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Monzen-Nakacho Naritasando Street

4.4
·5k reviews·Koto City, Japan

Experience a unique Buddhist temple known for its daily Goma fire rituals, powerful Taiko drumming, and a striking 'angry' Buddha.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, hourly from 9 AM

Witness the Goma fire ritual

CrowdMedium
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本堂

Monzen-Nakacho Naritasando Street

Best Time

Daily, hourly from 9 AM

Witness the Goma fire ritual

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience a unique Buddhist temple known for its daily Goma fire rituals, powerful Taiko drumming, and a striking 'angry' Buddha.

4.4
(5k reviews)

"Wonderful Taiko experience in this Buddhist temple. A must visit either for worship or just as a tourist."

Vertical photo
TIP

Arrive Early for Rituals

Get a good spot for the Goma fire ritual and Taiko drumming. Be mindful and respectful during services. :pray:

Remove Shoes and Hat

Be prepared to take off your shoes and hat before entering certain areas of the temple. :foot:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Goma Fire Ritual

Goma Fire Ritual

Witness a powerful daily fire ritual with chanting and taiko drumming. A truly unique spiritual experience.

The 'Angry' Buddha

The 'Angry' Buddha

An impressive and unique Buddha statue with a distinct Indian influence, offering a striking visual.

Taiko Drumming Performance

Taiko Drumming Performance

Experience the thunderous rhythms of Taiko drumming during the temple's services. A captivating auditory spectacle.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Fire Ritual

The Goma fire ritual is the main draw, happening daily. Arrive early to secure a good spot and be prepared to remove your shoes and hat. Avoid taking photos during the service to show respect for the cultural experience.

Embracing the Unique Atmosphere

This temple offers a blend of traditional and modern elements, including a large LED display and contemporary architecture. While some find it a 'mishmash,' others appreciate the unique 'angry' Buddha with Indian influences and the powerful Taiko drumming.

Best Times

When
Daily, hourly from 9 AM
Why
Witness the Goma fire ritual
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Places you would never know 😨✨ #adventure #japan #traveling #explore
@japan
1.5M likes • 23.4M views

Arrive Early for Rituals

Get a good spot for the Goma fire ritual and Taiko drumming. Be mindful and respectful during services. :pray:

Remove Shoes and Hat

Be prepared to take off your shoes and hat before entering certain areas of the temple. :foot:

Don’t just go to Japan, *experience* Japan #tokyo #JapanTravel
@japantravelcom
329.2K likes • 2.7M views
今が見頃!多くの人々を魅了する樹齢300年の藤の名木✨ 📍福岡県【中山の大藤】/ 🇯🇵Fukuoka Prefecture 📅 中山大藤まつり 2025年の開催情報 • 開催期間:2025年4月15日(火)〜27日(日) • 会場:中山熊野神社(柳川市三橋町中山538-1) 📅 Nakayama Grand Wisteria Festival 2025 - Dates: April 15 (Tuesday) - 27 (Sunday), 2025 - Venue: Nakayama Kumano Shrine (538-1 Nakayama, Mitsuhashi-cho, Yanagawa City) 📸LUMIX S5Ⅱ / LUMIX G9Ⅱ #中山の大藤 #日本の風景 #fukuoka #japantravel
@reo_film
158.2K likes • 1.5M views

Respect Photography Rules

Refrain from taking photos during official services to show respect for the cultural experience. :camerawithflash:

Embrace the Modern Mix

Appreciate the temple's unique blend of traditional and modern elements, including unique art and architecture. :art:

This flower is in Fukuoka Prefecture yanagawa city. The nearest station is Setaka Station . This wisteria flower was planted 300 years ago. . . . . . #kimetsunoyaiba #demonslayer #wisteria #japan #japantrip #jepang #fukuoka #yanagawa #nakayamanoofuji
@fadhilnoorr
151K likes • 1.6M views

Tips

from all over the internet

Arrive Early for Rituals

Get a good spot for the Goma fire ritual and Taiko drumming. Be mindful and respectful during services. :pray:

Remove Shoes and Hat

Be prepared to take off your shoes and hat before entering certain areas of the temple. :foot:

Respect Photography Rules

Refrain from taking photos during official services to show respect for the cultural experience. :camerawithflash:

Embrace the Modern Mix

Appreciate the temple's unique blend of traditional and modern elements, including unique art and architecture. :art:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Goma fire ritual and Taiko drumming at this Buddhist temple to be a unique and impressive experience. While some appreciate the 'angry' Buddha and the blend of traditional and modern elements, others find the contemporary additions and concrete grounds detract from the aesthetic. Respectful observation during services is highly recommended.

"This esoteric Buddhist temple is a bit of a mishmash - not very beautiful...even though the wood carvings on the main building are rather nice.

It is difficult to swallow the large LED display at the front of the temple advertising the times of the Goma fire ritual though. On top of that you have the hyper-modern building on the left of the temple with Sanskrit black, white and gold letters that give the temple an unnatural appearance.

To make matters worse, a large part of the grounds are pure concrete and a large part of it is painted green with very smooth surface like an indoor soccer field.

The highway passing by in the background does not help either.

Perhaps I was in a bad mood this day...hmmm."

Jim Reaugh

"Very nice temple, kind of modern atmosphere with buildings."

Bonjour Tokyo

"Wonderful Taiko experience in this Buddhist temple The big (angry) Buddha is unique and seems to have an Indian influence. We stayed for an entire service, which was quite an experience. Be prepared to remove your shoes and hat."

Warren Paul Harris

What People Like

Goma fire ritual
Taiko drumming
Unique Buddha statue

What People Dislike

Modern additions
Concrete grounds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Monzen-Nakacho Naritasando Street is accessible via public transport. The nearest station is Monzen-Nakacho Station, served by the Toei Oedo and Tozai subway lines. From Narita Airport, you can take a train or bus to central Tokyo and then transfer to the subway. Some travelers suggest using the Visit Japan Web service for easier immigration and customs procedures upon arrival.TikTok

Reaching Monzen-Nakacho from Narita Airport involves a train or bus journey. While the Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner are options, some travelers recommend a lower-cost bus service for around 1,300 yen to Tokyo Station, which takes about an hour.TikTok From Tokyo Station, you can then take the subway to Monzen-Nakacho.

Tokyo's extensive subway system is the most efficient way to get around. Consider purchasing a Klook Value Rail Pass if you plan on extensive travel between cities, as it can be more cost-effective than a JR Pass for certain routes.TikTok For local travel, the Toei Oedo and Tozai lines are key for reaching Monzen-Nakacho.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the temple grounds and to witness the Goma fire ritual is generally free. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the sacred space and any donation boxes available.Reddit

The temple is typically open daily, with prayers and the Goma fire ritual starting from 9 AM and occurring every two hours. It's advisable to check for any specific holiday hours or temporary closures.

No advance booking is usually required for the Goma fire ritual. However, arriving early is recommended to secure a good viewing spot, especially on busy days.

🎫 ⛩️ Onsite Experience

The Goma fire ritual is a significant Buddhist ceremony involving chanting of sutras and the burning of sacred wood. It's a powerful and visually striking event that many visitors find deeply moving.Reddit

The Taiko drumming is a dynamic and resonant part of the temple's services. The powerful beats create an immersive and energetic atmosphere that many visitors find impressive.Reddit

Photography is generally discouraged or prohibited during the official services and rituals to maintain a respectful atmosphere. It's best to put your phone away and fully immerse yourself in the experience.Reddit

The temple presents a unique blend of traditional Buddhist architecture with modern elements. Some reviews note a 'mishmash' feel, including a large LED display and contemporary buildings, alongside traditional wood carvings and the striking Buddha statue.Reddit

Visitors are expected to be respectful of the religious site. This includes removing shoes and hats when required, and refraining from disruptive behavior during ceremonies.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the street itself is known for its temple, the surrounding Monzen-Nakacho area offers various dining options. You can find traditional Japanese eateries and local restaurants serving a range of dishes. Some TikTok videos highlight hidden gem restaurants in Tokyo, though not specifically on this street.TikTok

The area typically offers classic Japanese cuisine. You might find soba shops, sushi restaurants, and other local favorites. Exploring the side streets can lead to some authentic culinary discoveries.

