Shōrinzan Daruma-ji Temple
Shōrinzan Daruma-ji Temple

Shōrinzan Daruma: Birthplace of Red Figurines

Shorinzan, tucked away on Takasaki Mountain, is known as the Daruma Temple. A visit is reputed to bring good fortune.

The largest producers of Daruma dolls in Japan are based in the modest prefecture of Gunma. Over 80% of the figurines sold in the archipelago are made in the city of Takasaki.

Shōrinzan Daruma-ji Temple, founded in the 17th century, is the birthplace of the Takasaki Daruma.

Shōrinzan Daruma-ji Temple
Shōrinzan Daruma-ji Temple

At the time the country was suffering a major famine. The temple monks began to make figurines with the effigy of the Indian monk Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism. The dolls, bearers of hope and courage, were a great success and helped local farmers to fend for themselves.

Since then these traditional red figurines have been known as lucky talismans that grant wishes.

Shōrinzan Daruma-ji Temple
Shōrinzan Daruma-ji Temple

The procedure is simple: you formulate your vow by colouring the Daruma’s right eye. When your wishes are granted, you fill in the left eye. At the end of the year you take the doll back to the temple, which burns them.

The eyebrows of the Takasaki Daruma are effigies of cranes and its moustache is a turtle: these two creatures are symbols of longevity.

Shōrinzan Daruma-ji Temple is populated with figurines of all sizes and colours, each representing the wishes of its owner. Love, success, wealth, protection … each colour has its meaning.

Shōrinzan Daruma-ji Temple
Shōrinzan Daruma-ji Temple

To the Japanese Daruma dolls mean that “life is full of ups and downs”.

Did you know? Bruno Taut lived at Shōrinzan

German architect Bruno Taut fled the Nazis and travelled to Japan in 1933. Initially based in Sendai, he moved to Takasaki through the intermediary of local architect Fusaichiro Inoue. He worked at the Takasaki branch of the Prefectural Industrial Research Institute.

His home was the Senshin-tei, within the walls of Shōrinzan Daruma-ji temple. In this modest building of six and a half tatami, Taut would have experienced the Japanese spirit of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence or simplicity).

Shōrinzan Daruma-ji Temple
Shōrinzan Daruma-ji Temple

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

Instagram

Emerald river, Concrete whispers through green trees— Harmony awakes.エメラルド川、 緑木々を抜ける音— 調和が目を覚ます。#hydropower #natureandtech #emeraldgreen #sustainableenergy #offbeatjapan #hiddenjapan #japan
Doll faces whisper, In kimono dreams they rest, Lifelike hues of peace. 関風と囁く、 着物の夢に眠る、 平和の色。#offbeatjapan #japan #hinamatsuri #traditionalcrafts #japanesedolls #kimonolove #serenebeauty
Golden sun awakens, Whispering mist hugs green hills— Sky's mirror below. ---金色の太陽が目覚め、 囁く霧が緑の丘を包む— 空は下を映す。 ---#tanada #offbeatjapan #serenesunrise #japanlandscapes #mysticalmorning #ruraljapan #traditionalagriculture #japan
Sacred roof stands tall, Amid urban whispers hum— Time weaves old and new. 古き屋根、 街のささやき中、 時が編む。 #onochiciview #templevscity #ancientandmodern #urbanserenity #hillscapes #offbeatjapan #japan
Crimson dreams whisper, Wooden echoes of the past, In tranquil embrace.  赤夢囁く、 過去の木の響き、 静かな抱擁。  #DarumaDreams #ShrineQuietude #SereneJapan #RuralRetreat #CulturalSymbols #offbeatjapan #japan
Golden grasses sway, Ferris wheel rusts under sky— Blue, pink whispers past.---金色の草が揺れる、 錆びた観覧車の下で— 青とピンクの囁きが通り過ぎる。---#offbeatjapan #japan #haikyo #abandonedplaces #amusementpark #ferriswheel #nostalgia #urbanexploration
Emerald whispers, Jizo in crimson repose, Peace in quiet woods.---翡翠のささやき、 赤き地蔵の静寂、 静かな森の安らぎ。---#sacredjapan #jizostatue #forestbathing #serenity #spiritualjapan #offbeatjapan #japan
Lanterns softly glow, Slate-gray mirrors vibrant hues— City whispers dreams.---ランタンの灯り、 石畳に映る— 街の夢語。---#offbeatjapan #japan #japanesenightlife #yokocho #neonnights #lanterns #urbanjapan