Masobyo Temple (媽祖廟), also called Ma Zhu Miao, is located in Yokohama’s Chinatown. The young Taoist temple, which opened relatively recently in 2006, enshrines Mazu, the Chinese Goddess of the Sea. Despite its young age, the temple exudes ancient spirituality older than its years. The structure has a geometrical base and is decorated with blue, green, red, and gold detailing. A massive gate welcomes visitors and worshippers alike and is connected to the main temple with a line of red lanterns. Inside Masobyo, a statue of Mazu is cloaked in vibrant attire and wearing an imperial headdress, symbolizing her godly status. The interior is equally as impressive as the outside with exquisite designs covering every surface. Worshippers commonly go to the temple to pray for safe travels since, historically, sailors and fishermen would pray to the goddess for calm seas during their journeys.
History of Mazu: Goddess of the Sea
As a human, Mazu was born in the tenth century and named Lin Mo. According to legend, she was gifted with supernatural abilities, such as predicting the weather, calming storms, and experiencing visions. She dedicated her life to the teachings of Tao and ascended to the heavens at age 28 as a goddess.
Mazu has two demon bodyguards, Qianliyan and Shunfenger. Both demons vowed to protect Mazu after failing to defeat her in combat for her hand in marriage. Inside Masobyo, statues of the demon guardians stand to the left and right of Mazu. One, colored red, is positioned in a listening pose with his hand to his ear, while the green colored one is diligently watching, with eyes that seem to scan the temple.
Today
Worshippers visit Masobyo to pray to Mazu for safe travels, as well as general health and safety. The temple is also a popular spot for tourists due to its traditional architecture and cultural significance in Chinatown. Of course, Mazu’s affinity for keeping travellers safe is appealing to tourists as well. Masobyo’s temple staff are extremely helpful and more than willing to teach visitors the appropriate methods of worship. Individuals who want a closer look at Mazu’s statue are required to buy incense sticks, which they place in five burners. After lighting the incense sticks, they should bow in respect. During New Years, the temple becomes crowded with people participating and watching the festive displays.
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Ten minute walk from Ishikawa-cho Station (JR Negishi Line), or 3 minute walk from Motomachi Chukagai Station.
Ma Zhu Miao Temple is a place where you can feel the Chinese culture and tradition nurtured by this Chinese community. This is a place I highly recommend you visit during your stay in Yokohama.
วัดมา ซู เมียวเป็นสถานที่แห่งวัฒนธรรม ขนบธรรมเนียนจีนที่สืบทอดมาในสังคม ผมแนะนำให้มาเที่ยวที่แห่งนี้ ถ้าได้มาที่โยโกฮาม่า
Masobyo Mausoleum (Mazu Miao Temple) is a new Taoist temple in Yokohama Chinatown established in 2006
Masobyo in Yokohama Chinatown: Carvings of 12 animals from the Chinese Zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
横浜中華街の媽祖廟 ( まそびょう ): ここには中国十二支の動物たちの彫刻がある: 子、丑、寅、卯、辰、巳、午、未、申、酉、戌、亥だ。
Masobyo Temple, Yokohama Chinatown, is full of surprises. Particularly impressive are gorgeous wall plate carvings that adorn the outer walls of the main prayer building.
Masobyo Mausoleum (Kuil Mazu Miao) adalah kuil Tao terbaru di Yokohama Chinatown yang didirikan 2006.
Masobyo na Chinatown de Yokohama: Esculturas dos 12 animais do Zodíaco Chinês: rato, boi, tigre, coelho, dragão, cobra, cavalo, ovelha, macaco, galo, cão e porco.
O Templo Masobyo, na Chinatown de Yokohama, está cheio de surpresas. Particularmente impressionantes são as belíssimas esculturas nas placas que adornam as paredes exteriores do edifício de oração principal.
O Mausoléu Masobyo (Templo Mazu Miao) é um novo templo Taoísta na Chinatown de Yokohama fundado em 2006
Lăng mộ Masobyo (Đền Mazu Miao) là một đền thờ Đạo giáo mới ở phố người Hoa Yokohama thành lập năm 2006
Đền Masobyo ở khu phố người Hoa Yokohama: các bức chạm khắc 12 con giáp của Trung Quốc: chuột, bò, hổ, thỏ, rồng, rắn, ngựa, cừu, khỉ, gà trống, chó và lợn.
Đền Masobyo, khu phố Tàu Yokohama, chứa đầy những điều bất ngờ. Đặc biệt ấn tượng với những bước chạm khắc tường tuyệt đẹp tô điểm bên ngoài khu đền cầu nguyện chính.
Masobyo Temple in Yokohama's Chinatown honors Mazu, a Chinese Taoist goddess. Visitors are welcome to pay respects and receive fortunes from this protector of travelers and sailors. Elaborate decoration and statuary make it a photogenic spot.
The elegant building facing Yamashita Park, is one of the oldest hotels in Yokohama: the Hotel New Grand.
![Yokohama's Star Hotel [Closed]](https://assets.japantravel.com/photo/845-4022/360x240!/kanagawa-yokohama-s-star-hotel-easy-access-nice-view-and-convenient-4022.webp "Yokohama's Star Hotel [Closed]")
The Star Hotel, right in front of Yamashita Park, shows gives excellent value for money.
On days that Aska II is scheduled to arrive at Osanbashi Pier in Yokohama, lots of people go there to see this beautiful liner.
