I was somewhat surprised to see this sign prohibiting itinerant monks from asking for alms near Koganji temple, but apparently fraud is on the rise. Individuals posing as traditional Buddhist traveling monks have been taking up stations nearby the famous healing temple, holding out their begging bowls and dispensing faux blessings with abandon. The temple wants supplicants to know that they have no connection to the healing bodhisattva, Togenuki Jizo.
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Only In Japan 