When people think of Tokyo sightseeing, famous spots like Senso-ji in Asakusa or Meiji Shrine often come to mind.
But for families with children, sometimes the last thing you want is crowded streets.
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to explore, Setagaya Kannon is a perfect choice.
Located in the Setagaya area, easily accessible from Shibuya, this local temple offers a calm atmosphere loved by neighborhood residents—a hidden gem where families can stroll and enjoy a quiet moment together.
Compared to Gotokuji, Setagaya Kannon is a hidden gem. Despite its quiet, local atmosphere, it enjoys a solid 4.2/5.0 rating on Tripadvisor, showing that visitors consistently appreciate its charm. For families, pairing a visit with nearby Setagaya Park is a great idea, giving children plenty of space to play and explore.
Highlights of Setagaya Kannon
Setagaya Kannon is quite a unique temple—it doesn’t belong to any particular Buddhist sect and was established after World War II. Within its compact grounds, you’ll find an impressive collection of Buddhist statues and architectural pieces gathered from different regions of Japan. The temple was founded in 1951, built with the private funds of its head priest. Interestingly, he had been baptized under the influence of a British woman who dedicated her life to helping Hansen’s disease patients, which is why the temple also houses a statue of the Virgin Mary depicted as Kannon (Maria Kannon).
The temple has acquired many important cultural properties over the years, including precious Buddhist statues, a hall dedicated to the “Tokkō Kannon” (Kannon for fallen kamikaze pilots), and even a sazare-ishi, the special stone mentioned in Japan’s national anthem. Unfortunately, most of the explanatory signs are written only in Japanese, so non-Japanese readers might miss some of the deeper stories behind the artifacts—but that makes it all the more rewarding to explore with a bit of background knowledge in hand.
Spacious and Walkable Grounds
The temple grounds are wide and stroller-friendly, making it easy for children to explore.
With fewer crowds, little ones can wander like tiny adventurers safely.
A Place of Peace
Setagaya Kannon was established as a symbol of postwar recovery and a place to pray for peace.
It’s also a meaningful opportunity to share a bit of Japanese culture and history with children.
Family-Friendly Features of Setagaya Kannon
- Crowd-free atmosphere: Unlike popular tourist spots, your children can move around freely without stress.
- Perfect short visit: About 30–60 minutes is enough to enjoy the temple.
- Nearby attractions: Take the Setagaya Line to visit other family-friendly spots like Gōtokuji Temple, famous for its lucky cats, or explore the charming Shimotakaido shopping street.
- Local flavor: Every second Saturday of the month, the temple hosts a morning market where you can buy fresh local vegetables and other produce—a fun way for kids to experience community life.
Some cautions when you visit Setagaya Kannon
Visitors are required to wear a mask inside the temple to prevent infection. If you don’t have one, masks are available for purchase at the temple (10 yen each).
There is also a large temple bell on the grounds. Please note that there is a sign saying you must not ring it without permission. Since the sign is only in Japanese, some visitors might not realize it and think the bell is free to try—but it’s not. So, as tempting as it may look, please don’t ring the bell.
Access to Setagaya Kannon
- Nearest Station: Kamimachi Station, Setagaya Line (7-minute walk)
- From Shibuya: About 20 minutes via Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line + Setagaya Line
Summary of Setagaya Kannon
Setagaya Kannon is ideal for families seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path cultural experience in Tokyo.
With its serene grounds, stroller-friendly walkways, engaging local history, and monthly morning market, it’s a hidden gem that shows another side of Tokyo.
Take a break from the crowds, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and experience Tokyo like a local!
コメント