Perfect for couples or groups (up to 12 people), Masago provides enticing kaiseki dining that is delicious and artistic. Try their classic Japanese-style cuisine that has been altered for a more international taste while retaining the harmony of its original flavors.
RUCY+R boasts a delicious and colorful vegan menu. You won't be disappointed by the Hawaiian-inspired cafe where you can try Mexican taco salad, tofu-katsu, and curry with an extra kick of veggies.
Enjoy high-quality authentic Chinese food such as dim sum, congee, and noodles at MS. CASABLANCA. This casual Chinese dining space is chic and comfortable, providing high-class Chinese dining in Kanagawa supervised by a Michelin Star chef.
Yokohama Chinatown, also known as Yokohama Chukagai, is Japan’s largest Chinatown. An enclave of Chinese shops and restaurants has stood in this section of Yokohama since the port city was opened to international trade in 1859. The entrance to Chinatown is marked by four intricate and colorful gates, which represent the four directions in Chinese tradition. Each gate is associated with a different mythological animal an additional five gates stand within the neighborhood’s boundaries. More impressive architecture can be found at the Kanteibyo temple (also known as the Guan Gong Temple), which is dedicated to the Chinese god of successful business and prosperity. Built in 1873 by the neighborhood’s residents, it remains popular among the faithful and also welcomes visitors with its serene evening lantern displays. Nearby Masobyo Temple is newer and smaller, but this Taoist temple still impresses with its decorative touches. Chinatown is noted for its cuisine, from humble street stalls to gourmet feasts. Pork or mustard green steamed buns, egg tarts and goma-dango (sesame seed dumplings) all make for popular pick-me-up streets to grab on the go. In the many eateries that line the neighborhood streets, it’s possible to dine on any number of authentic Chinese dishes – spicy mapo tofu, duck, and dozens of dim sum options are just a few of the popular menu items on offer. Several stores in the area offer a unique shopping experience not often found in other Japanese cities. Pick out the perfect good luck charm or try your luck at a fortune teller. Browse the selection of one-of-a-kind “qipao”, a type of traditional Chinese dress. Or, stock your cabinet with a range of Chinese teas. Yokohama Chukagai sees its greatest influx of visitors every winter during the fifteen-day-long Chinese New Year festivities. The neighborhood is justifiably famous for its lavish celebrations, with lion dances, parades and numerous other activities. The streets are often decked out in lanterns and paper dragons; night visits are extremely atmospheric during this season.
Kanteibyo Temple (関帝廟) is a spiritual landmark in Yokohama’s Chinatown. It shines like a beacon of faith with its vibrant red exterior and intricate detailing. Dragon statues stand above the entrance with poised bodies and open mouths, fiercely guarding the temple. The interior is decorated ornately with gold designs, wordlessly speaking of the temple’s significance. In the center sits a statue of Guan Yu, a famous military general turned deity who is immortalized in the historical Chinese novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Worshippers pray to Guan Yu for business and financial prosperity. History Founded in 1862, Kanteibyo was allegedly created when a Chinese migrant brought a statue of Guan Yu to Japan. The temple started humbly as a small shrine but expanded over the years thanks to donations from devout worshippers. Kanteibyo’s history was a turbulent one, as it stood witness to numerous calamities. In 1923, the temple was destroyed by an earthquake; years later it was damaged in 1945 during World War II air raids; and in 1986, it burned down due to an unsolved fire incident. After each destructive event, the town united to rebuild the temple, reflecting the residents’ deep sense of community and connection with each other and the temple. Today Kanteibyo has become entrenched in Chinatown’s legacy and is a frequented site by residents and tourists alike for prayer and admiration. The temple is dedicated to seven deities, all of which--except the Jade Emperor who is symbolized by the ceiling--are represented by lavishly adorned statues. These deities include the Jade Emperor, Guan Yu, Di Mu Niang Niang, Zhou Cang, Guan Ping, Guan Yin, and Fu De Zheng Shen. Centered in the temple is Guan Yu’s statue, which is red-faced, long bearded, and cloaked in brightly-colored attire. The most common way of praying involves the use of incense sticks. While fire is prohibited in the main shrine, worshippers can light the incense sticks outside and place them in five burners corresponding to the shrine’s deities. After lighting the incense, practicers enter the main building and pray to the deities in a specific order. Temple assistants can also help people tell their fortunes with the use of divination moon blocks. The temple holds celebratory events throughout the year with the most popular ones being on New Year, Lunar New Year, and Guan Yu’s birthday. These spectacles are filled with traditional Chinese performances such as lion and dragon dances.
Yamashita Park (山下公園) is a public park along YokoThe Yamashita Park is considered the first coastal park in Japan and is located directly in front of the port of Yokohama. It extends almost 700 meters from the east side of Osanbashi to the Yamashita Pier. It was founded in 1930 by filling the area with the debris of the great Kanto earthquake opened. The park includes a meadow of grass, a rose garden, the "Little Girl in Red Shoes" statue, the "Guardian of the Water" statue, which is a gift from San Diego, a sister city of Yokohama, and the memorial to that Song "" Kamome no Suihei-san (Seagull Sailor) "", a water staircase and a stage. The former cargo and passenger ship Hikawamaru is anchored here.hama's waterfront. The park was built using landfill from the remains of buildings destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.
