Bentendo Temple

The Bentendo temple

The Tokyo audio-guided tour invites you to quiet contemplation before the Bentendo temple, installed on an islet in the heart of the Shinobazu Pond, in Ueno Park.

A temple dedicated to Benzaiten

Built at the beginning of the seventeenth century, at the start of the Edo period, the temple is dedicated to Benzaiten, the Buddhist goddess of wealth, happiness, wisdom and music, also called Benten. A personification of water, she is traditionally venerated near a body of water, which explains the location of the temple. It formed part of the immense complex of Kan'ei-ji, one of the most prestigious temples of the city, built by the monk Tenkai. Destroyed during the bombings of 1945, the building has been rebuilt as faithfully as possible.

What there is to see

Set on its islet in the middle of the lotuses, the Bentendo temple offers a peaceful and photogenic setting, accessible by an alley that crosses the pond. In contemplation, the visitor discovers there a place of devotion dedicated to Benzaiten. Surrounded by water and greenery, it is one of the most emblematic sites of Ueno Park.

Practical information

The Bentendo temple is on an islet of the Shinobazu Pond, in Ueno Park, in Tokyo, accessible by an alley. A place of worship, it can generally be visited during the day, with respect for silence and for the faithful, the hours possibly varying according to the season. Access is on the level.

To whom is the Bentendo temple dedicated?

To Benzaiten, the Buddhist goddess of wealth, happiness, wisdom and music, venerated near water.

Why was the Bentendo temple rebuilt?

Because the original building was destroyed during the bombings of 1945; it has been rebuilt as faithfully as possible.