Higashikaku-ji

Tokaku-ji Temple in Tabata, Kita Ward, Tokyo, is a Shingon Buzan sect temple founded in Kanda in 1491 (Entoku 3) by the monk Genga. The temple later relocated via Negishi to its present site in early Edo period Tabata, serving as the betto-ji (administrative temple) for Tabata Hachiman Shrine. The temple is famed for its pair of Nio guardian figures at the main gate, known as 'Akagami Nio' (Red-paper Nio). The custom involves attaching a red paper slip to the same part of the Nio's body where one suffers ailment, praying for recovery. The statues remain covered in red paper offerings. The temple enshrines Fukurokuju among the Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods, bestowing health, longevity, and good fortune.