Tennoji temple

Tennoji is a temple in Tokyo’s Taito-ward that belongs to the Tendai sect of Buddhism. The temple stands in a corner of Yanaka Cemetery, just outside the south exit of Nippori Station. Tennoji temple is dedicated to Amida Nyorai, or the Buddha of Light. The temple is modeled after Jyurin-in temple in the ancient city of Nara, but the temple has some modern touches, such as the gate that blend perfectly with the surrounding cityscape.
The temple held lotteries during the Edo period, attracting throngs of townsfolk hoping to strike it rich. Besides Tennoji, only two other sites in Edo (today’s Tokyo) were allowed to hold lotteries -- Ryusenji (also known as Meguro Fudosan) and Yushima Tenmangu.
The Bishamon-do hall enshrines Bishamon-ten — one of the Yanaka Shichi-fukujin, or Yanaka’s seven gods of fortune. The deity statue is put on public display during the first week of January -- when worshippers make pilgrimages to the Yanaka temples dedicated to the seven gods.