Choanji (Taito-ku, Tokyo)

Choanji is located in Taito-ku, Tokyo. This temple of the Rinzai Myoshinji sect of Buddhism enshrines the god Jurojin of Yanaka Shichifukujin, also known as the Seven Lucky Gods of Edo.
This temple was founded in 1669, with its main deity being Senju Kanzeon Bosatsu. The grounds are also famous for the tomb of Kano Hougai, a great painter. Hougai was known for his style of painting that incorporatesd Western painting techniques. His complete book, Sorrow of Kanon, has been designated as an Important Cultural Property (Tokyo University of the Arts).
It is said that Ieyasu Tokugawa paid for the wooden Jurojin statue in the main hall. You can see it at the "Yanaka Shichifukujin Tour" held every year from January 1st to 10th.