4-3 Enoshima shrine nakatsunomiya4-3 Enoshima shrine nakatsunomiya - Kamakura tourist information

hiruko shrine 1

① There is Honden（a main building)

Sacred　Object
Hiruko-no-mikoto
（If you want to know more about Hiruko-no-mikoto, Click here）

Divine Blessing
Good harvest、Maritime safety、Business prosperity

It is said that in 1874, the “Imamiya” massha( subordinate shrine) at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine was moved to this shrine and made into the “Main building of Ebisu Shrine.”

Ebisu is the only Japanese god among the Seven deities of good Luck.
He is especially known as the god of prosperity in business among the Seven deities of good Luck.

The “Annual Festival” is held on a Sunday in mid-August. (It is held during normal times when there is no risk of typhoons or infectious diseases.)

koyurugi shrine 6

Sacred　Object　②
Takeminakata-no-kami

Divine Blessing　②
Good haevest,National peace、Business prosperity、Traffic safety、Good fortune、Success in competitions

Sacred　Object　③
Yamatotakeru-no-mikoto
（If you want to know more about yamato takeru, Click here）

Divine Blessing　③
National peace、Good harvest、Business prosperity、Career advancement、Good fortune、Protection from misfortune、Traffic safety、Academic success

Sacred　Object　④
Toshitokujin

Divine Blessing　④
Business prosperity、Safety in the family、Good fortune、Protection from misfortune、Happy marriage、Blessing for a good marriage

koyurugi shrine 7

➆ There is an observation deck.　

koyurugi shrine 5

⑤ There is Dairokutensha shrine.　

Sacred　Object
Dairokutenjin

Divine Blessing
Fullfilment of heartfelt wishes

koyurugi shrine 4

④ There is Watatsumi shrine.　

Sacred　Object
Watatsumi-no-kami

Divine Blessing
Protection from drowning、Maritime safety、Good harvest

koyurugi shrine 3

➂　There is a Hongu(main building)

Sacred　Object
Uka-no-mitama-no-kami
（If you want to know more about Uka-no-mitama-no-kami, Click here）

Divine Blessing
Goog harvest、Prosperity in industry、Business prosperity、Safety in the family、Improvement in performing arts

koyurugi shrine 2

② There is Kotohiragu shrine.　

Sacred　Object
Omononushi no kami

Divine Blessing
Maritime safety、Protection from drowning

koyurugi shrine 1

① 　There is a Honden（main building)

Sacred　Object　⓵
① Takehayasu-no-Onomi
（If you want to know more about Susanoo-no-mikoto, Click here）

Divine Blessing　⓵
Protection from fire hazards and drowning, Recovery from illness, Good harvest

This shrine was built in 1185 by Sasaki Moritsuna (a warrior who served Minamoto no Yoritomo for a long time and played an active role in the Genpei War).

It is said that there was a pine tree that swayed even though the wind was not blowing. It is said that this is why it came to be called Koyurugi Shrine.

It is said that when Nitta Yoshisada attacked Kamakura to fight the Hojo clan, he prayed for victory.
His wish was granted, so Nitta Yoshisada gave the shrine a sword and gold. It is said that thanks to these gifts, the shrine building was rebuilt.

There is a festival (held during normal times when there are no typhoons or infectious diseases)

①The “regular festival” is held on January 16th.
②The “Yasaka Shrine Tenno Festival” is held from the first to second Sunday of July.
Enoshima’s Yasaka Shrine and Koyurugi Shrine hold a joint Tenno Festival.
The Mikoshi(portable shrine) leaves Yasaka Shrine and travels across the sea to Koyurugi Shrine.
We researched Enoshima’s Yasaka Shrine.
You can see the portable shrine crossing the sea.

amanawa jinmeigu 6

⑥　There is Gosyo shrine

amanawa jinmeigu 5

⑤　there is a Akibasya shrine

Sacred　Object
Hinokagutsuchi-no-kami

Divine Blessing
Protection from fire hazards

amanawa jinmeigu 4

④　There is a tabunoki tree

There is a “tabunoki tree”
(If you want to know more about tabunoki tree , Click here )

It is one of the 50 selected ancient and famous trees of the Miura Peninsula .

Festivals
(held during normal times when there is no risk of typhoons or infectious diseases)
The annuan grand festival is held in early September.

amanawa jinmeigu 3

③　There is a Hojo Tokiyori’s birth bath well

It is said that Hojo Tokimune (the 8th regent of the Kamakura Shogunate) bathed here as his first bath .
It is said to bring the blessing of fertility .

amanawa jinmeigu 2

②　There are gods

sacred object　⓵

Sacred　Object
Uka-no-mitama-no-kami
(If you want to know more about Inari Shrine, Click here )

Divine Blessing
Goog harvest、Prosperity in industry、Business prosperity、Safety in the family、Improvement in performing arts

sacred object　②

Sacred　Object
Izanami-no-mikoto

Divine Blessing
Business prosperity,Career advancement,Good harvest,Safety in the family,Protection from the misfortune,Long life,Recovery from the illness,Blessings for a good marriage,Happy marriage,　Blessings for safe Childbirth and Child-rearing

sacred object　③

Sacred　Object

Takemikaduchi-no-kami

Divine Blessing
Everlasting bravery and fortune in war,Improvement in performing arts,National peace,Business prosperity,Prayer for safe childbirth,Recovery from illness,Protection from misfortune,Lonf life,Blessings for a good marriage,Traffic safety

sacred object　④

Sacred　Object
Sugawara no michizane(known as Tenjin)
（If you want to know more about Sugawara no michizane, Click here）

Divine Blessing
Success in academics and performing arts ,Good harvest,Recovery from illness,Poetry,

amanawa jinmeigu 1

①　There is a Honden(main building)

Sacred　Object

Amaterasu oomikami

（If you want to know more about Amaterasu omikami, Click here）

Divine Blessing
It gives you the power to overcome all difficulties and obstacles.

It was first built by ”Gyoki” in 710.
It is said to have been built by the Gozoku(powerful family) Someya Tokitada.

“Gyoki“was a high – ranking Buddhist monk in the Nara period .
“He was a monk who worked hard to spread Buddhism to the people at a time when it was prohibited to do so, and gained their support.”
He later became the first Daisojo (chief priest), the highest-ranking monk in Buddhism in Japan , and was the person “responsible for building the Great Buddha of Nara.”

It is said to be the oldest shrine in Kamakura .

① It is said that Minamoto no Yoriyoshi prayed for childbirth and Minamoto no Yoshiie (also known as Hachiman Taro, ancestor of Minamoto no Yoritomo and Ashikaga Takauji) was born.
② According to the Azuma Kagami, Minamoto no Yoritomo repaired the shrine and Hojo Masako and Sanetomo also visited the shrine.

This also shows that this shrine had deep ties to the Genji clan .

kuzuharaoka shrine 8

⑧　There are charms

There are many charms that bring people together, such as “matchmaking bells” and ” matchmaking charms.”

Among them , “the Sakura Shell charm“ is a precious charm made from “Sakura Shells” found on the coast of Yuigahama in Kamakura .

When you buy a matchmaking charm, you will receive a five yen coin with a red thread attached to it to tie to the matchmaking stone.

kuzuharaoka shrine 7

⑦　We have the famous ball konnyaku balls　

This is our famous ball konnyaku .

kuzuharaoka shrine 6

⑥ There is Origami-sama　

Once your wish is granted, you offer thanks to the gods .

At Kuzuharaoka Shrine, when a person wishes to give thanks for their successful marriage, they offer an folded paper crane, also known as ” Origami -sama .

You can get free Japanese paper to fold “Origami-sama” at the shrine office.

kuzuharaoka shrine 5

⑤　There is En-musubi ishi(matchmaking stone)

There are two stones enshrined: ① ” Male Stone ” (large stone) and ② ” Female Stone ” (small stone).

For those who wish to improve their “love luck,“
it is recommended that women tie a five yen coin with a red string to ① the “male stone ,” and men tie a five yen coin with a red string to ② the “female stone .”

If you want to improve your connections in work, relationships, etc. it is said that tying a five yen coin with a red thread to the rope connecting the two stones is a good idea.

If you purchase a matchmaking charm at the shrine office, you will receive “a five yen coin with a red thread attached “.

It is famous as a power spot for achieving love .

There are also cute heart-shaped “marriage votive plaques.

kuzuharaoka shrine 4

④　There is a Ma-saru-ishi(stone that can ward off evil spirits)

It is located next to the torii gate at the entrance to the approach to the shrine.

The name of the stone that drives away evil comes from the fact that it means “to drive away evil” and is a derivative of the word “to win .”
It is said to be a stone that brings happiness .

It is said that if you throw a sake cup at the stone and it breaks, you will be able to drive away evil and become happy.

You can throw the cup as many times as you like until it breaks.
When the cup hits the stone and breaks, it’s a great way to feel refreshed and relieve stress.

kuzuharaoka shrine 3

③　There is Daikoku sama(Seven Lucky Gods)

Sacred　Object
Daikoku-sama(known as Ookuninushi-no-kami)
( If you want to know more about Daikoku-sama , Click here )

Divine Blessing
Blessings for a good marriage、Prosperity of descendent、Happy marriage、Good harvest、Recovery from illness、Traffic safety,Business prosperity

The wooden Daikoku-sama Sacred Object, who is the Sacred Object of the matchmaking stone, is enshrined in the central building .

It is said that this wooden Daikoku-sama was made from the camphor tree that was in Ninomiya Sontoku’s house .

kuzuharaoka shrine 2

②　There is a Aiduchi inari shrine

Sacred　Object
Uka-no-mitama-no-kami
(If you want to know more about Inari Shrine, Click here )

Divine Blessing
Goog harvest、Prosperity in industry、Business prosperity、Safety in the family、Improvement in performing arts

kuzuharaoka shrine 1

① There is a Honden (main building)

Sacred　Object
Hino toshimoto

Divine Blessing
Academic success、Blessings for a good marriage、Success in love

This shrine enshrines Hino Toshiki, who was known for his academic excellence .

During the Kamakura period, Hino Toshiki was an aide to Emperor Godaigo and was trusted by him because he excelled in academics from a young age .
He was therefore active in rebuilding the Kamakura Shogunate, but was captured by the Shogunate and executed at Kuzuharaoka.

In the Meiji era, Emperor Meiji praised Hino Toshiki’s work as ” the forerunner of the Meiji Restoration experienced by Emperor Meiji.” It is said that for this reason, Kuzuharaoka Shrine was built to enshrine Hino Toshiki .

Next to the main building is the ” Shin ryu（shen lone).”
This is the “old main building . “

It is said to have the power to improve your luck .

yasuke shrine 10

➉　There are sacred objects.

Sacred　Object
②Inadahime-no-mikoto

Divine Blessing
Benefits Protection of rice cultivation、matchmaking,
Harmonious marriage, Financial fortune, Protection from misfortune

Sacred　Object
③Hachiouzi-no-mikoto

Divine Blessing
Protectioin from misfortune,Business prosperity,Good harvest,Maritime safety、Prayer for safe childbirth,Harmony in the family

Sacred　Object
④Satakeshi-no-mitama

yakumo shrine 9

⑨　There is a Sarutahiko shrine

Sacred　Object
Sarutahiko-no-mikoto

Divine Blessing
Long life、Protection from misfortune and bad directions、Business prosperity、

yakumo shrine 8

⑧　There is a Mitake shrine

Sacred　Object
Kuninotokotachi-no-mikoto

Divine Blessing
Nation peace、Career advancement、Good fortune、Business prosperity、Protection from misfortune、Academic success　Recovery from illness　

yakumo shrine 7

⑦　There is a Mitsumine shrine

Sacred　Object
Yamatotakeru-no-mikoto,izanagi-no-mikoto、izanami-no-mikoto

Divine Blessing
National peace、Good harvest、Business prosperity、Career advancement and good fortunr、Protection from misfortune、Traffic safety、Success competitions

yakumo shrine 6

⑥　There is a Oiwa inani shrine

Sacred　Object
Tamiyaoiwa-no-mikoto

yakumo shrine 5

⑤　There is Inari shrine

Sacred　Object
Uka-no-mitama-no-kami
(If you want to know more about Inari Shrine, Click here )

Divine Blessing
Goog harvest、Prosperity in industry、Business prosperity、Safety in the family、Improvement in performing arts

yakumo shrine 4

④　There is a Suwa shrine

Sacred　Object
Takeminakata-no-kami

Divine Blessing
Good harvest、National peace、Business prosperity、Traffic safety、Good fortune、Long life、Everlasting bravery and fortune in war

Sacred　Object
Uka-no-mitama-no-kami
(If you want to know more about Inari Shrine, Click here )

Divine Blessing
Goog harvest、Prosperity in industry、Business prosperity、Safety in the family、Improvement in performing arts

Sacred　Object
Tamiyaoiwa-no-mikoto

yakumo shrine 3

③　There is a Tensui ban

This is a modified version of the Olympic cauldron that was used during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics .

　　　　　　　　　The festivals
① January 6th: Hatsu Kagura
② January 15th: Sagicho Shinzi Ritual,
③ March 24th: Shinnen Festival
④ First of every month: Gesshu Festival
⑤ 15th of every month: Tsuki-narmi Festival
⑥ 3 days from the 2nd Saturday of July: Regular annual Festival
⑦ November 24th: Niiname festival.

(These festivals are planned to be held during normal times when there is no risk of typhoons or infectious diseases.)

Among them, the annual festival is known as the “Kamakura Gion Omachi Festival”.
At this festival, four portable shrines are paraded. ( It is said that these shrines were made in the Edo period.)

There is also a “mikoshi-kuguri” ritual, where people hold their children and pass under them to pray for their healthy growth.

yakumo shrine 2

②　There is a Shinra Saburo tedama ishi(stone)

It is located at the base of the sacred tree .

There are two large round stones which Shinra Saburo Yoshimitsu is said to have lifted in a test of strength .

yakumo shrine 1

①　There is a Honden（main building)

Sacred　Object
①Susanoo-no-mikoto
（If you want to know more about Susanoo-no-mikoto, Click here）

Divine Blessing
Protection from misfortune、Good harvest

It was built in 1083.

When Shinra Saburo Yoshimitsu (the younger brother of Minamoto no Yoshiie, also known as Hachiman Taro, and ancestor of Minamoto no Yoritomo) went to war in Oshu, an epidemic was spreading in Kamakura.
that was founded when the god of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto prefecture was asked to be part of the shrine and enshrined there in order to calm the epidemic .

The shrine was called ” Satake Tenno” after it was enshrined with a shrine that worshiped the Satake clan, descendants of Shinra Saburo Yoshimitsu.
Eventually, due to the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, it came to be called ” Yakumo Shrine. “
(If you want to know more about the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, click here )

This shrine was built to protect from misfortune .
In Kamakura, it is called ” Yakumo-san “ or ” Otenno-san . “

It is the oldest shrine in Kamakura for protect from misfortune .

egaraten shrine 6

⑥　There is a Kumano shrine

Sacred　Object
Ketsumimiko-no-okami
（If you want to know more about Ketsumimiko-no-okami, Click here）

Divine Blessing
National peace、Good health and lomg life、Good health and safety、Good fortune、Success in work、Protection from mis fortune、Blessings for a good marriage、Harmonious marriage、Prayer for safe children、Good harvest

egaraten shrine 5

⑤　Prayers are accepted on the day of the exam.

On the day of the exam, they will offer prayers for success.

egaraten shrine 4

④　There are Omikuji(three-choice fortune-telling slips)

The tube labeled “Omikuji” contains ① “Tenjin-sama,” ② “Plum,” and ③ “Cow.”
Then, you draw one from the tube.

egaraten shrine 3

③　There is a Efuda zuka(brush mound)

It is said to be a “holy land for manga artists. “
It is famous for the “Kappa fuda zuka,” which was built to commemorate the brushes of “Kon Shimizu, who continued to draw kappa manga. “

The writing on the back of the monument is by the author Kawabata Yasunari .

egaraten shrine 2

②　There is a large ginkgo tree.

This is the oldest ginkgo tree in Kamakura .
（If you want to know more about ginkgo tree, Click here）

It is said to be 900 years old.
It is 25 meters tall and has a circumference of 10 meters .

It is a natural monument of Kamakura City .

egaraten shrine 1

①　There is a Honden（main building)

Sacred　Object
Sugawara no michizane(known as Tenjin)
（If you want to know more about Sugawara no michizane, Click here）

Divine Blessing
Success in academics and performing arts ,Good harvest,Recovery from illness,Poetry,

It was built in 1104 to enshrine” Sugawara no Michizane.”

It is said that Sugawara no Michizane excelled in academics from an early age .
This led to his success as a man of letters and politician.Such an unusual rise in rank caused opposition from the powerful Fujiwara no Tokihira at the time,and Sugawara no Michizane was demoted from Kyoto to Dazaifu in Kitakyushu.

