Ikegami Honmonji Temple: A famous temple with seasonal charm
Access: It is about a 10-minute walk from Ikegami Station, two stops from Kamata Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line. There is an old road and a new road to the temple, but the old road is recommended. The Ikegami Line can also be accessed from Gotanda Station. It is about a 20-minute walk from Nishi-Magome Station, the last stop on the Toei Asakusa Line.
Sightseeing spots: One of the famous temples of the Nichiren sect, this is the place where Nichiren Shonin passed away. It has one of the few five-story pagodas in Tokyo. There are about 100 stone steps, and you will feel a blessing when you climb them. Every October, on the anniversary of Nichiren Shonin's death, the temple is crowded with people for the Oeshiki festival. In spring, the cherry blossoms in the temple grounds are magnificent. There is an Ikegami Plum Garden on the nearby National Route 1 side, and it is also nice to see the plum blossoms in early spring from February to March, about a 10-minute walk from the temple.
Hotels: There are many in Gotanda and Kamata, the starting stations of the Ikegami Line.
Meals & Restaurants: There are plenty to choose from in Gotanda and Kamata. Kamata has many cheap drinking establishments, including standing bars, and popular gyoza and tonkatsu restaurants. Gotanda has many stylish shops.
Shopping: Ikegami's specialty is kudzu mochi. There are several kudzu mochi shops in front of Ikegami Station and in front of the temple gate.