📸 📸 Photography

Key photo opportunities include the Goma fire ritual (from a distance or before/after the service), the unique 'angry' Buddha statue, and the Taiko drummers. The temple's blend of old and new architecture also offers interesting visual contrasts.Reddit

Yes, photography is generally not permitted during the religious services to maintain a respectful atmosphere. Always check for posted signs or ask temple staff if unsure.Reddit

A versatile lens that can handle both wide shots of the temple grounds and closer details of the statues and rituals would be beneficial. A camera with good low-light performance can also be helpful for capturing the atmosphere during services.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Spiritual Seekers & Culture Enthusiasts

For those interested in Japanese spirituality and cultural practices, Monzen-Nakacho Naritasando Street offers a profound experience. The daily Goma fire ritual is a highlight, providing a glimpse into esoteric Buddhist traditions. The powerful Taiko drumming and chanting create an immersive atmosphere that resonates deeply. Remember to be respectful during ceremonies and refrain from photography to fully appreciate the spiritual significance.Reddit

Beyond the ritual, the temple's unique blend of traditional and modern architecture can be fascinating for those interested in the evolution of religious sites. The 'angry' Buddha statue, with its Indian influences, is also a point of interest for those exploring diverse religious iconography. This is a place to engage with, rather than just observe.

Budget-Conscious Travelers

Monzen-Nakacho Naritasando Street is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers as entry to the temple grounds and witnessing the Goma fire ritual is free. This allows visitors to experience a significant cultural event without incurring admission fees.Reddit

When it comes to getting to Tokyo, opting for the more affordable bus services from Narita Airport instead of the express trains can save a considerable amount of money.TikTok Within Tokyo, utilizing the efficient subway system and considering passes like the Klook Value Rail Pass for longer journeys can also help manage transportation costs effectively.TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Goma Fire Ritual: A Spiritual Spectacle

The Goma fire ritual is the central event at Monzen-Nakacho Naritasando Street, drawing visitors seeking a unique spiritual experience. This ancient Buddhist practice involves the burning of sacred wooden sticks, known as 'goma,' while monks chant sutras and perform powerful Taiko drumming. The ritual is believed to purify negative karma and bring good fortune.

Visitors are welcome to observe the ritual, which typically occurs hourly from 9 AM. It's important to arrive a bit early to find a suitable viewing spot. As a sign of respect, attendees are asked to remove their shoes and hats before entering the ritual area. Photography during the actual ceremony is generally prohibited to ensure a solemn and focused atmosphere.Reddit

The combination of the crackling flames, the resonant chanting, and the thunderous beat of the Taiko drums creates an intense and memorable sensory experience. While some find the temple's modern additions a bit jarring, the spiritual core of the Goma ritual remains a powerful draw for many.

Navigating Tokyo's Transportation for Your Visit

Getting to Monzen-Nakacho Naritasando Street and exploring Tokyo efficiently requires understanding the city's public transport. The most common entry point is Narita International Airport (NRT). While the Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner are convenient, they can be pricey. A more budget-friendly option is the low-cost bus service, which can take you to Tokyo Station for around 1,300 yen.TikTok From there, you can connect to Tokyo's extensive subway network.

Once in Tokyo, the subway system is your best friend. The Toei Oedo Line and Tozai Line directly serve Monzen-Nakacho Station, making it easily accessible. For travelers planning extensive inter-city travel, researching rail passes like the Klook Value Rail Pass might offer significant savings compared to the JR Pass, depending on your itinerary.TikTok

Many TikTok videos offer tips on navigating Japan's transportation, including advice on using apps like 'Visit Japan Web' for pre-filling immigration forms, which can streamline your arrival process.TikTok Planning your routes in advance using navigation apps will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

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