The temple has an observatory inside — Tokyo’s “Shogonji Temple” boasts the most beautiful starry sky!

Text and photos by／MATCHA

Shogonji Temple in Rokugo, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, is an incredibly unique temple. Its outer walls are adorned with cats and whales welcoming visitors, while lions and dinosaurs guard the interior. But the most extraordinary feature is undoubtedly its one-of-a-kind planetarium. Doesn’t the idea of fulfilling your childhood dream of becoming an astronomer inside a temple appeal to you?

Located in Rokugo, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, Shogonji Temple (Shogonji: しょうがんじ) is a highly distinctive temple. Its exterior walls are painted with images of cats and whales, and the interior features stone statues of lions and dinosaurs.

Speaking of its most standout feature, it’s the on-site “Planetarium Theater ‘GALAXY’.” Shogonji Temple is the world’s first temple to have a Planetarium Theater.

Head to Shogonji Temple’s iconic giant rocket

Exit at Keisei Main Line Ogi Station (Ogi: おおぎ) and walk toward Rokugo Station, and you’ll see a building with a rocket. At first glance, it doesn’t look like a temple, but it’s actually Shogonji Temple, home to the “Planetarium Galaxy.”

Cats and whales welcome visitors at the entrance

Walk around to the main gate of Shogonji Temple, and you’ll find walls painted with cats and a large whale. The whale painting symbolizes the harmony between Buddhism and the natural world. Although it originates from Buddhist art, it also carries a deeper meaning.

On the temple’s outer walls, several cats are depicted sailing around a ship—the central ship represents the Kentōshi Ship (※1). It’s said that cats were kept on the Kentōshi Ship to protect Buddhist scriptures from being eaten by mice. This painting illustrates how Buddhism was transmitted from mainland China to Japan, along with the cats.

※1: Kentōshi (遣唐使)… From the 7th to 9th centuries, Japan sent envoys to Tang Dynasty China to study advanced technology, books, and Buddhist scriptures.

Lions and dinosaurs stand as stone guardians within the temple

At the entrances and main halls of Japanese shrines or temples, there are often statues of guardian deities or Buddhas. Most of these are placed on both sides. However, Shogonji Temple has positioned them at the front.

Buddhism originated in India, and the stupas that enshrine the Indian sage Shakyamuni Buddha are topped with lion statues. Therefore, Shogonji Temple also installed lion statues to protect the temple.

The dinosaur on the other side was originally set to be discarded when a museum closed, but was later brought to the temple. It’s believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits.

The planetarium inside the temple

The “Planetarium Theater ‘GALAXY’,” established in July 1996, was initially intended for temple patrons (※2) to make Buddhist stories more engaging. Later, it began opening to the public twice a month by reservation only.

※2: Danka (檀家)… Individuals or households that support a temple financially, primarily for funerals, memorial services, and other rituals. They are essentially the temple’s congregation.

The planetarium show lasts about an hour in total. It includes a 30-minute introductory astronomy program called “Digital Planetarium,” a 15-minute explanation by the temple director about the stars, and a 15-minute special monthly program.

The Digital Planetarium supports multiple languages including English, Italian, German, French, Romanian, and Russian.

The temple’s director, Mr. Kasuga, is highly proficient in foreign languages. He can give explanations in Japanese, English, Italian, German, French, and Romanian. Isn’t that cool?

Additionally, the names of constellations in the planetarium are available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai.

Generally, on days when the planetarium is open to the public, it’s mainly attended by Japanese visitors, so foreign language explanations aren’t always available. Be sure to check in advance and plan your visit on a day when foreign language explanations are confirmed.

If you’re deeply interested in Buddhism, get to see the universe inside a temple, and contemplate the starry sky—doesn’t it feel like fulfilling your childhood dream of becoming an astronomer? When you travel to Japan, why not come and gaze at the beautiful night sky?

Planetarium Theater
Official Website
Address: 7-11-30, Rokugo, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours: 15:00–15:50
Closed: First and third Sundays of the month. Other days may also be closed. Check in advance for planetarium programs (reservations required).
Nearest Stations: Rokugo Station, Ogi Station
Access: 10-minute walk from Keisei Line Rokugo Station, 15-minute walk from Keisei Line Ogi Station
Admission: Adults 1,000 yen, Children 500 yen (ages 10 to junior high school students)

Phone Number: 03-3696-1170
Author: MATCHA　Blog