Two years later, Sugawara no Michizane passed away in vain. After that,the capital city was hit by a series of natural disasters.
In addition, important court nobles died, and Fujiwara no Tokihira, who had demoted Sugawara no Michizane, also died of illness.

This led to people fearing that this was the curse of Sugawara no Michizane ,
so Kitano Tenmangu Shrine was built to enshrine Sugawara no Michizane as a god and to appease his anger .

Over time, Sugawara no Michizane came to be worshiped as the ” god of learning” rather than as a curse god.

It is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo built Egara Tenjin Shrine in the “Kimon(Northeast direction)” of Kamakura .

The main building is said to be the ” old Wakamiya building of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine” (built in the early Muromachi period) that was moved here during the Edo period. It is said to be “the oldest wooden building in Kamakura .”

It is a city designated cultural property .

It is said that most of the shrines that worship Sugawara no Michizane are shrines where the incarnation or spirit of Sugawara no Michizane has been transferred from ① Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka prefecture and ② Kitamano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto prefecture .

There are more than 100 plum trees in the precincts .
And there is a plum tree that blooms the earliest in Kamakura .
The crest of Egara Tenjin Shrine is a plum.

goryo shrine 14

⑭　There is a Konpira shrine

Sacred　Object
Konpira shin

Divine Blessing
Maritime safety,Good harvest,Fulfillment of heartfelt wishes,Business prosperity,Financial fortune

goryo shrine 13

⑬　There is a Ishigami shrine

Sacred　Object
Apparently, due to a huge rock near Goryo Shrine, many ships ran aground and there were casualties. It is said that a part of this rock was enshrined as a sacred object.

Divine Blessing
Maritime safety、Good harvest

goryo shrine 12

⑫　There is a Mitake shrine

Sacred　Object
Kuninotokotachi-no-mikoto

Divine Blessing
Nation peace、Career advancement、Good fortune、Business prosperity、Protection from misfortune、Academic success　Recovery from illness　

goryo shrine 11

⑪　There is a Soreisya shrine

Sacred　Object
It enshrines the spirits of those who died in wars such as the Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, and World War II.

goryo shrine 10

➉　There is a Chigi shrine

Sacred　Object
Ootokonushi-no-kami

Divine Blessing
Protection for agriculture,Good harvest

goryo shrine 9

➈　There is a Dairokutensya shrine　

Sacred　Object
Dairokutenjin

Divine Blessing
Protection from hazards

goryo shrine 8

⑧　There is a Akibasya shrine

Sacred　Object
Hinokaguchi-no-kami

Divine Blessing
Protection from fire hazard,Nation peace,Protection from hazards

goryo shrine 7

⑦　There is a inari Shrine

Sacred　Object
Uka-no-mitama-no-kami
(If you want to know more about Inari Shrine, Click here )

Divine Blessing
Goog harvest、Prosperity in industry、Business prosperity、Safety in the family、Improvement in performing arts

goryo shrine 6

⑥ There are a Tedama ishi(hand stone) and a Tamoto ishi(sleeve stone)

This is a stone that conveys the bravery of Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa .

It is said that he was able to lift the 105 kg “Tedamaishi” (hand ball stone) at will and place the 60 kg ” Sodeishi” (sleeve stone) in his sleeve.

goryo shrine 5

⑤　There is a pine tree with a bow

It is said that this is the pine tree where Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa rested his bow when he went out .

goryo shrine 4

④ There is a Tabunoki tree (sacred tree)

This sacred tree is said to be about 350 years old . （If you want to know more about a Tabunoki tree , Click here）

It has been designated as a natural monument by the city of Kamakura and is one of Kanagawa’s 100 most famous trees .

goryo shrine 3

③　There is a ginkgo tree.

The ginkgo tree is about 400 years old.
（If you want to know more about a ginkgo tree, Click here）

There are two ginkgo trees, one male and one female (the female on the right and the male on the left), standing together.

It is said to bring blessings of marital harmony, household safety, and safe childbirth .

goryo shrine 2

②　There is Fukurokuju(Kamakura seven lucky gods)

Sacred　Object
Fukurokuju
（If you want to know more about Fukurokuju, Click here）

Divine Blessing
Good fortune、 longevity

“Fukurokuju “, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Kamakura, is enshrined in the Kamakura Treasure House .I researched the Kamakura National Treasure Museum.

You can also be granted the blessings of “good fortune” and “longevity.”

The masks used in the “Menkake Procession” are also enshrined here.

goryo shrine 1

①　There is a Honden(main building)

Sacred　Object
Kamakura gongoro kagemasa

Divine Blessing
Benefits Healing eye diseases,Protection from misfortune,Academic success,Success in competitions

This shrine was built in 1083 to commemorate “the bravery of Kamakura Gongoro Kagesada “.
It is also called “Gongoro Shrine.”

In the war known as the Gosannen War, Kamakura Gongoro Kagesada is said to have “fought bravely” even after his left eye was shot through by the enemy .
In addition, a comrade tried to pull out an arrow that had pierced his left eye by putting his foot on Kamakura Gongoro Kagesada’s face.
Kamakura Gongoro Kagesada is said to have scolded him, saying, “To die by arrow is a samurai’s wish. So why are you stepping on my mask with your dirty feet?”

This story of bravery became a source of pride for the Kamakura samurai and was even made into a Kabuki play (japanese traditional play).

This is an old shrine that existed before the Kamakura Shogunate was established.

Hayashi Razan wrote that Goryo Shrine ” has benefits for the eyes,” based on the example of Kamakura Gongoro Kagesada, who returned alive after being hit by an arrow in his eye .

The rei-sai (annual grand festival)

Annual grand Festival is held on September 18th every year . (It is said to be the anniversary of the death of Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa.)
The Kamakura Kagura (also called Yutate Kagura) ritual is held.

During this festival , “a strange festival” called the Menkake Gyoretsu takes place. This mask procession is an intangible folk cultural asset designated by Kanagawa Prefecture , and has been continued since the Edo period.

Ten people march wearing masks of Old Man, Oni, Igyo, Karasu Tengu, Fire-breathing Man, Fukurokuju, Okame, and Woman.

The portable shrine follows afterwards .

kamakuragu 8

⑧　There is a morning market

It is held once a month on a Sunday morning at around 8:00 a.m. (when there is no risk of typhoons or infectious diseases)

We have Kamakura vegetables.

kamakuragu 7

⑦ There is a Torii gate

There is “a big torii gate” .

It is painted in two colors, red and white, which is rare for a torii gate .

kamakuragu 6

⑥　There is a Shishigashira mamori(amulet)

It is said that when Prince Morinaga went to battle, he always carried a Shishigashira mamori inside his helmet as a talisman .

It is said that the lion’s head eats away bad luck. For this reason, it is said to be a amulet to ward off evil spirits.

kamakuragu 5

⑤　There is a oga Tama-no ki( the sacred tree)

This is the sacred tree of Kamakuraguu Shrine , the Ogatamanoki .
（If you want to know more about ogatama, Click here）

It is a natural monument designated by the city of Kamakura .

kamakuragu 4

④　There is a Nade migawari sama

Murakami Hikoshirō Yoshimitsu committed seppuku in place of Prince Morinaga .

It is said that if you stroke the part of your body that is hurting, the statue will take your place

In order to allow Prince Morinaga to escape, Murakami Hikoshiro Yoshimitsu deceived the enemy by wearing Prince Morinaga’s armor.
It is said that he took the prince’s place and had his stomach cut in a cross shape to meet a heroic end.

A statue of Murakami Hikoshiro Yoshimitsu was carved from a large tree in the temple grounds.
This is the ” Nade Migawari-sama . “
It is said that if you stroke the part of your body that is hurting, the statue will take your place

kamakuragu 3

③　There is a sakazuki wari sya.

The initial offering for the “Yakuwari Stone” is 100 yen.

①First, you blow into the unglazed pottery.
②It is said that the misfortune of the person who blew into it will be transferred to the pottery.
③Then, you throw the pottery at the misfortune-breaking stone and break it.

It is said that the misfortune will be exorcised .

kamakuragu 2

②　There　is a dungeon

There is the dungeon where Prince Goryo was confined .

kamakuragu 1

①　There is a Honden（main buiiding)

Sacred　Object
Morinagashin’no

Divine Blessing
Protection from misfortune

In 1869, Kamakuraguu Shrine was built “by the personal command of Emperor Meiji .”

In 1333, his son, Prince Morinaga, together with his father, Emperor Godaigo, overthrew the Kamakura Shogunate. He

then established the Kenmu Restoration, experiencing the historic event of transferring power from the samurai to the Emperor .

It is said that Kamakuraguu Shrine was built because Emperor Meiji wanted to “convey the wishes of Prince Morinaga, who died at a young age , to future generations.”

In 1333, his son, Prince Morinaga, together with his father, Emperor Godaigo, overthrew the Kamakura Shogunate. He then established the Kenmu Restoration, experiencing the historic event of transferring power from the samurai to the Emperor .

On the other hand, Emperor Meiji also experienced the historical event of transferring political power from the samurai to the emperor in 1867.
It is said that Emperor Meiji sympathized with Prince Morinaga and built Kamakuraguu Shrine to honor his achievements.

sasuke inari 4

④　There is a Hongu(main building)

Sacred　Object
Uka-no-mitama-no-kami
（If you want to know more about Uka-no-mitama-no-kami, Click here）

Divine Blessing
Goog harvest、Prosperity in industry、Business prosperity、Safety in the family、Improvement in performing arts

The god of Sasuke Inari Shrine appeared in the dream of Minamoto no Yoritomo , who was exiled to Izu after losing to the Taira clan in the Heiji Rebellion . He then told the Taira clan to fight.
Because of this, the shrine is called Shusse Inari , due to the legend that the Genji clan was able to defeat the Taira clan .

It became independent from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in 1909.

There are 49 vermilion torii gates lined up.
A white fox is enshrined here.

There are also “pet votive plaques” and ” pet amulets” on display.
The shrine is also known as a place to pray for the happiness of pets .

The Hatsu-uma Festival is held on the first day of the horse month in February (when there are no typhoons or infectious diseases).

Kagura dance is dedicated to the deity.

sasuke inari 3

③　There is a Reiko sen( spring)

There is a “spring water” .
You can take the water home in a plastic bottle, but it is not drinkable.

sasuke inari 2

②　There is a Enmusubi zyuichimen kannon ( eleven-headed Kannon Bodhisattva)

This is the “Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva of Matchmaking .

A beautiful princess named Akamatsu Koun, who had not been blessed with a good match, became a nun. It is said that Akamatsu Koun created this Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva in the hope that young men and women living today would find good matches .

It is open to the public every year on May 18th (when there are no threats of typhoons or infectious diseases).
It is a power spot for finding love .

sasuke inari 1

①　There is a Haiden(worship building)

Sacred　Object
Uka-no-mitama-no-kami
（If you want to know more about Uka-no-mitama-no-kami, Click here）

Divine Blessing
Goog harvest、Prosperity in industry、Business prosperity、Safety in the family、Improvement in performing arts

The god of Sasuke Inari Shrine appeared in the dream of Minamoto no Yoritomo , who was exiled to Izu after losing to the Taira clan in the Heiji Rebellion . He then told the Taira clan to fight.
Because of this, the shrine is called Shusse Inari , due to the legend that the Genji clan was able to defeat the Taira clan .

It became independent from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in 1909.

There are 49 vermilion torii gates lined up.
A white fox is enshrined here.

There are also “pet votive plaques” and ” pet amulets” on display.
The shrine is also known as a place to pray for the happiness of pets .

The Hatsu-uma Festival is held on the first day of the horse month in February (when there are no typhoons or infectious diseases).

Kagura dance is dedicated to the deity.

zeniarai 7

⑦　There is Benzaiten

Sacred　Object
Benzaiten
（If you want to know more about Benzaiten, Click here ）

Divine Blessing
Wisdom, Financial fortune, Success in competitions, Prosperity of descendants, Music, Arts, Eloquence

zeniarai 6

⑥　There is a Shichihuku shrine（seven deities of good fortune)

Sacred　Object
seven deities of good fortune（Ebisu、Daikoku、Bisyamonten、Benzaiten、Hukurokuzyu、Zyuroujin、Hotei）

Divine Blessing
Financial fortune,Longevity and prosperity

zeniarai 5

⑤　There is Shimonomizu jingu Shrine.

Sacred　Object
MIzuha-no-menokami

Divine Blessing
Protection from water hazards、Business protection、Blessings for pregnancy、Safe chiidbirth

zeniarai 4

④　There is Kaminomizu jingu Shrine.

Sacred　Object
MIzuha-no-menokami

Divine Blessing
Protection from water hazards、Business protection、Blessings for pregnancy、Safe chiidbirth

zeniarai 3

③　Thre is a sacred spring called “zeniarai mizu”(money washing water)

There is a sacred spring called ” Zeniaraimizu” ( Money washing water).
This is one of the “Five Famous Springs of Kamakura” .

How to wash:
1. Borrow a colander from the shrine office.
2. Place your money on the colander, then use a ladle to scoop up the holy water and pour it over the money three times.
3. As you wash and purify the money, pray for good fortune.

zeniarai 2

②　There is a okumiya（rear building)

Sacred　Object
Ugajin Benzaiten
（If you want to know more about Benzaiten, Click here ）

Divine Blessing
Wisdom, Financial fortune, Success in competitions, Prosperity of descendants, Music, Arts, Eloquence

At the time when disasters continued, ”Ugajin”appeared in Minamoto no Yoritomo’s dream pillow on the snake year, snake month, snake day, and snake hour. He told him that there was a sacred water in the northwest direction, and that if he offered this water to the gods and Buddha, the world would become a better place.
It is said that for this reason, he enshrined Ugajin Benzaiten .

Once every 60 days in a year (Tsuchitomi no Hi) is a day when financial luck is particularly good , and has been designated as a festival day for Benzaiten .
It is said that visiting the shrine on January, the first day of April, and the grand festival day in September will bring you particular luck with money .

Mi means snake.

zeniarai 1

①　There is a Honden(main building)

Sacred　Object
Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto (aiso known as Benzaiten)
（If you want to know more about Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto, Click here ）
（If you want to know more about Benzaiten, Click here ）

Divine Blessing
Maritime safety,Traffic safety,Good harvest,Business prosperity,Beauty

It is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo (the first Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate) built this shrine after receiving a prophecy in a dream in 1185.

Hojo Tokiyori (the 5th Regent of the Kamakura Shogunate) ” wished money in the holy water that springs up at this shrine in hopes of prosperity for his clan ,” and soit is said that washing money in this holy water will bring good fortune .

The shop sells eggs (5 eggs)
You walk around the shrine offering the eggs as you go .

This is because ” Ugajin” is said to be a god with a snake’s body and a human head.
Therefore, eggs, which are a snake’s favorite food, are offered to him.

tsurugaoka hachimangu 13

⑬There is the Kamakura National Treasure Museum.　

You can see “the cultural assets of Kamakura’s temples and shrines “.

We store cultural assets such as sculptures , paintings , Buddhist statues , and crafts from the temples and shrines of Kamakura. Some of these important cultural assets are on display.

Learning from the lessons learned from the Great Kanto Earthquake, which destroyed many temples and shrines and lost valuable cultural assets, the Kamakura National Treasure Museum was built to protect cultural assets from natural disasters.

It is also a place where you can see many cultural assets at once.

I researched the Kamakura National Treasure Click here

tsurugaoka hachimangu 12

⑫　There is Genpei-ike Pond

There is “a drum bridge” between the two ponds .
The one on the right is Genji-ike Pond , and the one on the left is Heike-ike Pond .

There are islands in both ponds, and if you count them you will find that (A)Genji-ike Pond has” three islands “, and (B) Heike-ike Pond (B) has four islands .

It is said that these were built by Hojo Masako, the wife of Minamoto no Yoritomo, who prayed for the victory of the Minamoto clan, and had the number of islands on Genji-ike Pond (A) placed at “ 3 ” (san) represent “birth” (san), in hopes of the Genji clan’s future prosperity , and the number of islands on Heike-ike Pond (B ) placed at “ 4 ” (shi) represent “death” (shi), in hopes of the downfall of the Heike clan .

In the past, (A)the Genji-ike Pond had white lotus flowers that resembled the white flag of the Genji clan , and(B) the Heike-ike Pond had red lotus flowers that resembled the red flag of the Heike clan .

Now, you can see red and white lotus flowers in both ponds .

In spring, “cherry blossoms” bloom around “April”.

In summer, lotus flowers bloom from mid-July to August .
Genji-ike Pond also has a wisteria trellis where purple wisteria blooms in early May .

tsurugaoka hachimangu 11

⑪　There is Yanaihara-Shinchi (Pond)

In June, there is the hotaru hojo-sai Festival, where you can see fireflies .
In September, there is the Suzumushi hojo-sai festival, where you can see bell crickets .

Apparently it used to be a famous willow spot.

tsurugaoka hachimangu 10

⑩　There is the Yui-no-Wakamiya yohaijo(remote worship Site)

A “yohaijo” is a place set up for worshiping gods and Buddhas in distant locations.

