Established sometime around 1615, this small, photogenic temple hemmed in by trees commemorates stillborn and miscarried children, as well as aborted foetuses. Located in the rear of the temple precinct is a separate tribute to the 14,700 people who died in the fire of 1772, which, in addition to flattening most of the wooden houses in surrounding Meguro, burned the original temple structure to the ground. As you enter, you’ll come across some red-bonneted jizō figures (small stone statues of the Buddhist protector of travellers and children). Further into the temple precinct and completely lining one of its walls are Arhat (atonement) statues of the Go-hyaku-rakan (the 500 followers of Buddha). Each of these exquisite stone markers were made to appease the souls that departed in the great fire, and each has its own design and facial expression. Water is often placed in front of the statues to ease the degree of the victims’ suffering.
