Hongyoji 本行寺

Tsukimidera, haiku monuments

Are you a haiku reader? A haiku poet? This one is for you. This is the first temple you'll see on your way along Gotenzaka west of Nippori Station. It's one of the cluster of temples in the shitamachi area. The temple's nickname is Tsukimidera, the moon-viewing temple. Back when the temple was moved from Edo Castle in 1709 to this spot on the hill, it had a spectacular view. The street leading south from the slope is Fujimi, or Mt. Fuji view. A lot of these views have disappeared as tall buildings proliferated. But back to the old days. Haiku poet Kobayashi Issa was friends with the priest here. You'll find monuments inscribed with poems by Kobayashi and the modern poet Taneda Santoka.