This remote worship site was established so that the shrine that is the origin of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, known as “Yui Wakamiya,” can be worshiped from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Yui wakamiya・・・

This shrine is located at the place where Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine was first built .

Therefore, it can be said to be the “origin” of Kamakura and the Minamoto clan .

During the Heian period, Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, an ancestor of the Minamoto clan, won a battle in the Tohoku region and was given a branch of the spirit (god) of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto, one of the three major Hachiman shrines in Japan,to be divided into Yuiwakamiya Shrine .

Later, Minamoto no Yoritomo moved the branch spirit (god) of Yui Wakamiya Shrine to the current location of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine , and the shrine came to be known as Moto-Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine .

Address: 1-7 Zaimokuza, Kamakura City.
About a 15-minute walk from the east exit of Kamakura Station.

tsurugaoka hachimangu 9

⑨　There　is a Maiden (lower worship building)

This is the place where Shizugozen, the wife of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, is said to have danced and sung songs of love for Minamoto no Yoshitsune.

After the Genpei War, the younger brother, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, came into conflict with his older brother, Minamoto no Yoritomo, and was captured.

When Minamoto no Yoritomo ordered ”Shizuka Gozen” , the wife of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, to dance in the dance hall, Shizuka Gozen sang a song of love for her husband Minamoto no Yoshitsune, knowing that Yoritomo would be angry .

Then, Minamoto no Yoritomo’s wife, ”Hojo Masako”,defended her by saying , “I would do the same if I were in Shizuka Gozen’s position,” and it is said that she calmed Minamoto no Yoritomo’s anger and saved Shizuka Gozen’s life .

A dance called “Shizu no Mai” is performed on the second Sunday of April (when there is no risk of typhoons or infectious diseases).

tsurugaoka hachimangu 8

⑧　There is Tsurukame stone

These are the two stones in front of Shirahata Shrine .

It is said that if you wash each stone with water, a ” crane “ and a ” turtle“ will emerge.
For this reason, they are said to be ” auspicious stones.”

It is said that just touching them will bring you good fortune .

tsurugaoka hachimangu 7

⑦　There is Shirahata shrine.

Sacred　Object
Minamoto-no-yoritomo、Minamoto-no-sanetomo

Divine Blessing
Academic success、Success in competitions

This shrine was built in 1200 by Hojo Masako, the wife of Minamoto no Yoritomo , to enshrine Minamoto no Yoritomo , the first Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate.
later, the third Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, Minamoto no Sanetomo , was also enshrined here .

It is said that the shrine came to be called “Shirohata Shrine” because the flag of the Genji clan was a white flag .

It is a branch shrine of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

The golden family crest on the roof is called“Sasarindou” and depicts ” gentian flowers and leaves.”
This is ” one of the representative family crests of the Genji clan . “

The black-painted shrine building is a distinctive feature.
You can see the rounded mountain-shaped beams called karahafu .

It is said that when Toyotomi Hideyoshiachieved unification of the countryhe spoke to the statue of Minamotono Yoritomo that was enshrined at Shirohata Shrine at the time

“You and I are the only two who have come from humble beginnings to rule the country.

However, your ancestors wielded great influence in the Kanto region, and if they had raised an army, it would have been easy for them to gain many soldiers and rule the country. However, I came to rule the country from an obscure family, so I am the one who has risen to success.”

He is said to have said, “You and I are friends in the world.”

Festivals(held during normal times when there is no risk of typhoons or infectious diseases)
➀ 　The ” Annual Festival” is held on May 28th.
➁　The ” Sanetomo Festival” is held on August 9th.
➂　The ” Bunboku Festival” is held on October 28th

tsurugaoka hachimangu 6

⑥　There is Maruyama inari Shrine.

Sacred　Object
Uka-no-mitama-no-kami
(If you want to know more about Inari Shrine, Click here )

Divine Blessing
Goog harvest、Prosperity in industry、Business prosperity、Safety in the family、Improvement in performing arts

It is located inside Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
The main building is designated as a national Important Cultural Property .
(If you want to know more about a national important Cultural Properties , Click here )

There are many red torii gates and red flags, giving you the feeling that you are at an Inari shrine.

It is said that Maruyama Inari Shrine existed before Minamoto no Yoritomo moved Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine to its current location.
It is the oldest shrine in Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine .

Originally , Maruyama Inari Shrine was located where the main shrine of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is currently located.
However, in order to move the main building of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, it is said that Maruyama Inari Shrine gave up its location and was moved to the top of the mountain where it is now .

There are many red torii gates and red flags, giving you the feeling that you are at an Inari shrine.　

Festivals (held during normal times when there is no risk of typhoons or infectious diseases)
➀ 　The ” Annual Festival “ is held on April 9th.
➁　The ” Hitaki Festival “ is held on November 8th.
➂　The ” Hatsuuma Festival ” is held on” Hatsuuma Day in February .”

tsurugaoka hachimangu 5

⑤ There is a Hataage Benzaiten Shrine　

Sacred　Object
⓵　Tagiribime-no-mikoto、②　Ichikishimahihe-no-mikoto、⓷　Tagitsuhime-no-mikot
( If you want to know more about Tagirihime-no-mikoto , Click here )

Divine Blessing
Business prosperity,wisdom,Financial fortune,Success in competitions,Blessing for pregnancy,Music,Improvement in the art

“Benzaiten” is a Buddhist Buddha .
( If you want to know more about Benzaiten , Click here )

Benzaiten was incorporated into Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto, a popular Shinto beauty, through ” Syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism” and became a ” Shinto god.”
(If you want to know more about Syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, Click here. )

Currently, Benzaiten is housed at the Kamakura National Treasure Museum .
I researched the Kamakura National Treasure Museum

This is a nude sculpture of Benzaiten wearing a cloth kimono .
It is a national important cultural property .
(If you want to know more about national important cultural properties,Click here. )

During the Jōkyū War in 1221, Minamoto no Yoritomo is said to have performed the “ battle flag raising ceremony to pray for victory ” at Hatagami Benzaiten Shrine.

It is said that when Minamoto no Yoritomo set out for the Jōkyū War, Benzaiten appeared in his dream .

Therefore , Hojo Masako (wife of Minamoto no Yoritomo) built the Genpei Pond “in the hope of the Minamoto clan’s victory .” It is said that she also built “the Benzaiten Shrine.”

The current shrine was rebuilt in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the founding of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
It was restored based on an old map from the Bunsei era of the Edo period.
“The Hatagami Benzaiten Shrine” is located in the ” Eastern Pond (Genji Pond)” to the rightof the Genpei Pond .

There is a drum bridge between the two ponds .
A: The pond on the right is “Genji Pond” .
B: The pond on the left is “Heike Pond “.

It is said that in the past, (A)white lotus flowers resembling the white flag of the Genji clan (the flag of the Genji clan) bloomed in Genji Pond , and(B) red lotus flowers resembling the red flag of the Heike clan bloomed in Heike Pond .

Now you can see red and white lotus flowers in both ponds.

“Cherry blossoms” bloom around April .
Genji Pond also has a wisteria trellis, and “purple wisteria blooms” in early May.
“Lotus flowers” bloom from mid-July to August .

Festivals　(held during normal times when there is no risk of typhoons or infectious diseases)
①The festival is held on, which is Benzaiten’s festival day.
②Reitaikai(The regular festival) is held on the first snake day of April , which.

tsurugaoka hachimangu 4

④ There is Masako ishi

It is located behind Hatagami Benzaiten (a shrine that enshrines Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Kamakura).

It is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo prayed for the safe delivery of his wife Masako on this stone .
It is also known as the ” Masako Stone . “

It is said to bring blessings for “safe childbirth” and “matchmaking” .

tsurugaoka hachimangu 3

③　There is a large ginkgo tree

This is a sacred ginkgo tree that is said to be 1,000 years old .
(If you want to know more about ginkgo trees, Click here. )

It fell down due to strong winds in 2010.When the trunk of the fallen sacred tree was cut off, a bud appeared from the cut trunk a year later.
　For this reason, it has come to be known as a power spot of ”regeneration ”and ”vitality” .

The buds are still growing.

tsurugaoka hachimangu 2

②　There is Imamiya(shimomiya)

Sacred　Object
Emperor Gotoba,Emperor Tsuchimikado,Emperor Juntoku

It was enshrined to appease the spirits.

It was built out of fear of the curse of Emperor Gotoba .

After being defeated by the Shogunate forces in the Jokyu War, Emperor Gotoba was exiled to Oki and died there.After his death, it is said that many strange incidents occurred, such as the sudden deaths of important figures in the Kamakura Shogunate one after another.

It is a nationally important cultural property .

tsurugaoka hachimangu 1

①　There is Kamimiya(a main building).

Sacred　Object
Emperor Ojin(Hondawake-no-mikoto)
（If you want to know more about Hachiman shrine, Click here）

Divine Blessing
Success in competitions,work,Career advancement,Blessings for a good marriage

In 1180 , Minamoto no Yoritomo moved the branch deity of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto, which had been worshipped as the clan deity of the Minamoto clan, to Kamakura and enshrined it there.

The current site of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine was formerly the site of Maruyama Inari Shrine. However, in order to move the main buiiding of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine , it is said that Maruyama Inari Shrine gave up its location and moved to its current location on top of the mountain .

During the Meiji period, it is said that many of the Buddhist temples at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine were removed due to the　separation of Shinto and Buddhism .
(If you want to know more about the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, Click here. )

You can see the “ white dove” that is the messenger of Hachiman all over the temple grounds. Also, if you look closely at the Hachi-no-ji（ eight） written on the plaque hanging on the tower gate, you will see that it is in the shape of a dove (two doves facing each other).

It is said to be one of the three major Hachiman shrines in Japan.(① Usa jingu Shrine in Oita Prefecture, ② Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto Prefecture, ③ Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, or ③ Hakozakigu Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture).

It is ” Ichinomiya” in Sagami Province .
(If you want to know more about Ichinomiya, Click here)
It is a national important cultural property .
(If you want to know more about a national important cultural properties, Click here)

Ⓐ “The Kamakura Festival“ in April and Ⓑ “the Annual grand Festival”, held over three days from September 14th to 16th, are big festivals. (They are scheduled to be held during normal times when there is no risk of infectious diseases or typhoons.)

The Yabusame ritual held on the last day of the Annual Festival is famous.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, located in the center of Kamakura, is said to be surrounded on three sides by mountains with strong dragon veins.
It is a power spot .

okutsumiya 6

⑥　There is a Wadatsunomiya(palace)

It is located next to Okutsunomiya Shrine .

It is located directly above the rock and main building, which is said to be the birthplace of the dragon god legend .For this reason , we enshrine ” Ryujin” (the dragon god ).

It is known as the power spot where Ryugu energy is most concentrated .

” regular festival” is held every year on September 9th . (During normal times when there is no risk of infectious diseases or typhoons.)

The cave near the main building is said to be the birthplace of the “Enoshima Ryujin（The dragon god）faith” and the “Benzaiten faith.”

okutsumiya 5

⑤ There is a Chikaraishi(a power stone).

It is said that this stone was placed there by ” Uenosuke ” (Iwatsuki) , who was said to be ” the strongest man in Japan ” during the Edo period . It is said to weigh 320 kg .

okutsumiya 4

④ There is the Kameishi(turtle stone)

The cross section of columnar joints in basalt has been polished to reveal a tortoiseshell pattern . It is a stone that does not exist in Enoshima .

okutsumiya 3

③　There is a stone torii(gate)

It is said that this gate was donated by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate .

okutsumiya 2

②　There is the Hachiho-nirami-no-kame （the turtle glaring in all directions)

It is painted on the ceiling of the worship hall .

The hachiho-nirami-no-kame looks like it is glaring at you from all angles.
” The real thing is painted in the Hoanden Hall ,” and ” this is an imitation .”

It is designated as a tangible cultural property of Fujisawa City .

okutsumiya 1

①　There is Enoshima shrine okutsunomiya.

Sacred　Object
Tagirihime-no-mikoto
（If you want to know more about Tagirihime-no-mikoto, Click here）

Divine Blessing
Maritime safety、Traffic safety、Good harvest、Business prosperity

The building in the foreground, with its karahafu roof, is “the worship building” .
The building behind it is “the main building” , built in 1842 with its hipped roof . It is said that it came to be called the honden(main building), because long ago, whenever water flooded the cave where the gods were enshrined , the gods would be moved to Okutsumiya .

The painting on the ceiling of this worship hall is “ ② Hachiho-niramimikame （the turtle glaring in all directions) ”

nakatsumiya 3

③ There is a charm called “Yokubari Bijin charm”　　

It is popular among women who wish for “beauty” .
Whitening protection : For those who wish for clear, radiant white skin.

Beautiful appearance protection : For those who wish for a healthy, shapely body.
Beautiful smile protection : For those who wish for an attractive smile that brings happiness.
Beautiful hair protection : For those who wish for lustrous, lush, beautiful hair.
Beautiful skin protection : For those who wish for smooth, moisturized, beautiful skin.

There are five types of charms called “Yokubari Bijin charms . “

①Whitening protection ・・・For those who wish for clear, radiant white skin.

②Beautiful appearance protection・・・For those who wish for a healthy, shapely body.

③Beautiful smile protection ・・・For those who wish for an attractive smile that brings happiness.

④Beautiful hair protection ・・・For those who wish for lustrous, lush, beautiful hair.

⑤Beautiful skin protection ・・・For those who wish for smooth, moisturized, beautiful skin.

”There is a stand where you can hang “votive plaques in the shape of a feather robe.”

nakatsumiya 2

②　There is garden

There is a “Suikinkutsu” (water chimes).
When you pour water into a jar, you can faintly hear a “harp-like sound.”

There is also a fortune slip called “Mizu-mikuji.”
When you put water in the suikinkutsu, the letters of the fortune slip will appear.

nakatsumiya 1

①　There is a HOnden(main building)

Sacred　Object
Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto(aiso known as Benzaiten)
（If you want to know more about Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto, Click here ）
（If you want to know more about Benzaiten, Click here ）

Divine Blessing
Maritime safety,Traffic safety,Good harvest,Business prosperity,Beauty

It is said to have been founded in 853.
In 1689, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi rebuilt it in” Gongen- zukuri” style(main hall, offering hall, and worship hall). In 1996, it was completely renovated andturned into a ” vermilion-colored shrine building.”

The Sacred　Object , Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto , is said to be one of the most beautiful of the eight million gods .

The ceiling of the worship buiiding is decorated with 154 paintings of flowers and birds .

hetsunomiya 9

⑨ there is　the Enoshima Escar

①　You can reach the top of Enoshima in 4 minutes.

This is “an uphill escalator” that runs from Ⓐ the entrance to Enoshima Shrine to Ⓑ the top of Enoshima .
What would normally take about 20 minutes to walk up the 250 steps can now be completed in “just 4 minutes” .

② It is Japan`s first outdoor escalator.　

There are three sections to the top of Enoshima , each connected by an escalator.
① The total length is 106 meters.
② The difference in elevation is 46 meters .

①The first section is from Torii-mae to Hetsumiya .
②The second section is from Hetsumiya to Nakatsumiya .
③The third section is from Nakatsumiya to the summit .

This is an “outdoor paid escalator for going up only . “
Please note that to return from the top, you will have to go down the “downward stairs.”

hetsunomiya 8

⑧ There is Yasaka shrine　

Sacred　Object
Susanoo-no-mikoto
（ If you want to know more about Susanoo no Mikoto, Click here）

Divine Blessing
Protection from disaster,Good harvest

A fisherman found “a sacred statue” (Susanoo-no-Mikoto) sunken near a cave in the sea near Enoshima. This sacred statue wasⒶ ”the sacred statue of Koyurugi Shrine in Koshigoe, Kamakura,”which had been destroyed by a big wave , but Ⓐhe was enshrined in Enoshima .

Therefore,the Enoshima Tenno Festival is held simultaneously at Ⓐ ” Koyurugi Shrine” and Ⓑ “Enoshima Yasaka Shrine.” The mikoshi ( the portable shrine) that departs from ” Yasaka Shrine ” travels through the sea to ” Koyurugi Shrine .”

The summer festival “Enoshima Tenno Festival” is held every year from the first to second Sunday of July.
(During normal times when there is no risk of infectious diseases or typhoons.)
It has also been selected asone of the “ 50 Best Festivals in Kanagawa . “

“On the second Sunday of July“, when the festival takes place , the mikoshi is carried across the sea .
It’s a very heroic sight.

