While visiting Buddhist temples and cemeteries in Tokyo, you may see six Jizō statues standing together. These statues are called Rokujizō, and each one is traditionally associated with one of the Six Realms of existence. Understanding Rokudō can help travelers recognize the meaning behind these figures and see Japanese temples from a deeper perspective.
In Buddhist belief, all living beings go through an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth called “samsara”. Our next life is determined by our actions, or karma, in this life. The idea of the “Six Realms of Existence,” known in Japanese as Rokudō (六道), describes the six possible worlds into which a being can be reborn. These realms are not only places after death, but also represent the states of mind we experience in our daily lives.
1. The Hell Realm (Jigokudō – 地獄道) Danda-Jizo, Staff and Jewel
This is the lowest and most painful realm. Those who have committed serious evil deeds or are filled with hatred and anger fall into this world. In this realm, beings experience constant suffering—burning, freezing, or being tortured—until their bad karma is purified. The Hell Realm represents the state of extreme anger and despair that can also exist in human life.
2. The Realm of Hungry Ghosts (Gakidō – 餓鬼道) Hōju-Jizo, Jewel
In this world, beings are tormented by endless hunger and thirst. No matter how much they eat or drink, they can never be satisfied. This realm symbolizes the suffering caused by greed and desire. In daily life, when people are never content with what they have and constantly crave more, they are said to be living in the “Hungry Ghost Realm.”
3. The Animal Realm (Chikushōdō – 畜生道) Hōin-Jizo, Seal
Beings in this realm live like animals, controlled only by instinct and the struggle to survive. It is a world without wisdom or compassion, where the strong prey upon the weak. The Animal Realm reflects the suffering caused by ignorance and selfishness. Humans fall into this realm when they act without reason, caring only for themselves.
4. The Realm of Asuras (Shuradō – 修羅道) Jiji-Jizo, Sutra Scroll
The Asuras are powerful beings who are constantly fighting out of jealousy, pride, and anger. They cannot find peace because they are always comparing themselves to others and seeking victory. This realm represents the human tendency to compete, argue, and be consumed by envy and aggression.
5. The Human Realm (Ningendō – 人間道) Jogaisho-Jizo, Fearlessness Mudra
The Human Realm is considered special because it contains both joy and suffering. Humans experience love, loss, pleasure, and pain. Because of this balance, it is said to be the best realm for practicing Buddhism and seeking enlightenment. Being born as a human is seen as a precious opportunity to learn compassion and wisdom.
6. The Heavenly Realm (Tendō – 天道) Nikko-Jizo, Sutra Scroll
This is the realm of celestial beings, or “devas,” who enjoy long lives filled with beauty and pleasure. However, even this happiness is temporary. When their good karma runs out, they will fall back into lower realms. The Heavenly Realm represents moments of happiness and comfort, reminding us that pleasure alone does not lead to true liberation.
The Meaning of the Six Realms
The Six Realms are not simply places where we are reborn after death—they also represent the mental and emotional states we experience throughout our lives. When we are angry, we live in hell; when we are greedy, we live in the world of hungry ghosts; when we act with compassion, we rise toward the human or heavenly realms.
Buddhism teaches that by understanding our emotions and purifying our hearts, we can escape from this endless cycle of rebirth and reach enlightenment, called Nirvana.
Jizō Bosatsu and the Six Realms
In Japan, Jizō Bosatsu (Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva) is the compassionate figure who vows to save all beings in these six realms. Especially in the Hell Realm, Jizō descends to comfort and guide suffering souls. That is why six statues of Jizō, called Rokujizō, are often found standing together at temples and graveyards—each one protecting beings in a different realm.
A Universal Message
The teaching of the Six Realms reminds us that heaven and hell are not only distant places, but can also represent conditions created within our own hearts. Anger, greed, compassion and peace can all shape the world we experience.
When you encounter six Jizō statues at a temple in Tokyo, take a moment to look at their different expressions, gestures and objects. What may first appear to be a simple group of stone figures reflects a much deeper Buddhist teaching about suffering, compassion and the possibility of transformation.
By understanding their connection to Rokudō, travelers can see Japanese temples not simply as historic attractions, but as places where centuries-old ideas remain visible in everyday life.
Where Travelers Can See Rokujizō in Tokyo
Rokujizō can be found at many Buddhist temples throughout Tokyo. Although their appearance and arrangement vary from temple to temple, they are traditionally associated with Jizō Bosatsu’s role in guiding and protecting beings throughout the Six Realms.
The photographs below show three examples that I encountered while visiting temples in Tokyo. Seeing these statues in person makes the idea of Rokudō easier to understand and reveals a feature of Japanese Buddhist culture that travelers might otherwise pass without noticing.
Six Jizō statues at Kaneiji Temple in Ueno, each wearing a handmade red cap and bib. Groups of six Jizō are traditionally associated with the Six Realms of Buddhist existence.
Rokujizō standing together at Gotokuji Temple. Although the temple is best known for its beckoning cats, visitors can also encounter traditional Buddhist statues throughout its grounds.
Meaka Fudōson is also part of another fascinating Buddhist tradition in Tokyo. Learn more about the Edo Goshiki Fudō and the Five Color Fudō temples.
Rokujizō are easy to overlook when visiting a large temple, especially when travelers are focused on famous buildings or well-known attractions. However, once you understand their connection with the Six Realms, these groups of statues take on a much deeper meaning.
Another important tradition is the Edo Six Jizō, a group of large Jizō statues once placed along the major roads leading into Edo. Unlike the six statues standing together in the photographs above, the Edo Six Jizō were installed at separate temples around the city.
Discover the history and locations of the Edo Six Jizō in Tokyo.
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