To get to Kogan-ji Temple, exit the North Exit of Sugamo Station, cross the signal at Hakusan-dori Avenue in front of you, and head towards the shopping arcade in front of the station.
Proceed along the arcade, go past the Shōjō-ji Temple of the Edo Rokujizo, and go straight through Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street.
You'll soon see the Sanmon gate of Kogan-ji Temple on your right.
Kogan-ji Temple is also known as Togenuki Jizo.
What is Togenuki?
It is said that when a maid of the Mori family accidentally swallowed a needle, she was given the statue to drink water, and the needle passed through the statue and was vomited out.
Since then, it has been worshiped as a Jizo for warding off evil and inviting good fortune.
And, there are places in the precincts of Kogan-ji Temple where you can sit and take a break.
There are 5 benches with 3 seats each.
I visited around 2 p.m. in July, and the roof of the office building provided shade, so I was able to spend my time relatively cool.
The benches are sturdy and comfortable to sit on, so you can take a leisurely break in the precincts.
It was the time of the Bon Odori festival, and a yagura (a raised platform for the dance) was set up.
There were also two benches next to the place where you can return your fortune slips, so you can rest in the shade of the trees.
The Haiden (worship hall) of Kogan-ji Temple, let's visit after taking a break on the bench.
Why not pray to the Omikage (a portrait of a Buddhist deity) or polish the parts of your body that are in pain at the Arai Kannon?
There are not many benches in Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street, so it's convenient to remember this as a resting spot in Sugamo.
Oh, by the way, you can use free Wi-Fi in Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street!
Sugamon, the mascot character, told me, "You can use free Wi-Fi!"
Sugamon, a mascot character that I personally recommend, is so cute.
So, why not use it as a resting place with seating around Sugamo Station?