About
Proceeding through the grounds of Senso-ji and passing through the bustling Nakamise Street, you will come upon the Zenizuka Jizo Hall, standing quietly in a place removed from the clamor. This small hall has long been a spiritual refuge for people wishing for prosperous business and improved financial fortune, gathering faith over many years.
Inside the hall, six Jizo statues are enshrined. It is said that at their feet, Kan’ei Tsuho coins from the Edo period are buried, which is the origin of the name “Zenizuka” (Money Mound). This legend dates back to the Kyoho era (1716–1736). The wife of a samurai named Yamaguchi, who lived in Arima District, Settsu Province (present-day Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture), unearthed a jar filled with many Kan’ei Tsuho coins in her garden. However, she considered it shameful to acquire unearned wealth and decided to rebury the jar in the ground. Thanks to this wise act, her family prospered, and a Jizo statue was enshrined at that spot. A divided spirit of this Jizo was later enshrined at Senso-ji, becoming the present Zenizuka Jizo Hall. (senso-ji.jp)
To the right of the hall sits a stone statue called “Kankan Jizo.” The name comes from the “kankan” sound that echoes when worshippers lightly tap it with small stones. It is believed that if you offer salt and tap this Jizo while making a wish, you will receive blessings of wealth and fortune. Due to years of devotion, the statue has been worn down to the point where its original form is barely recognizable, a testament to the depth of people’s prayers. (senso-ji.jp)
At Zenizuka Jizo Hall, a memorial service is held on the 24th of every month, and on the 24th of January, May, and September, a grand memorial service called “Shogo-ku” takes place. On these days, many worshippers visit to pray for prosperous business and improved financial fortune. When visiting, it is customary to offer salt, incense sticks, and candles, and because of the tradition of offering salt, the Jizo is also known as “Shioname Jizo” (Salt-licking Jizo). (senso-ji.jp)
In this place, a little removed from the bustle of Senso-ji, quietly putting your hands together allows you to feel the wishes and prayers of people across the ages. Zenizuka Jizo Hall seems to quietly remind those of us living today of the importance of sincerity and hard work.