Zoshigaya Kishimojindo

Kishimojin is a Buddhist protector and goddess of healthy childbirth and child rearing, whose shrine is located in a building on the grounds neighboring Homyoji Temple.
The current Honden (main hall) is said to have been constructed in 1664 under the Ietsuna Tokugawa regime. It was funded by a donation from Jishoinden-Eishin-Nichimyo-Taishi, a daughter of Toshitsune Maeda , the Lord of Kaga Province, who was married to Mitsuakira Asano, the Lord of Aki Province. The statue of Kishimojin in the Honden does not have the shape of an evil god (although the name of “Kishimojin” includes the Chinese character meaning “evil god”), but is instead in the form of a beautiful Bosatsu (Bodhisattva), dressed in a Hagoromo (angel’s mantle) and a Yoraku (necklace with a golden lotus flower motif), and embracing a child.
The gingko tree on the premises has survived for over 700 years.
The temple also hosts many events and ceremonies throughout the year, including the Bon Dance festival in July and the Oeshiki festival in October.
The temple is located 500m to the south of the eastern exit of JR Ikebukuro Station; and 600m to the east from JR Mejiro Station. The nearest station on the Toei Streetcar (Toden) Arakawa Line (Minowabashi -Washeda) is “Kishimojimmae ” Station.