It is a sub-shrine of the Hetsumiya Shrine of Enoshima Shrine .

hetsunomiya 7

⑦ there is a Akibasya shrine

Sacred　Object
Honokaguchi-no-kami

Divine Blessing
Protection from hazards

This shrine assembles the “Akiba Inari”, “Yosaburo Inari”, “Gyocho Inari”, and other shrines that were located on Enoshima .
It is said that this shrine was enshrined because there were many fires during the Edo period.

hetsunomiya 6

⑥ There is Inari shrine

Sacred　Object
Toyoukehime-no-mikoto (aiso known as Toyouke-no-ookami)
(If you want to know more about Inari Shrine, Click here )

Divine Blessing
Protection for agriculture,fishing industry,textile industry,industry,
Good fortune,Protection from misfortune

It is a sub-shrine of Enoshima Shrine.
It is located on the way from Hetsumiya to Nakatsumiya. (It is right next to Yasaka Shrine.)

hetsunomiya 5

⑤ There is Zeniarai hakuryu-ou(Money Washing White Dragon King)　

It is said that “there is a golden coin” at the source where the rock water flows .

Therefore, it is said that if you purify the money in your wallet in front of the White Dragon King, you will be able to “increased financial fortune” and “gain good fortune“.

hetsunomiya 4

④ A “chichinowa” (a type of grass ring)　is placed in front of the main hall all year round.

It is said that you can ward off bad luck by passing through the straw circle three times in an eight-shape .

hetsunomiya 3

③ There is a sacred tree called “Musubi no Ki” that is also known as a power spot for matchmaking　

This sacred tree is a ” Ginkgo tree . “
(If you want to know more about ginkgo trees,Click here )

The branches were pruned due to the effects of the typhoon in 2018.

It is said that the tree brings “good fortune” because the two trunks join at the base.
It is a power spot for Blessing for a good marriage.

At the base there is a votive plaque with a pink heart drawn on it.

hetsunomiya 2

②　There is a Hoanden（Bentendo hall）that enshrines one of the three great Benzaiten in Japan.　

Sacred　Object

①Happi Benzaiten(Eight-armed Benzaiten)、②Myo-on Benzaiten
（If you want to know more about Benzaiten, click here）

Divine Blessing
Wisdom, Financial fortune, Success in competitions, Prosperity of descendants, Music, Arts, Eloquence

It is also called “Benten-do”.
The building is “octagonal” in shape.
(It is said to have been modeled after the Yumedono Hall of Horyu-ji Temple.)

This enshrines “two Benzaiten“.
①　One is ” Happi Benzaiten”
It is said to have been built by “Minamoto no Yoritomo”(the first Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate)
It is also a National Important Cultural Property .
（If you want to know more about National Important Cultural Properties, Click here）

②　The other one is ” Myoen Benzaiten .
It is commonly known as ” Naked Benzaiten ” and is a masterpiece that depicts her holding a biwa.

” Enoshima Benzaiten ” is counted as one of the three great Benzaiten in Japan, along with
1 ) Miyajima in Aki and
2) Chikubushima in Omi .

　　Ryujin（The dragon god） legend

“Enoshima Shrine” is said to be related to “the dragon god“.

The story goes that Gozuryu(a five-headed dragon), who had been causing trouble, stopped being evil after falling in love with a celestial Tennyo(heavenly maiden) and married her.
It is said that
Ⓐthe heavenlyl maiden is Benzaiten, who is enshrined at ”Enoshima Shrine ”.
ⒷThe five-headed dragon is also enshrined at” Ryukomyojin Shrine ”in Koshizuka .

Therefore, it is said that visiting both Ⓐ”Ryukomyojin Shrine“, which enshrines the five-headed dragon , and　Ⓑ” the Benten-do Hall of Enoshima Shrine“, which enshrines the heavenly maiden (Benten-do), will bring you good fortune .

hetsunomiya 1

①　There is Enoshima shrine Hetsumiya.

Sacred　Object
Tagitsuhime-no-mikoto
（If you want to know more about Tagitsuhime-no-mikoto, click here）

Divine Blessing
Maritime safety、Traffic safety、Good harvest、
Business prosperity

According to the shrine’s tradition , it began in 552 when Emperor Kinmei ordered “the construction of a palace in a cave south of Enoshima .”

“The current shrine building” was built in 1976.

Enoshima Shrine consists of three shrines : Hetsumiya, Nakatsumiya, and Okutsumiya .

You can get the Enoshima Shrine goshuincho at “Hetsumiya”.

jokomyoji 15

⑮ There is Seishi kannon bodhisattva.

It is said that he helps people attain enlightenment with the power of wisdom and removes confusion.He is especially good at helping with the worries that come with aging .
The appearance of Bodhisattva Seishi is almost the same as Bodhisattva Kannon.The difference that distinguishes them is the jeweled crown on their head.Bodhisattva Kannon has a kebutsu (a Buddha image) on its crown, while Bodhisattva Seishi has a hobyo (a jeweled jar).This jar has a water bottle attached to it, which is filled with the water of wisdom.

The appearance of Seishi kannon Bodhisattva is almost the same as kannon Bodhisattva .The difference that distinguishes them is the jeweled crown on their head. Kannon Bodhisattva has a kebutsu (a small statue of Buddha ) on its crown, while Seishi kannon Bodhisattva has a hobyo (a jeweled jar).This jar has a water bottle attached to it, which is filled with the water of wisdom.

jokomyoji 14

⑭ There is Kokuzo bodhisattva(Akasagarbha kannon bodhisattva)

The Koku is space. It is said that it can grant any wish with its great wisdom and good fortune, which spreads endlessly like the universe .
In folk beliefs, he is worshipped as the “Buddha of Evil.”

jokomyoji 13

⑬ There is a statue of Yokihi (Princess Yang Kwei-fei)

She is one of the three most beautiful women in the world .
It was donated in 2003.
This is a spot for praying for beauty and success in love .

jokomyoji 12

⑫ There is Juniper tree.

(If you want to know more about Juniper tree, Click Here )
It is a designated cultural property of the city .
It is not open to the public .

jokomyoji 11

⑪ There is Japanese yew tree.

It was planted at the time of the temple’s founding and is said to be 750 years old .
(If you want to know more about national historic sites, Click Here )
It is a cultural asset of the city .

jokomyoji 10

⑩ There is the grave of Reizei Tamesuke.

It is located directly above the Amibiki Jizo yagura(tomb).
It is a national historic site .
(If you want to know more about national historic sites, Click Here )

Reizei Tamesuke is a poet from the Kamakura period .
His parents were Fujiwara Tameie, who was a judge for the ” Zokugosenshu ” and “Zoku Kokinshu,” and Abutsuni, the author of “Jurokuya Nikki.”
He is the founder of the Reizei family of waka poetry and contributed to the development of Kamakura Renga.

jokomyoji 9

⑨ There is Yahiroi jizo bodhisattva.　

This is a wooden standing statue of Jizo Bodhisattva.
(If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva, Click Here )
It is a prefectural designated cultural property .

In one battle, when Tadayoshi Ashikaga ran out of arrows, a child came running up to him and offered him an arrow.It is said that upon closer inspection, the child was an incarnation of Jizo, holding an arrow.

In one battle, when Tadayoshi Ashikaga ran out of arrows, a child came running up to him and offered him an arrow. It is said that upon closer inspection, the child was an incarnation of Jizo, holding an arrow.

jokomyoji 8

⑧ There is Amihiki jizo bodhisattva.

He is in a yagura(tombs) on the mountain behind the Amida-do(Hall).
(If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva, Click Here )

It is a seated statue of Jizo Bodhisattva made of stone.
It is a cultural property of the city .

When a fisherman was pulling his net at Yuigahama Beach, the Jizo got caught in the net,which is why it is said to have come to be called Amihiki jizo bodhisattva .

jokomyoji 7

⑦ There is kannon-do(hall).　

There is a Thousand armed kannon bodhisattva.
(If you want to know more about a Thousand armed kannon bodhisattva, Click Here )
It is Kamakura 33 Kannon　Bodhisattva, No. 25.

It is not open to the public.

jokomyoji 6

⑥ There is a storage facility.

① There is a wooden statue of Amida Buddha.
(If you want to know more about Amida Buddha, Click Here )

It is a national important cultural property .

The statue features a technique called ” clay pattern ” that is unique to Kamakura Buddhist statues. Flowers and other patterns are carved into the clay in relief on the shoulders, sleeves, legs, and other areas

The statue features a technique called “Domon(clay pattern) ” that is unique to Kamakura Buddhist statues. Flowers and other patterns are carved into the clay in relief on the shoulders, sleeves, legs, and other areas.

② There is a statue of Seishi bodhisattva.

(If you want to know more about Seishi bodhisattva, Click Here )

It is Kamakura 13 Buddhas, No. 9.　

③ There is Kannon Bodhisattva.
(If you want to know more about kannon bodhisattva, Click Here )

It can be viewed on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

jokomyoji 5

⑤ There is Fudo-do(hall)　

There is Fudo Myoo(Acala,Wisdom King)
(If you want to know more about Fudo Myoo(Acala,Wisdom King), Click Here)
It was built around 1745.
It is commonly known as the Yasaka fudo myoo(Acala)statue.

jokomyoji 4

④ There is Kyakuden (guest hall).　

There is Aizen Myoo (Ragaraja)

It was made by the monk Gangyo.
It is said that it was the principal image of worship for prayers to defeat the enemy during the Mongol invasion.
It is a cultural property of the city.
It is not open to the public.

jokomyoji 3

③ There is Shoro (bell tower).　

jokomyoji 2

② There is Sanmon(gate)　

This wooden Sanmon gate is said to have been the main gate (the largest main gate) of the former Eishoji Temple.
It is a cultural property of the city .

jokomyoji 1

①　There is Hondo(Amida-do hall)

In 1251 , Hojo Nagatoki (the 6th regent of the Kamakura shogunate)built the temple,inviting Shina (a monk from the Kamakura period) to be the first chief priest.
There is a wooden main hall built in 1668.

It is called Amida Hall because it originally housed the statues of Amida and the Three Buddhas.

It is a temple made up of multiple school, rather than one particular school .

Ⓐ During the Kamakura period, it was the Bodaiji(family temple) of the Hojo , andⒷ during the Muromachi period , it was the Bodaiji(family temple) of the Kamakura kubo (the Ashikaga clan who ruled the Kanto region as the head of the Kamakura shogunate).
(family temple :This refers to a temple where ancestors have worshipped and where the mortuary tablets of their ancestors are kept. It is also sometimes called a bodaisho.)

It is said that Ashikaga Takauji (the first Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate) and Ashikaga Tadayoshi (the younger brother of Ashikaga Takauji) supported the temple by donating halls and Busshari (Buddha’s ashes).

It seems that Emperor Godaigo considered Ashikaga Takauji to be an enemy of the court.
Therefore, just before fighting Emperor Godaigo, it is said that Ashikaga Takauji stayed in seclusion at Jokomyoji Temple to make Emperor Godaigo think that he had no intention of rebelling against the Emperor .
The temple grounds at that time are depicted in the ” Jokomyoji Temple Site Map.”
It is currently housed in the Kamakura National Treasure Museum.
I researched the Kamakura National Treasure Museum.

The temple grounds and the grave of Reizei Tamesuke are designated as national historic sites .
(If you want to know more about national historic sites, Click Here )

① There is the principal image Amida buddha.
(If you want to know more about Amida buddha, Click Here )

② There is Shakyamuni buddha.
(If you want to know more about Shakyamuni buddha, Click Here )

③ There is miroku buddha (Maitreya buddha)
(If you want to know more about miroku buddha(Maitreya buddha), Click Here )

④ There is wooden Shinsho Kokushi statue.
This is the first chief priest, Shina.

⑤ There is a wooden statue of Hojo Nagatoki.
He is the 6th regent of the Kamakura Shogunate .
It was made in the Muromachi period.
It is a cultural asset of the city .

There are three Buddha in one main hall.
“In one main hall, the highest ranking Buddha is in the middle, and usually two Kannon bodhisattva statues, the second highest ranking, are on either side of him. Therefore, it is rare to have three Buddha.”
(If you want to know more about Sanze-Butsu, Click Here )

senjuin 3

③ There is a haiku reading by Matsuo Basho.

This is a monument engraved with “Matsuo Basho ‘s haiku.”

senjuin 2

②　There is Sanmon(gate).

The Sanmon gate is vermilion .

senjuin 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall)

The year it was built is unknown.
When Komyo-ji Temple was the ” highest place of learning for monks ,① ” Senju-in” was ” one of the monastic quarters” where the learned monks practiced their training .② This monastic quarters became a temple and became ” Senju-in temple.”

During the Edo period, as the number of learned monks decreased, Terakoya( temple schoo)l was established to teach reading and writing to children from the neighborhood. In the Meiji period (1882-1896), there was also a Kuwaba Elementary School.

① There is the principal image Amida buddha.
(If you want to know more about Amida Buddha,Click Here)

② There is Senju kannon(Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva)
(If you want to know more about Senju kannon(Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva) ,Click Here)
It is Kamakura 33 Kannon Bodhisattva, No. 20.

zuisenji 8

⑧ There is a stone monument with a haiku poem on it.　

The temple is also associated with literary figures .

① There is a monument to Yoshino Hideo . (A Japanese poet. His works include “Kansenshu”).

② There is a monument with a haiku poem by Kubota Mantaro. (He is a Japanese novelist, playwright and haiku poet, and his works include “mizikayo” .)

③ There is a monument marking the place where Yoshida Shoin stayed. (It is said that Yoshida Shoin visited Zuisen-ji Temple, where his uncle was the chief priest, on his way to Edo.)

zuisenji 7

⑦ There is winter cherry tree.　

It is said that this winter cherry tree was planted by Tokugawa Iemitsu.
The flower language is “calmness . “
(If you want to know more about winter cherry trees, Click Here)

It is a natural monument of the city .

zuisenji 6

⑥ There is Winter jasmine.　

The flower language is “blessing” and “elegance .
(If you want to know more about winter jasmine, Click Here )

It is a natural monument of the city .

zuisenji 5

⑤ There is Henkai ichiran tei(building).　

This is a building built by Muso Soseki on top of a mountain in a rock garden .
It is said that monks from the Kamakura Gozan (the five most prestigious Zen temples in Kamakura) gathered here to recite poetry.

The current building was built in 1935.

It is not open to the public.

zuisenji 4

④ There is rock garden.

It is located behind the main hall.

This is a Chisen-kaiyushiki-teien style garden (a stroke-style garden around a big pond) created by Muso Soseki, who skillfully carved the rock walls and made it “only from rocks and cliffs . ” This garden, which was created based on the idea of Zen, is also said to be the origin of Shoin gardens .
The large cave is called” Tennyo-do(the heavenly maiden’s carve).”It used to be called ” Suigetsukan Dojo(training hall)” and was a place for training.

It has been designated as a national scenic spot .
The rock garden seen from the top of the cliff is also wonderful.

zuisenji 3

③ There is Dokomoku jizo bodhisattva.

(If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva,Click Here)

During the Kamakura period, a monk who was guarding the Jizodo Hall ran away from poverty. It is said that the ” DokomoKu jizo bodhisattva ” appeared at his bedside and admonished him, saying, “Everywhere is painful .
” The monk realized that ” pain is the same everywhere, ” and continued to guard the Jizo Hall.

It is Kamakura 24 jizo　Bodhisattva, No. 7.

zuisenji 2

② There is Kaizando（(hall dedicated to the founding priest)

There is a statue of Muso Soseki .
It was created during the Nanboku-cho period (between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods).

It is a national important cultural property .
(If you want to know more about national important cultural properties,　Click here )

zuisenji 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall).　

This temple was built in 1327 (Kamakura period).
Nikaido Doun(a senior vassal of the Kamakura Shogunate) invited Muso Soseki to be the first chief priest .
It is a two-layer roof architectural style .

Ashikaga Motouji (the fourth son of Ashikaga Takauji, the first Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate) was a follower of Muso Soseki, so he changed the name of the temple from Zuisen-in to Zuisen-ji. It is also said that it became the family temple of the Kamakura Shogunate Ashikaga family after this . (If you want to know more about family temples, click here . )

Ashikaga Motouji (the fourth son of Ashikaga Takauji, the first Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate) was a follower of Muso Soseki, so he changed the name of the temple from Zuisen-in to Zuisen-ji.
It is also said that it became the Bodaiji (family temple) of the Kamakura Shogunate Ashikaga family after this .
( Bodaiji :This refers to a temple where ancestors have worshipped and where the mortuary tablets of their ancestors are kept. It is also sometimes called a bodaisho.)

Muso Soseki・・・
(1275-1351) was a Zen monk of the Rinzai school .
He is said to be the creator of the dry landscape. He was also a landscape gardener, a Chinese poet, and a tanka poet.
➀ He was the head priest of the Gozan temples (the highest ranking temples in Zen) eight times , including Engakuji temple, Nanzenji temple, and Jochiji temple . He also built six temples, including Tenryu-ji temple, Erin-ji temple, and Saiho-ji temple .
He built gardens at each of the temples he built.

