As a benevolent spirit who helps others in need, Jizo is a beloved Buddhist figure in Japan. In fact, it’s quite common to find Jizo statues wherever you go. Some, however, are a little bit more distinct than others. The Jizo statue at Gyokuhoji Temple is one such example. This white statue is supposed to grant you beautiful skin when you pray upon it. Curious to find out more? Read on.
Okeshou Jizo (Makeup Jizo)
Gyokuhoji Temple is presently situated in Minato Ward, though it was originally constructed in Hatchobori. According to legend, the Buddhist monk who founded the temple once discovered a weather-damaged Jizo statue. Out of sympathy, he attempted to mend it as best as he could, using white powder to conceal the imperfections. Miraculously, the following morning, the monk found that a bruise on his face had vanished!
Since then, people began to visit the Jizo statue to pray for beauty. There’s a can of powder placed on the altar so that visitors can apply powder on the Jizo. To pray for healing, one should put the powder on the same part of the statue that corresponds to their own ailment. It’s also important to chant “Onkākā kabiensama ēsowan” (オンカーカー カビンサマ エーソワカ) while applying the powder and praying. Once a person’s wish is granted, they should return and cover the statue entirely with white powder as an expression of gratitude.
The practice of putting powder on this Jizo statue has earned it the moniker “Okeshou Jizo” or “Makeup Jizo.” When I visited to pay respects to the statue, I was surprised to find it not only covered in white powder but also adorned with eyeliner, lipstick, and painted nails. Talk about full glam! Even if you’re not praying for pretty skin, this Jizo is definitely worth visiting for its quirky appeal.
Video
The Makeup Jizo was featured in this video about unusual things to do in Tokyo. It appears around the 0:23 mark.
Other Unique Jizo
If you want to read more about unique Jizo statues, you can check out the tied-up Jizo of Nanzoin, the thousand Jizo statues for deceased children at Zojoji, and the Jizo statue for success in Ginza. There are many more in Japan, each one with its own set of unique characteristics, and I plan to document more of them in my travels.
How to Get There
Gyokuhoji Temple (玉鳳寺, ぎょくほうじ)
Wed- Fri, 09:00 to 17:00
Ward Website
From JR Meguro Station, take 東98 bus bound for Tokyo Eki Minamiguchi and get off at Gyoran-Zaka-Shita. The temple is a 2-minute walk from there.
