ueno koen: benten-do temple

13Mar06

Benten-do temple is one of my favorite spots in Ueno Koen. Dedicated to Benten, the patron goddess of the arts, the main hall is located on an island. And indeed, while I was there, I saw a really arty looking student come to the shrine to pay her respects. All respect to the arts, yo!

The most awesome monks of Benten-do allowed me to take a few photos of this enormous hanging lantern inside the temple hall.

Not sure whether this is a Jizo figure, or some other Buddhist icon, but it’s very picturesque in its red hood, standing next to a gorgeous offering of flowers.

It’s a monument dedicated to glasses! This is why Benten-do Temple is my favorite temple in Ueno Koen.

And finally, here’s the view of Tokyo from across Shinobazu Pond.

Filed under: art, culture, Japan, religion, travel   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: Benten, Benten-do, Benzaiten, glasses monument, God of the arts, jizo, Shinobazu Pond, Tokyo, Ueno, Ueno Park, 地蔵, 弁天堂, 弁才天, 東京, 上野公園, 不忍池