② Muso Soseki was deeply revered by ” Hojo Takatoki ” during the Kamakura period, and by ” Emperor Go-Daigo “, ” Ashikaga Takauji ” and his younger brother ” Ashikaga Tadayoshi ” during the Nanboku-cho period.
He was given the title of “Kokushi” (an honorific title for a high priest) ” seven times “by Emperor Go-Daigo(a nobleman) and the emperors of the Ashikaga clan(a samurai family) from both the Northern and Southern Courts . As a result, he was known to the world as “the Imperial Teacher of the Seven Courts. “

➂ He is world-famous as the ” landscape designer who created Zentei(Zen gardens) and Karezansui(dry landscape gardens) .
” His gardens at Eiho-ji Temple on Kokei-san in Mino(gihu prefecture), Erin-ji Temple in Kai(Yamanashi prefecture), Tenryu-ji Temple and Saiho-ji Temple in Kyoto prefecture, and Zuisen-ji Temple in Kamakura have all been designated as Special Places of Scenic Beauty by the nation.

➃ He is also famous as a Chinese poet.
Eleven of his poems are included in the Waka and Imperial Anthologies of Waka.

① There is the principal image Shakyamuni buddha.
(If you want to know more about Shakyamuni Buddha,Click here )

② There is Senju kannon(thousand armed kannon bodhisattva)
(If you want to know more about Senju kannon(thousand armed kannon bodhisattva) ,Click here)

There is a Thousand-Armed Kannon seated statue donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu (the model for Mito Komon) .
It is Kamakura 33 Kannon　Bodhisattva, No. 6.

fudarakuji 2

② There is a red flag of the Heike clan.　

It is said that this red flag was held by the head of the Taira clan, Taira-no-Munemori (a Taira military commander , nobleman, and third son of Taira Kiyomori), until the end when the Taira clan was destroyed .

It is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo donated this red flag to Fudarakuji Temple .

It is open to the public from the second or third Sunday in April until the end of May.

fudarakuji 1

① There is Hondo(main hall).

In 1181 , Minamoto no Yoritomo (first Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate) invited Mongaku Shonin to be the first chief priest and built the temple.
Mongaku was a Shingon school monk active from the Heian to Kamakura periods.

The Tale of the Heike describes the ascetic practices of Mongaku Shonin.
He was exiled to Izu in anger after he forced Emperor Goshirakawa to restore Jingo-ji Temple.　It is said that he became acquainted with Minamoto no Yoritomo in Izu Peninsula and helped him raise an army . It is said that this temple ( Kiganji temple ) is where Minamoto no Yoritomo made wishes to Buddha .

① There is the principal image Juichimen Kannon (Eleven-faced Kannon bodjisattva)

It was made in the Heian period.
It is Kamakura 13 Nyorai Buddhas, No. 17.

② There is Yakushi nyorai(medicine buddha,bhaisajyagur)
(If you want to know more about Yakushi nyorai(medicine buddha,bhaisajyagur) ,Click Here)

③ There is Nikko kannon Bodhisattva.

④There is Gekko kannon Bodhisattva

The Kamakura Festival is held on the second and third Sundays of April .

kenchoji 12

⑫ There is Kofuku inari shrine.

Sacred　Object
Uka-no-mitama-no-kami
（If you want to know more about Uka-no-mitama-no-kami, Click here）

Divine Blessing
Goog harvest、Prosperity in industry、Business prosperity、Safety in the family、Improvement in performing arts

kenchoji 11

⑪ There is Syousyougatake jizo Bodhisattva.　

This is the Kamakura 24 Jizo Bodhisattva, No. 11
(If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva, click here .)

kenchoji 10

⑩ There is Hanzobo.

The temple enshrines ” Hanzobo Daigongen”, the guardian of Kenchoji Temple .
It can be reached at the end of the 249 steps known as Hanzobo Sando .

In 1890, the head priest, Ozora Kan Doshi, received the ” Hansobo Daigongen God ” from ” Okuyama Hokoji Temple in Shizuoka Prefecture .
” It is said to bring good fortune and protection from fire rizard .

From the hilltop at the end of the climb up Hanzobo approach, you can see the ocean and Mt. Fuji in the distance.

kenchoji 9

⑨ There is Bonsho (temple bell)　

It is one of the three famous bells in Kamakura [① Enraku-ji Temple, ② Joraku-ji Temple (Ofuna City), ③ Kencho-ji Temple].
The size of the bellis about 2 meters .

It was built in 1255 by Hojo Tokiyori (the 5th regent of the Kamakura Shogunate who supported the construction of the temple).
It is said to have been there since Kenchoji Temple was built .

It is a national treasure.

kenchoji 8

⑧ There is Hatto (Lecture Hall)

The roof is made of copper and has a hipped roof.
It is the largest lecture hall in the Kanto region .

The ceiling is painted with Unryu-zu (painting of dragon and clouds)
Cloud dragon paintings were generally painted in the lecture halls of Zen temples, but they were not found in Kenchoji Temple.
Therefore, to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the temple’s founding, Junsaku Koizumi painted it.

The lecture hall is originally a place where the chief priest gives sermons, but is now used for memorial services, lectures, exhibitions , etc.
Zen training is apparently carried out in the subtemple, Seirai-an.

It is a national important cultural property .

There is Senju kannon (thousand armed kannon bodhisattva)

(If you want to know more about the Thousand-Armed Kannon, click here )
“Kamakura 33 Kannon　Buddhas, No. 28”　

kenchoji 7

⑦ There is the Karamon (Chinese-style gate)

This gate is located in the Hojo.
It has four lacquered legs and is made in the 16th century Japanese roof architectural style .
It was built in 1647 (Muromachi period).

This is the Karamon Gate , which was moved from Zojoji Temple (the temple of the Tokugawa Shogunate in Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo) .
The Butsu-den(Buddha Hall) was also moved from Zojoji Temple.

It is a national important cultural property .

kenchoji 6

⑥　There is So-mon(main gate)　

This is the So-mon(main gate), which was moved from Hanju Zanmai-in temple (a Tendai school temple in Kyoto) .

The “Hojo” (Ryuo-den) was also moved from Hanju Zanmai-in temple.

The word ” Kofukusan “ written on the plaque of the main Gate is said to mean “a temple that brings great fortune. “

kenchoji 5

⑤ There is Hojo (abbot’s quarters)　Ryuoden.

This is the ” Hojo” (abbot’s quarters ) that was relocated from “Hanju Sanmai-in temple” (a Tendai school temple in Kyoto).

It is also called” Ryuo-den”.
and is currentlyused as a place for memorial services, zazen and training.

The so-momn(main gate) was also moved from Hanju Zanmai-in Temple.
Behind the Hojo is the Hojo Garden .

There is Hokan shakyamuni buddha.
(if you want to know more about Shakyamuni Nyorai, click here )

It is open to the public on the day of the Treasure Wind-In ceremony in November.

kenchoji 4

④　There is a juniper tree .

The juniper tree is said to have been planted by Rankei Doryu (a Chinese Zen monk and the first chief priest of the temple) .

It is said to be 13 meters tall and 760 years old .
(If you want to know more about junipers, click here )

The flower language is “I will protect you “.

” It is one of the 100 famous trees of the prefecture .
It is a city-designated preserved tree .

kenchoji 3

③ There is sanmon(gate)

It is 30 meters tall.
It has a plaque that reads “Kencho Kokoku Zenji Temple.”

The roof is made of copper-shingled shingles,a technique in which thin sheets are layered on top of each other, and is a “traditional architectural craftsmanship” registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage .

Although they are not open to the public , inside the upper level of the Sanmon Gate are the “ Hokan Syaka nyorai (Crowned Shaka Nyorai ),” the Statues of the 16 Rakans” and the “Statues of the 500 Rakans (made of bronze).”

It is a national important cultural property .
(If you want to know more about national important cultural properties, click here)

The cherry blossoms are beautiful in spring and the autumn leaves are beautiful in autumn.

kenchoji 2

② There is Hojo-garden

It is said that the garden was created by Rankei Doryu (the first chief priest of Kenchoji Temple and a monk from the Southern Song Dynasty of China) .

There is a pond called Shinji Pond , which is in the shape of the heart .

It is a national historic site and place of scenic beauty .

kenchoji 1

① There is Butsu-den (Buddha hall)

In 1253, Hojo Tokiyori (the fifth regent of the Kamakura Shogunate) invited Rankei Doryu (a Zen monk from the Southern Song Dynasty in China) to build the first Zen temple in Japan .

Before Kenchoji Temple was built, it was said to have been a place of execution called ” Hell Valley . “At that time, the temple of Garadasan Shinpei-ji, which has Jizo Bodhisattva as its principal image, was built to receive the spirits of those executed.
For this reason, Kenchoji Temple has Jizo Bodhisattva as its principal image .

This is a temple that is a “specialized Zen training center .
” It is said that the ” strict Zen sect ” that was brought over from China (Song Dynasty)is still practiced in the “Zendō（hall)” today just as it was in the past.

Somon(The Main Gate), “Sanmon(Gate), “Butsu-den (Buddha hall)”, “hatto(Lecture Hall)” are all ” lined up in a straight line ” .
This is a common layout for Zen temples.

It is the highest ranking of the Kamakura Five Mountains . (This shows the status of Zen temples.)

The grounds of Kenchoji Temple are designated as a national historic site .
(If you want to know more about Historic Sites, click here.)

At the height of its prosperity, Kenchoji Temple had 49 sub-temples (small temples).
Many of the sub-temples were later destroyed in the Great Kamakura earthquake and fire that occurred in 1293.
It is said that most of the current sub-temples were built with assistance from the Tokugawa Shogunate.

“Kenchinjiru（Japanese tofu and vegetable chowder” is said to be a dish that originated at Kenchoji Temple.

This is the ” Buddha Hall” that was moved from Zojoji Temple (the temple of the Tokugawa Shogun family located in Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo) .
It was built in 1647 (Muromachi period).
The Karamon Gatewas also moved from Zojoji Temple.

The ceiling is painted by“Kacho-zu “(images of flowers and birds)
And it is made in an architectural style known as a ” coffered ceiling” (a type of ceiling made by assembling square timber into a set shape and covering it with boards. It is often seen in rooms of high-ranking or noble families).

① There is “the principal image Jizo Bodhisattva “
(If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva, click here )
The statue was made in the Muromachi period and is 2.4 meters　tall.”
“When you include the pedestal, it is 5 meters tall.”

② There is a ” 1000 standing Jizo Bodhisattva statue “
(If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva, click here )
”Kamakura 24 jizo Bodhisattva, No. 9”

③ There is a “Seated Thousand-Armed Kannon statue “
(If you want to know more about Thousand-Armed Kannon, click here)

④ There is a “Garanjin”
Garanjin is a deity that guards temples and shrines.

kuhonji 2

② There is Sanmon.　

The plaque reading “Dairisan “ is said to be a handwritten copy by Nitta Yoshisada .

kuhonji 1

① There is Hondo(the main hall)

In 1336 , Nitta Yoshisada built this temple to mourn those killed in battle on the side of the Hojo clan , and invited Fuko Junsai to be the first chief priest .
It is said that the location of Kuhon-ji Temple was where Nitta Yoshisada set up his headquarters when he attacked Kamakura .

Nitta Yoshisada: A gokenin(vassal of the Shogunate) from the late Kamakura period to the Northern and Southern Courts period. He is said to have attacked Kamakura, defeated the shogunate, and driven the Hojo clan to suicide .
He was one of the key figures in the Kenmu Restoration that followed . When the Kenmu Rebellion broke out, he participated as the commander-in-chief of the Southern Court, and ended his life there.

The plaque reading “Kuhonji Temple” is said to be a copy of Yoshisada Nitta’s original handwriting, which is on display inside the main hall.

“Kyuhan” is a concept of the Jodo school .
It is the idea that “when you go to the afterlife, Amida Buddha will take you to one of nine different places in the afterlife depending on your actions in life.”

① There is the principal image Amida Buddha.
(If you want to know more about Amida Buddha,Click Here)
“It is a cultural asset of the city .”

② There is Kannon bodhisattva.
(If you want to know more about kannon bodhisattva,Click Here)
It is Kamakura 33 Kannon　Bodhisattva, No. 16.
It isn,t open to the public.

③ There is Seishi kannon bodhisattva.
(If you want to know more about Seishi kannon bodhisattva,Click Here)

④ There is Yakushi Nyorai(Bhaisajyagur,Medicine Buddha)
(If you want to know more about Yakushi Nyorai(Bhaisajyagur,medicine Buddha),Click Here)
There is a stone statue of Yakushi Nyorai here.
“It is a prefectural cultural asset.”

kosokuji 4

④ There is Shioname jizo bodhisattva.　

(If you want to know more about jizo bodhisattva, Click Here)

When the salt seller offered salt to Jizo bodhisattva, the salt mysteriously disappeared. This led people to believe that Jizo must have licked it, and so the temple became known as Shio-name Jizo (Salt-pumping Jizo).

kosokuji 3

③ There is a statue of Ippen shonin.　

Ippen : A monk from the Kamakura period.
He was the first to preach the Jishu school.
(If you want to know more about Ippen, Click Here)

kosokuji 2

② There is Sanmon(gate)

It is said to have been built by villagers between 1804 and 1818.
At the time, the Sanmon Gate was made with a thatched roof, but now it is made with tile roofing .

kosokuji 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall)　

In 1278, the founder (a person who provided financial support or a famous person who lent support when a temple was built) ” Ippen” invited ” Sakua” to be the first chief priest and built a Nembutsu temple (Kosokuji Temple).

Ippen : A monk from the Kamakura period.
He was the first to preach the Jishu sect. He was also known as Ensho Daishi and Shojo Daishi.
He spread his teachings by performing “Yugyo “ (traveling) and “ Odori Nembutsu” (dancing nembutsu), distributing “Nembutsu charms”to people .

Sakua : A Jishu monk from the Kamakura period.
He studied under Ippen.

① There is the principal image Amida Buddha.

“It is also called Yakiho Amida”
“It is said to have been made by Unkei.
(If you want to know about Unkei,Click Here )
“It is a national important cultural property”
(If you want to know about national important cultural properties, Click Here )

② There is Kannon Bodhisattva.
(If you want to know about Kannon Bodhisattva,Click Here )

“It is said to be the work of Kaikei “
( If you want to know more about Kaikei, Click Here)
“It is a national important cultural property”

③ There is Seishi kannon bodhisattva.
(If you want to know about Seishi Kannon Bodhisattva,Click Here )

It is said to have been made by Tankei.
( If you want to know more about Tankei, Click Here )
It is a nationally important cultural property.

④ There is the ” Standing Statue of Sho Kannon Bosatsu.
It is said to have been made in the Heian period.
It is Kamakura 33 Kannon　Bodhisattva, No. 7.
It is not open to the public.

⑤ There is Buddha head of Amida Nyorai .

(If you want to know more about Amida Nyorai, Click Here )
It is said to have been the principal image of the Jorokudo Hall of the former Daijiji Temple.”
The Zushi (a Buddhist altar implement that houses Amida Nyorai) is said to have been a gift from Ashikaga Mochiuji (Kanto Kanrei during the Muromachi period).”

* Viewing of the principal image is possible for groups of 10 or more.
Reservations are required.

According to the picture scroll “Hoyake Amida Engi” at Kosokuji Temple …
During the Kamakura period, Unkei, who had come to Kamakura at the invitation of the shogun , was asked by a wealthy woman named Machinotsubone to create the Amida Buddha.
One day, a monk named Manzai who served the town office was suspected of theft. As punishment, the town office branded Manzo on his cheek.
However, no marks remained on his cheek.Then, Amida buddha appeared in the town office’s dream and asked, “Why are you branding my cheek with fire?”
When the town office went to check on Amida buddha, it is said that there was a burn mark on his cheek .
After that, the town office became a monk, built a temple called Ganzo-ji, and enshrined the Amida Triad there.

It is said that this statue came to be called Hoyake Amida(Cheek-burning Amida) because of the legend that he burned the cheeks of a priest suspected of theft .

The picture scroll “Hoyake Amida Engi “ is a Important Cultural Property of Japan .
(It is located in the Kamakura National Treasure Museum.)
I researched the Kamakura National Treasure Museum.

kakuonji 7

⑦ There are 108 yagura(tombs)

If you climb Mount Jubusen behind Kakuonji Temple , you will find many yagura towers near the summit.

“A yagura” is a type of cave tomb excavated into the slope of a mountain, unique to the Kamakura region.

kakuonji 6

⑥ There is a well called Munetate-no-i.　

It is one of the “Ten Wells of Kamakura” (Kamakura Jissei: wells in Kamakura that have good quality water or are associated with legends) .
It is private .

kakuonji 5

⑤ There is yagura(tombs)　

There are two Hokyoin-to pagoda(stone pagodas).
“A yagura” is a type of cave tomb excavated into the slope of a mountain, unique to the Kamakura region.

Ⓐ One is the Kaisan-tower (temple in which the statue of the founding priest is placed).
It is the stone grave of Chikai Shin’e, the founder (the monk who first established the temple, the first chief priest) .
It is a national important cultural property .

ⒷOne is the ” Daito Tower” .
It is the stone tomb of the second Daito, Genchi .　
It is a national important cultural property .
Both were built in 1332.It is private .

It is private .

kakuonji 4

④ There is the Utsumi family home.　

