I went to Meguro in Tokyo to look for the Daien-Ji temple.
In 1615, a temple was created to honor two groups. One is a small temple connecting trees to commemorate stillborn, miscarried children and aborted fetuses. The second is a tribute to the 14,700 people who died in the “Great Meiwa Fire” of 1772.
The Great Meiwa fire was the second of the great three fires in the Edo Period, in which thousands of people were killed.
You will see small jizu stone statues wearing red bonnets which are protectors of travelers and children.
The Arhat (atonement) statues of the Go-hyau-rakan (the 500 followers of Buddha) can be seen. These statues were created to appease the souls that departed in the great fire and each has its own design and facial expression.
You will often find water placed in front of the statues to ease the degree of the victim’s suffering.
There is also a dragon water fountain which was placed in front to ease the degree of the victim’s suffering.
Here are videos I shot at Daien-Ji Temple:
