jindai temple or temple in general, please leave a comment. I will get back to you shortly!