This is the home of a farmer (headman) who lived in Kamakura City in 1706.

kakuonji 3

③ There is jizo do(hall)

There is a wooden Jizo Bodhisattva .
It is called the Kuro Jizo .
( If you want to know more about jizo bodhisattva , Click Here )

It is Kamakura 24 jizo　Bodhisattva, No. 3　
It was built in the Kamakura period.
It is a national important cultural property .

The Kuro Jizo bodhisattva festival is held on August 10th. ( From midnight on August 9th to noon on the 10th)It is also called “Kurayami Mairi” .
It is said that if a person who is celebrating the first Bon festival visits the festival for three consecutive years, the deceased will be able to attain nirvana .
(The first Bon festival following the Buddhist memorial service to commemorate 49 days since someone’s death is called Hatsubon or Shinbon)

kakuonji 2

② There is Aizen do(hall)　

It is said that the main hall of the Dairakuji Temple, which used to be located near Kakuonji Temple, was moved here.
(If you want to know more about Fudo Myoo(acala,wisdom king), Click Here)

① There is Aizen Myoo (Ragaraja)
It was made in the Kamakura period.

② There is an iron statue of Fudo Myoo(Acala,wisdom king)
It was made in the Kamakura period .

③ There is Ashuku nyorai(Akshobhya)
It was made in the Kamakura period .
It is Kamakura 13 Nyorai Buddhas, No. 11

kakuonji 1

①　There is Hondo(Yakushi-do Hall）

It is said that the Yakushido Hall was built in 1218 by Hojo Yoshitoki(the second regent of the Kamakura Shogunate).

[It is said that the Dog God (also known as Basara Taisho, one of the 12 divine generals) appeared in Hojo Yoshitoki’s dream , which prompted him to build the Yakushido Hall.]

In 1296, Hojo Sadatoki (the 9th regent of the Kamakura Shogunate) prayed for the Mongol invasion to be prevented again,and invited Chikai Shin’e to rebuild this Yakushido as “Kakuon-ji Temple” .
(If you want to know more about Chikai Shin’e ,Click Here)

There are various theories, but according to the Azuma Kagami and Kakuonji Engi, the Dog God, one of the 12 divine generals, appeared in a dream to Hojo Yoshitoki(the second regent of the Kamakura Shogunate).
The Dog God told him, ” This year was safe, but next year, it would be better not to join the procession when the Shogun visits the shrine.”
Hojo Yoshitoki was surprised and built the Yakushido Hall to be protected by the 12 divine generals .

The following year, a ceremony was held at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine to celebrate Minamoto no Sanetomo (the third Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate) as the Minister of the Right.Hojo Yoshitoki also attended, but due to poor health he asked Minamoto no Nakaaki to take his place.However, Minamoto no Nakaaki, who acted as a substitute, was killed by Kugyo (the third son of Minamoto no Yoriie, the second Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate) along with Minamoto no Sanetomo.

Hojo Yoshitoki wondered if the dog god had warned him about this and helped him.
So when Hojo Yoshitoki visited the Okura Yakushido to express his gratitude, he heard that for some reason, the dog god, one of the 12 divine generals, had disappeared since the time of the incident . Therefore, it became known that the dog god of the 12 divineg enerals had protected Hojo Yoshitoki from disaster.

The main hall is
① a straw-thatched, hipped-roofed (a Japanese architectural style with a roof that slopes in four directions);
② although it is not a Zen temple, it is built in the “ Zenshu-yo “(Zen-sect-style) (one of Japan’s traditional architectural styles. An architectural style that was introduced from China, Northern Song Dynasty)
③” five spaces” (There are five walls on the front and sides and pillars on each side)

① It is said that Emperor Godaigo used Kakuon-ji Temple as a “kiganji (A temple where people make wishes to Buddha is called a prayer temple.）
② It is said that the Ashikaga clan used Kakuon-ji Temple as a ” kiganji “
③ It is said that the Hojo clan (Kamakura Shogunate and regents) worshipped it .

The temple grounds are a national historic site.
( If you want to know more about a national historic site, Click Here)

① There is the principal image Yakushi Nyorai(Bhaisajyagur,Medicine Buddha)

It is a national important cultural property.
(If you want to know more about Yakushi Nyorai(Bhaisajyagur,medicine Buddha),Click Here)

② There is Nikko Bosatsu.
It is a national important cultural property.
(If you want to know more about a national important cultural property ,Click Here)

③ There is Gakko Bosatsu
It is a national important cultural property.

④ There is 12 divine generals
Each has an animal of the zodiac on its head.
They are a national important cultural property .

⑤ There is Amida Buddha.
It was the principal image of Richikoji Temple.”
It is an abandoned temple that was located in Nikaido, Kamakura City.
(If you want to know more about Amida Buddha ,Click Here)

chikai shine

He is a monk from the Kamakura period.
He was a disciple of Ninsho and his nickname was Shin’e.

Ninsho (commonly known as Ryokan)…
A Shingon Buddhist monk from the Kamakura period.

He was also a social worker.

In addition to helping the poor and lepers, and other socially vulnerable people, he also worked hard to build roads and bridges.

raikoji 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall)

In 1293 , a Jishū temple was built, inviting Ikko as its first chief priest . It is said to have been built as a memorial for those who died in the Great Kamakura Earthquake that occurred in 1293 .

There are two temples called Raikoji temples in Kamakura. They are located in Zaimokuza and Nishimikado .

The ” Great Kamakura Earthquake “ is said to have been an earthquake with its epicenter in the Kamakura area, with 23,000 deaths. The area around Nishi-Mikado, where Raikoji Temple is located, suffered particularly heavy damage.

Ikko… A monk from the Kamakura period who popularized dancing nembutsu .

① There is the principal image Amida Buddha.
It is Kamakura 13 Nyorai Buddha, No.10.
(If you want to know more about Amida Buddha,Click Here)

② There is Batta-bara-sonja.

It is a cultural asset of the city .
(If you want to know more about Batta-bara-sonja,Click Here)

③ There is Ganjo jizo bodhisattva.
It is Kamakura 24 jizo bodhisattva, No.2.
(If you want to know more about jizo bodhisattva,Click Here)

It is the principal image of the former Hoon-ji Temple”
It is a cultural asset of the prefecture “

④ There is Nyoirin kannon bodhisattva.
It is Kamakura 33 kannon bodhisattva, No.5.
(If you want to know more about Nyoirin Kannon Buddha,Click Here)
It is a Buddha with a bewitching smile.
It is said to be one of the Buddhas that represents Kamakura.
It is a cultural asset of the prefecture . It is said to have the power protecting from misfortune and ensuring safe childbirth.

In the ④ “Nyoirin Kannon bodhisattva” statue, you can see
Ⓐ realistic ” clothing “ and ” jeweled eyes “ . Ⓑ You can also see the unique Kamakura feature of Domon( soil pattern),which is a three-dimensional expression of clothing made by making a mold with clay and lacquer .

jojuin 9

⑨ There is Nade-kaeru(a petting frog)　

” Zenshin Kaiko “ means “A good heart brings happiness “This is what it means.

jojuin 8

⑧ There is the monk Mongaku.　

There is a statue of Monkaku Shonin performing ascetic practices .

Mongaku … He was a Shingon Buddhist monk active from the Heian to the Kamakura periods.
the Tale of the Heike describes the “harsh practices” of Mongaku Shonin.He was exiled to Izu in anger after he forced Emperor Goshirakawa to restore Jingo-ji Temple.
There,he became acquainted with Minamoto no Yoritomo and is said to have helped him raise an army.

jojuin 7

⑦　There is Hakkakudo (octagon hall)

It was built to commemorate the 1,300th anniversary of Prince Shotoku’s death .

jojuin 6

⑥ There is a statue of Kobo Daishi(Kukai)

It is said that during the Heian period, Kobo Daishi (Kukai) performed goma rituals here .

Goma -gyo(goma-ritual) is a training that involves ➀ chanting the mantra of Bodhisattva Kokuzo one million times over a period of 100 days .
It is said that by undergoing this training, one can understand all Buddhist scriptures.

jojuin 5

⑤ There is Kokuzo-do(hall)　

It is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo also prayed here.
(If you want to know more about Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akasagarbha Bodhisattva) Click Here)

I researched Kokuzodo, Meikyoin, and Hoshinoidera templeI researched about Kokuzodo

jojuin 4

④ There is Koyasu jizo Bodhisattva.　

It is said that this jizo bodhisattva blessings for pregnancy, safe childbirth and child-rearing.
(If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva,Click Here)

The two round stones nearby are sacred stones called ” Koumi-ishi” (child-bearing stones) .
It is said that stroking these stones will grant you the blessing of children .

jojuin 3

③ There is approach.　

There is a path leading to the shrine .
There are 108 steps to the shrine , the same number as the number of human earthly desires .

jojuin 2

② There is Fudo Myoo(Acala,Wisdom king).

It is an incarnation of the privately-held the principal image “the Matchmaking Acala . ”
It is a power spot .

jojuin 1

① There is Honden(a main hall)

It is said that during the Heian period, Kobo Daishi (Kukai) performed goma rituals at the site where Jojuin Temple is now located.

For this reason, Hojo Yasutoki (the third regent of the Kamakura Shogunate)invited a high priest from Kyoto to build Jojuin Temple here.
In 1333, Jojuin was burned down during Nitta Yoshisada’s attack on Kamakura, but was rebuilt during the Edo period.

The main hall is not open to the public.

Goma -gyo(goma-ritual) is a training that involves chanting the mantra of Bodhisattva Kokuzo one million times over a period of 100 days .
It is said that by undergoing this training, one can understand all Buddhist scriptures.
Goma-gyo is the 13th of January, May, and September.

(if you want to know more about Kukai,Click Here)

Kukai (Kobo Daishi) – A monk from the early Heian period.
(Posthumous name: Shigō, a name given to praise the deeds of nobles, monks, etc. during their lifetime: Kobo Daishi )
He was the first to preach Shingon Mikkyo(Esoteric Buddhism) .
He was also a writer and calligrapher, and is said to be one of the three most outstanding calligraphers of his time.
He brought Shingon Mikkyo(Esoteric Buddhism) from China as a Japanese envoy.
He opened Shingon-in temples at the Court, Shingon-in temples at Todaiji Temple, Toji Temple, and Kongobuji Temple at Mount Koya.
He also opened Shugei Shuchiin, Japan’s first free school for common people.
He become a self-mummified monk at Mount Koya at the age of 62. (Sokushinbutsu：monks who practise austerity to the point of death and mummification)

➀ There is the principal image Fudo Myoo(Acala,Wisdom king).
” The principal image is Acala known as the Matchmaking Acala”
“It is the not open to the public”.
It is New Shikoku East Region 88 Temples、no83.
(If you want to know more about Fudo Myoo(Acala,Wisdom king),Click Here)

② There is a statue of Kobo Daishi (Kukai).

③ There is a statue of the Sho-kanzeon kannon Bodhisattva .

It is the Kamakura 33 Kannon　Bodhisattva, No. 21.

④ There is Dainichi Nyorai(Mahavairocana Buddha)
(if you want to know more about Dainichi Nyorai(Mahavairocana Buddha), Click Here)

⑤ There is Jizo Bodhisattva.
(If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva,Click Here)

anyoin 4

④ There is Hokyoin-to(pagoda)　

There are two stone towers .

Ⓐ The “large stone tower” is said to be the gravestone of Sonkan, the first Temple, the predecessor of An’yo-in Temple .Built in 1308, it is said to be the oldest stone tower in Kamakura.
It is a nationally important cultural property .
(If you want to know more about a nationally important cultural property , Click Here )

Ⓑ The “small stone tower” is said to be a memorial tower for Hojo Masako .

anyoin 3

③There is a buddhist pine.　

There is a buddhist pine that is over 700 years old .
It is 14 meters tall and has a trunk circumference of about 3.5 meters .
It is said to have been planted by Sonkan (the first head priest of Zendo-ji Temple, the predecessor of An’yo-in Temple).
(If you want to know more about buddhist pine, Click Here )

It is a natural monument of Kamakura City .

An evergreen coniferous tall tree of the Podocarpus genus in the family Podocarpus.
Flower language: Compassion, unfading love.
Also known as Kusamaki.
It is also called Kusamaki because it gives off a unique smell when cut.The bark is grayish white and shallowly fissured vertically.It is resistant to water and pests and has a long shelf life. It is also planted as a garden tree, or as a windbreak for houses and fields for fire, wind, and soundproofing purposes.

anyoin 2

② There is Higiri jizo bodhisattva.

It is said to have been built in the 14th century.
(If you want to know more about jizo bodhisattva,Click Here)
It is Kamakura 24 jizo Bodhisattva, No. 24.

It is said that if you ” decide a date to visit ” your wish will come true. It is said that the shrine has the power to grant love .

anyoin 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall)　

① In 1255, Hojo Masako built Chorakuji Temple to pray for the repose of her husband, Minamoto no Yoritomo.

② In 1333, Chorakuji Temple was burned down in a war and was merged with Zendo-ji Temple to become An’yoin Chorakuji Temple.(The name An’yoin is said to have been taken from Hojo Masako’s posthumous name.)

③ Then, in 1680, in the early Edo period, An’yoin Chorakuji Temple was burned down, so it was rebuilt by moving the Kannon Hall of Tashiro-ji Temple, which had been built by Tashiro Nobutsuna (who served Minamoto no Yoritomo).For this reason, it is also known as “Tashiro-ji Temple.”

The purple azalea is famous.

① There is the principal image Amida Buddha.
(If you want to know more about Amida Buddha,Click Here)
It was built during the Muromachi period .”

② There is a statue of Hojo Masako .

③ There is thousand-Armed Kannon.

“The Thousand-Armed Kannon statue is behind the principal image.”
(If you want to know more about the Thousand-Armed Kannon, Click Here )
“It was built in the Edo period.”
“It is Kamakura 33 Kannon Bodhisattva, No. 3.

ⒶThe Thousand-Armed Kannon is also known as ” Tashiro Kannon “ because it was the Kannon statue worshipped by Tashiro Nobutsuna,who served Minamoto no Yoritomo .

Ⓑ When Hojo Masako (wife of Minamoto no Yoritomo) prayed to this Kannon statue,she was united with Minamoto no Yoritomo and took over the country , and so the statue came to be known as the ” Good Marriage Kannon” and the “Commerce Kannon.”

eishoji 12

⑫ There is Sanreisha Gongen. 　

There is a ” cave “.
Once inside, you will find Sanreisha Gongen.

eishoji 11

⑪ There is Taishi-do (hall devoted to Prince Shotoku)

Prince Shotoku was a great believer in and protector of Buddhism.

Prince Shotoku was a devout believer in Buddhism, which had only just been introduced to Japan, and became a symbol of the spread and popularity of Buddhism in Japan.
For this reason, he is worshipped by all Buddhist sects as the “ Japanese Buddha ” and the “ reincarnation of Kannon Bodhisattva .”

The hall where the statue of Prince Shotoku is enshrined is called “Taishi-do.”

eishoji 10

⑩ There is sho-kanzeon kannon bodhisattva.　

There is a ” sho-kanzeon kannon Bodhisattva . “
(If you want to know more about sho-kanzeon kannon Bodhisattva , Click Here)

eishoji 9

⑨ There is Konpiraguu shrine.

Sacred　Object
Kumbhira(a guardian deity of Buddhism)

Divine Blessing
Maritime safety,Blessing for a good catch,Fulfillment of heartfelt wishes,Business prosperity,Financial fortune,　

eishoji 8

⑧ There is a bamboo forest.　

There is a bamboo forest on the mountain behind Eishoji Temple .
It is one of the most magnificent bamboo forests you can see in Kamakura.
(If you want to know more about Moso bamboo, Click Here)

There is also a ” Shoin “ (Japanese-style study room).

When the wisteria starts to bloom in June , you can have tea in the teahouse for 500 yen .

eishoji 7

⑦ There is trident maple.　

Next to the Sanmon Gate is the ” Tokaede “ (trident maple).
(If you want to know more about trident maple, Click Here )

It is a natural monument of Kamakura City .

eishoji 6

⑥ There is Wabisuke.

There is a ” Wabisuke” in front of the shrine .
(If you want to know more about Wabisuke, Click Here)

It is a natural monument of Kamakura City .

eishoji 5

⑤ There is So-mon(main gate)

In 1643, the ” Buddha Hall”, “Sanmon Gate” and “Bell Tower ” were built for the first anniversary of Eisho-in’s death .

They were built by Matsudaira Yorishige (the son of Tokugawa Yorifusa and the older brother of Tokugawa Mitsukuni).

It is a national important cultural property .
(If you want to know more about national important cultural properties, Click Here)

eishoji 4

④ There is the Karamon (Chinese-style gate)

This is the ” small gate” in front of the shido (a hall dedicated to the deity).
On the Ranma(transom) you can see ” openwork peony flowers on both sides.”

