Higashimurayama: From the National Treasure Jizo-do of Shofuku-ji Temple to Kitayama Park and Hachikokuyama Ryokuchi Park

History and Regional Charm

Higashimurayama City preserves a Zen hall from the Muromachi period alongside satoyama rural landscapes.

Shofuku-ji Temple belongs to the Kencho-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. The Jizo-do Hall on its grounds is the only wooden building in Tokyo designated as a National Treasure, known to have been built in 1407. Along with the Shariden (relic hall) of Engaku-ji Temple in Kamakura, it is considered a representative example of Zen-style architecture.

North of the temple lies Kitayama Park, set against the backdrop of the Sayama Hills. The site was originally paddy fields spreading across valley terrain (yato), and their plot layout was used to create iris fields (shobuda) and ponds. The north side of the park borders the Tokyo metropolitan Hachikokuyama Ryokuchi Park. It is a hill whose name is said to originate from once offering views across the mountains of eight provinces, and it is also said to be a model location for the animated film "My Neighbor Totoro."

This half-day walking course proceeds in one direction, from the southern temple to the northern hill, allowing you to experience both history and nature.

Main Highlights

• ​Shofuku-ji Temple​​: According to temple records, it is said to have been founded by Hojo Tokimune, the regent of the Kamakura shogunate. The Jizo-do is a wooden hall standing about 10 meters high, showing Zen-style characteristics such as a roof with sharply upturned corners and katomado (bell-shaped cusped windows). It is said that when a prayer was granted, a small Jizo statue was added and dedicated; with these statues said to number around a thousand, it is also called the Sentai Jizo-do (Thousand Jizo Hall).
• ​Kitayama Park​​: Selected in 1982 as one of the New Hundred Views of Tokyo. In early summer, the irises come into flower, described as around 600 varieties, 8,000 clumps, and 100,000 blooms. Wooden boardwalks and park pathways wind through the iris beds and paddies, where you can also see "Kitayama Otome," an iris variety that can only be viewed here.
• ​Hachikokuyama Ryokuchi Park​​: A metropolitan park opened in 1990, featuring expanses of mixed deciduous woodlands of konara oak and sawtooth oak. The ridge path stretching east-west along the border between Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture is nearly flat and easy to walk. Along the ridge path stands the Shogunzuka Mound, where Nitta Yoshisada is said to have raised his banner.

Suggested Route & Required Time

The estimated time required is about 3 hours. From the West Exit of Higashimurayama Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, it is about a 10-minute walk to Shofuku-ji Temple. The exterior of the Jizo-do can be viewed at any time. Interior public openings are limited, with the city announcing openings during the Iris Festival on the second Sunday of June, on August 8 (general open day), and for the Jizo Festival on November 3. Since there are days when it is not opened due to weather or other factors, check the conditions of the day on the official website of Shofuku-ji Temple. The floor inside is earthen (doma), so wear flat-soled shoes when entering the hall.

Heading north from Shofuku-ji Temple, it takes about 5 minutes on foot to reach Kitayama Park. On the second Sunday of June, the day of the opening, the irises at Kitayama Park happen to reach their peak. After walking along the boardwalk to view the iris beds, continue further north. The tracks of the Seibuen Line run between the park and Hachikokuyama Ryokuchi Park.

Heading about 400 meters north in a straight line from Kitayama Park brings you to Hachikokuyama Ryokuchi Park. Walk along the ridge path through the mixed woodland and visit the Shogunzuka Mound. The north side of the ridge is Saitama Prefecture. At the Korokoro Hiroba open space, you can take a break on the gentle south-facing grassy slope and see the trains of the Seibuen Line. After finishing your walk, ending at Seibuen Station on the Seibuen Line, about a 5-minute walk from the park, allows you to avoid retracing your steps.

Summary of the Experience

A National Treasure hall standing for over 600 years, irises blooming on the former site of paddy fields, and mixed woodlands preserved at the eastern edge of the Sayama Hills. In Higashimurayama, you can trace the satoyama scenery running from temple to hill in a single continuous path. Visiting in time for the Iris Festival on the second Sunday of June allows you to enjoy both the opening of the hall interior and the flowers at the same time.