Kuginuki Jizo (Shakuzo-ji Temple)

Known affectionately as Kuginuki Jizo, Shakuzo-ji Temple is famous throughout Kyoto for prayers seeking relief from pain and suffering. The nickname means “Jizo Who Pulls Out Nails,” symbolizing the removal of physical pain and emotional hardship as if pulling a nail from the body.

Visitors are immediately drawn to the temple’s unique displays of oversized nail pullers and nails, donated by worshippers whose prayers were answered. The temple remains one of Kyoto’s most distinctive places of popular Buddhist devotion.

History

Shakuzo-ji is a Jodo Buddhist temple officially known as Koryuzan Komyo Henjoin Shakuzo-ji.

According to legend, a merchant suffering from severe pain prayed before Jizo Bodhisattva. His suffering miraculously disappeared, and a nail was said to have emerged from his body. From that time onward, the temple became famous for removing pain and misfortune, earning the popular name Kuginuki Jizo.

Today, countless nail pullers and nails donated by grateful worshippers continue to symbolize answered prayers.

Highlights

Kuginuki Jizo

The temple’s Jizo Bodhisattva is believed to relieve pain, illness, and emotional suffering, attracting worshippers from across Japan.

Giant Nail Pullers

Large wooden and metal nail pullers displayed throughout the temple are unique offerings donated by visitors whose wishes have been fulfilled.

Prayers for Healing

Many people visit to pray for recovery from illness, relief from chronic pain, safe surgery, and protection from misfortune.

Living Folk Tradition

Unlike Kyoto’s grand temple complexes, Shakuzo-ji preserves a warm tradition of everyday faith that has been passed down for centuries.

Peaceful Neighborhood Temple

Located in a quiet residential district, the temple offers a calm atmosphere where visitors can experience Kyoto’s local religious culture.

Visit Tips

Take time to look closely at the many donated nail pullers displayed around the temple—they tell the stories of countless worshippers who returned to give thanks after their prayers were answered.

The temple pairs well with nearby visits to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Senbon Shakado Temple, Enma-do Temple, and Daishogun Hachi Shrine, making it an excellent addition to a walking tour of Kyoto’s Kamigyo district.