It is a national important cultural property .
(If you want to know more about national important cultural properties, Click Here)

eishoji 3

③ There is shido (a hall dedicated to the deity)

It was built in the early Edo period by Tokugawa Mitsukuni (the model for Mito Komon, son of Tokugawa Yorifusa) .
It is a building that enshrines the memorial tablet of Eishoin (also known as Okatsu no Kata) .Eishoin was a well-known figure who provided financial support for the construction of the temple.

You can see colorful decorations, like those seen at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, both inside and outside the shido(a hall dedicated to the deity).
It is a national important cultural property .
(If you want to know more about national important cultural properties, Click Here)

eishoji 2

② There is Shoro (a bell tower)　

The ” Buddha Hall “, ” Sanmon Gate “ and ” Bell Tower “ were built in 1643 for the first anniversary of Eisho-in’s death .This is the only bell tower in Kamakura built in the Hakamagoshi-zukuri (an architectural style that looks like hakama is being worn) .

The characters engraved on the bell were written by Hayashi Razan (Confucian scholar) .

It is a national important cultural property .
(If you want to know more about national important cultural properties, Click Here)

eishoji 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall)

In 1636, Eishoin (Okatsu) built Eisho-ji Temple.

Eishoin is said to be the daughter of Yasusuke Ota, the fourth head of Dokan Ota (Ⓐ).
She was a concubine (not the legal wife) of Ieyasu Tokugawa (Ⓑ)
and. She also served as the foster mother of Yorifusa Tokugawa (Ⓒ), the first head of the Mito Tokugawa clan.
After Ieyasu’s death, she became a nun and changed her name from “Okatsu no Kata ” to “Eishoin.”

Therefore, it is said that the Ota family and the Tokugawa family have a deep relationship.
Ⓐ The Ota family crest, the bellflower , and Ⓑ the Tokugawa family crest, the three-leaf hollyhock , are engraved on the” Buddha Hall ” and ” Sanmon Gate.” Ⓒ In addition, during the Edo period, princesses of the Mito Tokugawa family served as the chief priests for generations.

① There are carvings of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals under the eaves.
② There is a cicada-shaped metal fitting on the door.
③④ Inside the building there are auspicious birds , and a colorful picture of a Karyobinga is painted on the ceiling.
➄A plaque with the words “Eishojiki” written by Hayashi Razan (Confucian scholar) hangs on the wall.
➅The temple is also engraved with the three-leaf hollyhock crest of the Mito Tokugawa clan and the bellflower crest of the Ota clan .

You cannot enter the Buddhist hall. Please view it from the window.
It is a national important cultural property.
(If you want to know more about a national important cultural property , Click Here)

① There is the principal image Amida Buddha.

On the left and right of Amida Nyorai are ➀ Kannon Bodhisattva and ➁ Seishi Kannon Bodhisattva.
(If you want to know more about Amida Buddha, Click Here)

② There is Seishi Kannon Bodhisattva.
(If you want to know more about Seishi Kannon Bodhisattva, Click Here)

③ There is Kannon Bodhisattva.
(If you want to know more about Kannon Bodhisattva, Click Here)

hasedera 15

⑮ you can copy sutras and Buddha images　

You can do ① ” copying sutras “ and ② ” copying Buddha “ in the Shoin of the sutra copying area. Once you’re done, you can place it in front of the treasure house or in the Kannon Hall in the venue.

Reception hours are from 9:00 to 15:00.

hasedera 14

⑭ There is a restaurant called Kaikoan.

They offer “ Temple Curry ” , a vegetarian dish that does not contain meat .

hasedera 13

⑬　There is propmenade

You can see 2,500 hydrangeas of 40 different varieties .

You can see the sea of Kamakura from the observation deck.

hasedera 12

⑫ There is Bentenkutsu(carve)

This is the cave where Kobo Daishi is said to have stayed.
There is “Ugajin“
On the wallare carved ①” Benzaiten ” and ②” It,s sixteen attendant doji ” .

Sacred　Object
Ugajin Benzaiten
（If you want to know more about Benzaiten, Click here ）

Divine Blessing
Wisdom, Financial fortune, Success in competitions, Prosperity of descendants, Music, Arts, Eloquence

hasedera 11

⑪　There is Benten-do(Hall) and Benten Cave

It enshrines Fukutoku Benzaiten.
(If you want to know more about Benzaiten, Click Here)

Sacred　Object
Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto (aiso known as Benzaiten)
（If you want to know more about Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto,Click here）
（If you want to know more about Benzaiten, Click here)

Divine Blessing
Maritime safety,Traffic safety,Good harvest,Business prosperity,Beauty

The original eight-armed Benzaiten is said to have been made by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) .
It is currently located in the Kannon Museum.
It is not usually open to the public .

Further in, there is a cave (Benten Cave) where Kobo Daishi ( Kukai ) is said to have stayed .

hasedera 10

⑩There is Daikokudo(hall)

There are “Daikokuten who bestows success and good fortune” and ” Touching Daikokuten“.
(If you want to know more about Daikokuten, Click Here)

The Daikokuten statue, made in 1412, is located in the Kannon Museum (currently closed to the public).

It is one of the Seven deities of good luck in Enoshima, Kamakura .

hasedera 9

⑨ There is the kannon museum　

This museum was renovated from the former treasure hall.

①Temple bell (Important Cultural Property)
②Eleven-headed Kannon Bodhisattva (Important Cultural Property)
③sanjusanougenshinzo kannon bodhisattva（cultural property designated by Kamakura city)
④hasederaenkiemaki(cultural property designated by Kamakura city)

Thirty-three Kannon Ogenshin statues　(Cultural Property designated by Kamakura City);

hasedera 8

⑧ There is Kakigara inari(shinto shrine)　

It is said that the shrine enshrines an oyster that was attached to the principal image Kannon statue that washed ashore on the Miura Peninsula .

In 721, the first head priest, Tokudo , carved two eleven-faced Kannon statues from sacred camphor trees, and set one of them

adrift at sea after praying for it.
The eleven-faced Kannon washed up on the shores of Nagaiura on the Miura Peninsula, and was enshrined as the principal image of Hasedera Temple.
It is said that the statue enshrines an oyster that was attached to it as it floated in the sea .

hasedera 7

⑦ There is Kyozo(sutra repository)　

The scriptures are stored in a “rotating bookshelf .”
It is said that one rotation of the book brings the same merit as reading all 5,400 volumes of Buddhist scriptures .

It can be rotated on ① the first three days of the New Year, ② the 18th of every month, ③ April 8th, and ④ August 10th .

hasedera 6

⑥　There is Nagomi Jizo bodhisattva

This is the “laughing Jizo .
(If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva,Click Here )

hasedera 5

⑤　There is Jizodo(hall)

There is a “Fukuju Jizo”
(If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva,Click Here )

It is said ”to bring blessings of safe childbirth” and ”prosperity” .

hasedera 4

④　There is Shoro (a bell tower)

This bell was made in 1264.
It is a national important cultural property .
(If you want to know more about a national important cultural properties, Click Here)

It is currently on display at the Kannon Museum .
You can ring the new bell on New Year’s Eve .

hasedera 3

③　There is Sanmon(gate)

There is a big red lantern with the name “Hasedera “ hanging there.

There is also a pine tree called”Kado-kaburi no Matsu” (gate-covered pine tree) .

hasedera 2

② There is Amidado(hall)

There is Amida Buddha.
(If you want to know more about Amida Buddha,Click Here)

Minamoto-no-Yoritomo( the first Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate) to protect from misfortune at the age of 42.
It is also called the “Evil-warding Amida.”
It is about 3 meters tall and is one of the six Amida statues in Kamakura.

hasedera 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall)　

It was founded in 736 by Fujiwara Fusasaki (grandson of Fujiwara Kamatari) and appointed Tokudo as the first chief priest.

Tokudo (A monk from the Nara period. The first head priest of Hasedera Temple in Nara .)

In contrast to Hasedera Temple in Nara, it is also called ” Shin-Hasedera Temple.(New Hasedera temple)”

Ⓐ In December, the only ” New Year’s Market” will be held in Kamakura .

Ⓑ The Hase Market is held on the third Sunday of May and October .

There is the principle image Juichimen Kanzeon Bosatsu(Eleven faced kannon Bodhisattva)
It is known as Hase kannon bodhisattva”
”It is a wooden Kannon Bodhisattva that is 9.18 meters tall.

①In 1342, Ashikaga Takauji (the first Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate) decorated the statue with gold leaf ,
and ②it is said that Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (the third Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate) created the halo of the Kannon Bodhisattva .

The principal image of the eleven-faced Kannon bodhisattva is…

In 721, the first head priest, Tokudo, carved two eleven-faced Kannon statues from a sacred camphor tree he found in the mountains of Nara .

➀　One of them became the Kannon statue of Hasedera Temple in Nara.
➁　The remaining one, B, became the Kannon statue of Hasedera Temple in Kamakura.
The reason why the Kannon statue of Hasedera Temple was enshrined in Kamakura is that it was sent out to sea after a prayer was offered, and it ended up washing up in Nagaiura on the Miura Peninsula.
It is said that the Kannon statue was then moved to the current site of Kamakura, enshrined as the principal image, and Hasedera Temple was built .

kotokuin 7

⑦ There is a monument to Akiko Yosano’s poem　

He was a poet who was active in the magazine “Myojo.”

The poem published in the 1905 collection of poems “Maihime” is engraved on the wall .
Kamakura is a buddha, but Shakyamuni is a handsome man. Summer trees

kotokuin 6

⑥ There is Kangetsudo(hall)

This is the 15th century Korean royal palace building .

There is Sho kanzeon kannon bodhisattva.
It is a work from the late Edo period
It is Kamakura 33 Kannon　Bodhisattva, No. 23.

kotokuin 5

⑤ There are lotus petals.　

There are four bronze lotus petals .

In the mid-Edo period, it was planned to create a lotus base for the Great Buddha to sit on.However, although it was planned to make 32 lotus petals, only four were completed.

kotokuin 4

④ There is the foundation of the great Buddha hall.　

Originally, the foundations of the building (Great Buddha Hall) where the Great Buddha was enshrined remain. There are a total of 56 of them,lined up at equal intervals .

kotokuin 3

③ There are huge straw sandals .　

The straw sandals are 1.8m long, 0.9m wide, and weigh 45kg.The length of these sandals is said to be ” almost the same length as the ears of the Great Buddha . “

It is dedicated by children of Ibaraki.
The Matsuzaka Children’s Association in Matsuei Town, Hitachiota City, Ibaraki Prefecture, creates and donates a large straw sandal once every three years.

kotokuin 2

② There is Sanmon(gate)

It was built around 1768.
There is a plaque bearing the mountain name ” Daiizan ” on it.

kotokuin 1

① There is Hondo(the main hall)　

There is the principal image Amida Buddha.

According to the Kamakura period historical book “Azuma Kagami,” the Great Buddha was built in 1252 .
It is Kamakura 6 Amida nyorai Buddhas , No. 1.

The bronze Buddha statue is 11.3 meters tall and weighs approximately 121 tons .
The Great Buddha was created under the influence of both ➀ ” masculine characteristics” such as a” strong expression ,” ” appearance ,” and ” imposing physique ” and②”characteristics of Buddhist statues” from the Song Dynasty in China .

It is said that when the Great Buddha was first completed, it was covered in gold leaf. Even now, you can see faint traces of gold powder on the left side .

When it was first built, it was enshrined inside a building, but the building was destroyed by two typhoons and a tsunami during the Muromachi period. Since then , it is said that it has been enshrined outside as it is today.

As a result, the statue fell into disrepair, and was restored in the mid-Edo period.It is said that the school also changed from ” Rinzai “ to ” Jodo“ at that time .

It is also called the “Great Buddha of Kamakura“ and the “ Great Buddha of Hase.”
The inside of the Great Buddha is hollow and can be viewed.

This is the only Buddhist statue in Kamakura designated as a national treasure .
(If you want to know more about a national treasure ,Click Here)

The temple grounds are designated as a national historic site.
(If you want to know more about the national historic site, Click Here)

meigetsuin 9

⑨ There is Ushiroteien(garden)

We can see 3,000 irises and maples .

You can enter the park by donating to UNICEF.

meigetsuin 8

⑧　There is a tea house called Gesshoken.

At the cafe “Gekkeiken” you can enjoy matcha, green tea, sweet sake, and Japanese sweets.
I researched Gekkeiken

meigetsuin 7

⑦ There is Kaizan-do(Hall)

There is a wooden statue of the “Missitsushugon” (the monk who first established the temple, the first chief priest).
It is a small thatched roof.

meigetsuin 6

⑥　There is a approach.

The best time to see hydrrangeas is from June to July .
About 300 hydrangeas bloom here.Among them, the pale blue hydrangeas native to Japan, called “Himeajisai”, are known as Meigetsuin Blue .

It gets crowded when the hydrangeas start to bloom.

meigetsuin 5

⑤ There is the grave of Houjou Tokiyori

This is the grave of Hojo Tokiyori .

” Hojo Tokiyori “ was the fifth regent of the Kamakura Shogunate. He was active during the “heavenly age of regent politics” .
It is said that he built “Saimyoji Temple (the temple before Meigetsuin Temple was built)” to become a monk .

meigetsuin 4

④　There is Meigetsu-in yagura(tombs)

It is said to be the grave of Uesugi Norikata .

“A yagura” is a type of cave tomb excavated into the slope of a mountain, unique to the Kamakura region.
It is about 7 meters wide, 6 meters deep, and 3 meters high. It is said to be the largest tower in Kamakura .

In the center of the tower, the statues of Shakya Buddha and Taho Nyorai (Buddha of Many Treasures) are carved in relief.
On either side of them, the statues of the 16 Rakanzu’ ( Arhats) are carved in relief.

meigetsuin 3

③ There is Tsurube-no-i(well)

It is “one of the “Ten Wells of Kamakura . “The well was named ” Tsurube ” ( ” Tsurube”) because the shape of the well resembles a water pitcher .

meigetsuin 2

②　There is Sarori-no-mado(a window of enlightenment)

The round window called the “Enlightenment Window” is located in the main hall.

You can see the rear garden from the Enlightenment Window.
The view of the garden from this windowis famous for being beautiful, like a painting.

You can go inside the rear garden and take a walk during the maple leaves (around December) and irises (around June) .

Ⓐ In front of the main hall is the ” Karesansui Garden”.
Ⓑ Behind the main hall is the ” Rear Garden .”

meigetsuin 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall)　

Meigetsuin temple was a sub-temple of Zenkoji Temple (which existed until the beginning of the Meiji period) . When Zenkoji Temple was abandoned in 1380 , only the sub-temple, Meigetsuin, remained .

It is famous for its hydrangeas and is also known as the ” hydrangea Temple . “
About 2,500 hydrangeas bloom here.
Among them, the pale blue hydrangeas native to Japan, known as Hime-ajisai , are known as Meigetsuin Blue . The best time to see them is from June to July.

As you walk around the temple grounds, you will come across cute rabbit statues in various places.

➀ There is the principal image Sho kanzeon bodhisattva
Kamakura 33 Kannon Bodhisattva, No. 30

myooin 2

②　There will be a Goma ritual.

On the 28th of each month, a goma ritual is held starting at 1pm, which is designated as “Fudo Myo-o Day.”
On the 28th, you can see the Fudo Myo-o statue in the main hall.

myooin 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall)

In 1235, Fujiwara no Yoritsune (the 4th Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate) invited Jogou (a Shingon Buddhist monk) to be the first chief priest and built a Shingon Buddhist temple. It is said that he built Myo-in Temple, which enshrines the Five Great Wisdom Kings , to protect the direction of the demon’s gate(northeast) from the Kamakura Shogunate’s point of view.

It was said to be a temple where the Kamakura Shogunate would make their wishes.
It is said that when the Chinese Yuan Dynasty invaded, the temple held a goma ritual, summoning a storm and fending off the Mongol invasion.
(If you want to know more about the goma ritual,Click Here)

This is the main hall with a thatched roof .

① There is the principal image Acala,Wisdom King.
It is Kamakura 33 Kannon Bodhisattva, No. 8
It is not open to the public.
It is open to the public on the 28th of each month during the Goma ceremony, so you can see it.
It was made in the Kamakura period and is a national important cultural property .

(If you want to know more about national important cultural properties, Click Here)

② There are Five Myo-o .
The Five Great Myo-o are
① Acala (Fudo Myo-o) at the center .
Surrounding him are② Daiitoku Myo-o (Daitoku Myo-o) ,③ Gundari Myo-o (Gundari Myo-o) ,④ Gozanze Myo-o (Gozanze Myo-o) , and⑤ Kongoyasha Myo-o (Kongoyasha Myo-o) .
This is the collective name for the five Myo-o.

③ There is Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva.
Kamakura 13 Nyorai Buddhas, No. 1.
There is a hall to the right of the main hall.

jochiji 13

⑬ There are graves of famous people.

There is the grave of Tatsuhiko Shibusawa(1928-1987), a French literature scholar, novelist and essayist.

jochiji 12

⑫　There is Tenchuho.

It is said that “Jikusen Bonsen” (a high priest of the Rinzai sect who lived in China during the Yuan Dynasty) liked this hill so much that he named it”Tenchu” (heavenly pillar). It is said that “Tenchu” means “the morality that supports the world.”

It is located on the Kuzuharagaoka Daibutsu hiking trail behind Jochiji Temple.

jochiji 11

⑪ There is Hotei-sin(seven deities og good luck)　

Sacred　Object
Hotei
(If you want to know more about Hotei,Click Here )

Divine Blessing
Blessing for a good marriage and pregnancy,Happy marriage

He is “Seven deities of good luck .
“It is said that stroking their plump bellies will give you energy .They have a smooth belly because so many people have stroked their bellies.

jochiji 10

⑩ There is a Tachihigan.

This is a ” Tahitigan “ tree that is 21.6m tall and has a trunk circumference of 2.42m .
It is one of the” 100 Famous Trees of Kanagawa.”
(If you want to know more about Tahitigan,Click Here )

This is a cherry tree of the Prunus genus of the Rosaceae family.
The flower language is “spiritual beauty.”
There are cherry trees whose branches wilt and cherry trees whose branches grow upwards.
At this temple, there is a “Tachi (standing) Higan” that does not wilt.

jochiji 9

⑨ There is a juniper tree.　

Behind the Sanmon Gate there is a Juniper tree.
It is a designated natural monument of the city .
(If you want to know more about Juniper tree, Click Here)

It is an evergreen tall tree of the Juniperus genus in the Cupressaceae family.
It is also called Ibuki.
The flower language is “I will protect you.”
The bark is reddish brown and peels off in thin, long strips vertically.
The trunk may bend or twist. It is often planted at shrines and temples near the sea.

jochiji 8

⑧ There is a Japanese cedar tree .

It is located next to the main hall.
It is the largest Japanese cedar tree in Kamakura.
(If you want to know more about Japanese cedar tree , Click Here)

It is a species endemic to Japan, belonging to the family Scutellaria in the order Pinales.
The flower language is “elegance.”
It is an evergreen conifer that grows tall.
It is considered one of the three most beautiful trees in the world,along with Himalayan cedar and Araucaria .
It is water-resistant and does not rot easily, so it is used as material for bathtubs and bridges.
The Japanese name Scutellaria was given to it because it grows in large numbers at the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect. It is also considered a sacred tree at Koyasan .

jochiji 7

⑦ There is Shoin (Study Hall)

The house has a tiled roof.

It is like a house that comes out of a Japanese folk tale.Flowers such as irises, plum blossoms, and evening primroses bloom in the garden .

jochiji 6

⑥ There is shoro-mon (a belfry gate)

This is the shoro-mon (a belfry gate) that can be seen during the Tang Dynasty in China .

Shoro-mon” refers to the Sanmon Gate with its bell tower.
On the first floor there is the Sanmon Gate.
On the second floor there is a flower-shaped window called a Katoumado and a temple bell .

When it was rebuilt in 2007, a plaque reading “Sankyoyusyou in the Mountains” was added.
In Kamakura, Jochi-ji Temple is the only place where you can see a Sanmon gate with a bell.

jochiji 5

⑤ There is Sanmon(gate)　

The plaque reading “ Hosho Zaikin “ is posted on the wall. “

Hosho Zaikin ” refers to the Buddhist teaching that ” if you believe in Buddha and practice, you will find peace of mind .”

jochiji 4

④ There is a well.

It is said to be the same water as that in the Kanro-no-i(well).

jochiji 3

③ There is a Kanro-no-i(well)

It is one of the ” Ten Wells of Kamakura . “
It is said to have the power of Buddha to grant immortality.

It is no longer used as drinking water.

jochiji 2

②　It has been used as a setting for movies and TV dramas.

Jochiji Temple, Rinzai sect of Buddhism, Engakuji school [Official website] Reference

Movies
Zigeunerweisen / 1980 / Director: Seijun Suzuki / Starring: Yoshio Harada, Naoko Otani
Lover’s Kiss / 2003 / Director: Naka Oikawa / Starring: Aya Hirayama, Aoi Miyazaki
A Minute of a Samurai / 2006 / Director: Yoji Yamada / Starring: Takuya Kimura, Rei Dan
MUKOKU / 2017 / Director: Kazuyoshi Kumakiri / Starring: Go Ayano, Nijiro Murakami
DESTINY: The Tale of Kamakura / 2017 / Director: Takashi Yamazaki / Starring: Masato Sakai, Mitsuki Takahata
March 8th, Year 3 of Bunroku / Scheduled for release in autumn 2021 / Director: Kitatane Akihara / Starring: Ken Matsudaira, Motoya Izumi

Drama
A Man Who Can’t Get Married / 2019 / Fuji TV / Starring Abe Hiroshi, Yoshida Yo
The End of Money is the Beginning of Love / 2020 / TBS / Starring Miura Haruma, Matsuoka Mayu

Anime
TARI　TARI 2012 / TVK and others / Animated work set in Enoshima to Kamakura

jochiji 1

① There is Dongeden(the main hall)　

It was built in 1281 to pray for the repose of the soul of Hojo Munemasa (the third son of Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth regent of the Kamakura shogunate and the man who solidified the power of the Hojo clan) .Hojo Munemasa died at the young age of 29.
The temple was built by his wife and their child (Hojo Morotoki).

The name of the main hall, Dongeden, is said to come from the legendary Udonga flower, which blooms only once every 3,000 years .
During the Kamakura period, when the temple was at its largest, it had as many as 11 sub-temples and was a large temple with 500 inhabitants.In the Showa period, the Great Kanto Earthquake occurred, and most of the temple was burned down.
The current building was rebuilt in the Showa period.

The temple grounds are designated as a national historic site as” Jochiji Temple Grounds . “
(If you want to know more abouta national historic site, Click Here)

It is the fourth of the Kamakura Five Mountains . (This indicates the status of a Zen temple.)

➀ There is the principal image Amida Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Maitreya Buddha .

There are three Buddha in one main hall. “It is rare to see three Buddha in one main hall, where the highest ranking Buddha is in the middle and there are usually two Kannon statues on either side.

(If you want to know more about Sanze-Butsu , Click Here)
It is a wooden Sanze-butsu built during the Nanboku-cho period.”
It is an important cultural property of Kanagawa Prefecture .

② There is Sho kanzeon kannon bodhisattva.
Kamakura 33 Kannon Bodhisattva, No. 31.

The statue of Kannon Bodhisattva is enshrined in the room behind the main hall.

Sanze-Butsu

There are three Buddha in one main hall.

“It is rare to see three Buddha in one main hall, where the highest ranking Buddha is in the middle and there are usually two Kannon statues on either side.”

“Amida Nyorai(Amida Buddha),” “Shaka Nyorai(Shajyamuni Buddha),” and “Maitreya Nyorai” are said to be Buddhas who govern the “past,” “present ,” and “future,” respectively.

That’s why they are called the “sanze-butsu”

They are said to listen to prayers in the past, present, and future.

gokurakuji 7

⑦　There is Jizo-do(hall)

There is a”Tsukikage jizo Bodhisattva“.
It is Kamakura 24 Jizo, No. 21．
(If you want to know more about jizo Bodhisattva, Click Here)

gokurakuji 6

⑥ There is Jizo-do(hall)

There is a “MIchibiki Jizo Bodhisattva”.
It is Kamakura 24 Jizo, No. 20．
(If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva, Click Here)

gokurakuji 5

⑤　There is Tenporin-den(Treasure Hall)

➀ There is a principal image of Shakya Buddha standing statue “
“It is a wooden statue of Shaka Nyorai ”
(If you want to know more about Shaka Nyorai, Click Here )
“It is said to be a replica of the Shaka Nyorai standing statue at Seiryoji Temple in Kyoto prefecture”
“It is considered a secret Buddha, but it will be open to the public from April 7th to 9th”

➁ There is a Wooden seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha .
(If you want to know more about Shakyamuni Buddha, Click Here)
It is a national important cultural property.
(If you want to know more about national important cultural properties, Click Here)

➂ There is a Wooden standing statue of the Judaideshi .

➃ There is a ” seated statue of Fudo Myoo (Acala, Wisdom Kings)
(If you want to know more about Fudo Myoo(Acala,Wisdom Kings),Click Here )
“It was made inthe Heian period

It can be viewed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from April 25th to May 25th and October 25th to November 25th (closed on rainy days)

gokurakuji 4

④ There is a Hokyoin-to(pagoda) 　

It is said to be the grave of Hojo Shigetoki ( the third son of Hojo Yoshitoki, the second regent of the Kamakura shogunate).

gokurakuji 3

③ There is the grave of Ninshou.　

There is a 3.6m tall five-ringed tower of ” Ninsho’s Grave”.
Insideis ” Ninsho’s remains” .
It is a national important cultural property .
(If you want to know more about national important cultural properties, Click Here)

It will be open to the public on April 8th.

gokurakuji 2

② There is sanmon(gate)　

This is a straw- thatched Sanmon(gate).

gokurakuji 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall)

In 1259 , Hojo Shigetoki (the third son of Hojo Yoshitoki, the second regent of the Kamakura Shogunate)built this temple with the support of Ninsho as its first chief priest.
(If you want to know more about Ninsho, Click Here)

The area where Gokurakuji Temple is located was once called ” Hell Valley “ because it was a place where dead bodies were abandoned and people with nowhere to go gathered. It is said that Gokurakuji Temple was built for this reason .

In the past, the temple grounds also housed medical and welfare facilities such as a hospital and a medicinal bathhouse.In its heyday, the temple had 49 sub-temples in addition to the main hall, lecture hall, and 13-story pagoda, and the surrounding valley was said to be the temple grounds. Currently, the main hall, Kissho-in, remains.

It is the only Shingon Risshu school temple in Kamakura .

In front of the main hall there is a stone bowl and a stone mill that are said to have been used by Ninsho to make medicine.

① There is Fudo Myoo (Acala, Wisdom Kings)
(If you want to know more about Fudo Myoo (Acala, Wisdom Kings) ,Click Here)

② There is Yakushi-nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
(If you want to know more about Yakushi-nyorai (Medicine Buddha) ,Click Here)

③ There is Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri kannon Bodhisattva)
(If you want to know more about Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri kannon Bodhisattva) ,Click Here)

④ There is Ninshou.
(If you want to know more about Ninshou ,Click Here)

⑤ There is Kosho Bosatsu.
(If you want to know more about Kosho Bosatsu ,Click Here)

“It will be on display from April 7th to 9th”

jufukuji 6

⑥ There is the grave of Houjou Masako.

There is also a cemetery on the mountain behind the building.

Among them are two yagura (stone caves carved into rocks in a horizontal style unique to the Kamakura region).

① One is the grave of ” Hojo Masako” (wife of Minamoto no Yoritomo; she provided financial support to build Jufukuji Temple) .
② One is the grave of ” Minamoto no Sanetomo” (son of Hojo Masako, the third Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate) .
Also, because there is a pattern resembling arabesque on the grave of Minamoto no Sanetomo , it is also called “Karakusa Yagura” or “Ekaki Yagura” .

jufukuji 5

⑤ There is Ishidatami(a pavement with stone)

The stone-paved approach to the temple stretches for 300 meters from the Sanmon Gate to the Chumon Gate . It is made of stone paving of a unique shape that can only be seen at Jufuku-ji Temple .

You can enter and see the stone paving right up to the Chumon Gate.

jufukuji 4

④　There is Shoro (a bell tower)

jufukuji 3

③ There is Sanmon(gate)

jufukuji 2

② There is so-mon(main gate)　

jufukuji 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall)

This temple was built in 1200 by Hojo Masako (wife of Minamoto no Yoritomo) who invited Eisai (a Zen priest of the Rinzai sect) to be the first chief priest .
It is said to have been built on the site of Minamoto no Yoshitomo’s (father of Minamoto no Yoritomo) mansion.

Eisai – A Zen monk who first preached the Rinzai sect　during the Kamakura period.
His pen namewas Myoan. He commonly known as Senko Kokushi .
He wrote “Kouzen Gokokuron” (Promoting Zen and Protecting the Nation), which asserted the legitimacy of Zen.
He also introduced tea to Japan from the Song Dynasty in China. He also wrote “Kissa Yojoki” (Record of Health Care after Drinking Tea), which describes the medicinal properties of tea.

➀He was the first chief priest of Jufuku- ji Temple in Kamakura and ➁ the first chief priest of Kennin-ji Temple in Kyoto .

It is said that Minamoto no Sanetomo (the third Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate) often came here to pray.
At its peak, it was a large temple with over a dozen sub-temples.

The main hall was rebuilt in 1644.
In 1966, the temple grounds were designated as a ” national historic site.”
(If you want to know more about national historic sites ,Click Here)
You can enter up to the middle gate, but beyond that point it is not open to the public.
It is”ranked third among the Five Mountains of Kamakura .” ( This indicates the status of the Zen temple.)

① There is the principal image Shakyamuni Buddha.
(If you want to know more about Shakyamuni Buddha, Click Here)

② There is “Fugen Bosatsu (Samantabhadra kannon Bodhisattva)”
(If you want to know more about Samantabhadra kannon Bodhisattva, Click Here)
It is Kamakura 33 Kannon　Bodhisattva, No. 24

③ There is “Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri kannon Bodhisattva)”.
(If you want to know more about Manjusri kannon Bodhisattva ,Click Here)

④ There is “Eleven-faced kannon Bodhisattva”.
”Kamakura 24 jizo　Bodhisattva, No. 9

hongakuji 7

⑦ There is crape myrtle

There is a Crape Myrtle tree that is said to be over 100 years old .
(If you want to know more abouta Crape Myrtle tree, Click Here)
Red flowers bloom in September.

It is a deciduous medium-sized tree of the Lythraceae family in the genus Crape myrtle.

The flower language is “eloquence,” “charm,” and “carelessness.”

It is also known as crape myrtle.The name “crape myrtle” was apparently given to it because its bark is so smooth that even monkeys slip off it.
It is also known as crape myrtle because it blooms for a long period of time.
The material is hard and heavy, so it is used for railroad ties and other things.

hongakuji 6

⑥　There is the grave of Goro Masamune Okazaki.

Masamune : A master craftsman of Japanese swords in the late Kamakura period.
He is also known as Goro Nyudo Masamune, Okazaki Masamune, and Okazaki Goro Nyudo.

He established a style of sword making known as the “Sosyuden tradition”
The name “Masamune” became synonymous with Japanese swords.

hongakuji 5

⑤ There is Nichiren ossuary .

” Some of Nichiren’s bones were given to us from Mount Minobu ,” and these bones are enshrined here.

hongakuji 4

④ There is Shoro (bell tower)　

It was built in 1410.
It is said that the bell was inherited by the first head priest , Nisshutsu Shonin , after he won a dispute at the head temple of Hachimangu Shrine in Kisarazu .

It is a cultural property designated by the city of Kamakura .

hongakuji 3

③ There is Sanmon(gate)　

This gate was built during the Edo period.

hongakuji 2

② There is　Ebisu-do（hall)

Sacred　Object

Ebisu

Divine Blessing

Bussiness prosperity

It is built in the “Ura Kimon ” (southwest) of the Kamakura Shogunate .Because the Ura Kimon was considered to be an evil direction, Minamoto no Yoritomo enshrined the ” Ebisu God” of the Seven deities of good luck to protect the Shogunate .
(If you want to know more about Ebisu, Click Here)

Ebisu-do(hall) was rebuilt in 1981.The previous Ebisu-do(hall) was separated into a temple and a shrine by the Shinbutsu Bunri-rei during the Meiji period.
(If you want to know more about the separation of Shinto and Buddhism , Click Here)

It is divided into two temples: ➀ Ebisu-do(hall) (located in Hongakuji Temple. Rebuilt in 1981) and ② Ebisu Shrine (located near the former Kamakura Police Station. This is the former Ebisu-do(hall)).

Ebisu, one of the Seven deities of good luck in Kamakura, is present.

hongakuji 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall)

This temple was built in 1436 on the site of the Ebisu-do(Hall) built by Minamoto no Yoritomo (the first Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate), and was built by Ashikaga Mochiuji (the governor of the Kamakura Shogunate) who invited Ichijo Nisshutsu (a Nichiren school monk from the Muromachi period ) to be the first chief priest .

It is said that after Nichiren was exiled to Sado Island, he stayed temporarily in the Ebisu-do(Hall) of Honkakuji Temple here .

Nichiren … A Buddhist monk from the Kamakura period.
（Shigou(posthumous name)a name used to praise the deeds of nobles, monks, etc. in life: Nichiren Daibosatsu, Rissho Daishi)　
He was the first person to preach the Nichiren sect (Hokke school) .

The second head priest, Nitcho Shonin , was famous for his eye treatment, so Honkakuji Temple is called “ Nitcho-sama . “
At that time, a part of Nichiren’s bone was given to the temple from Mt. Minobu and enshrined there, so it is also called Higashi Minobu .

It is the head temple of the Nichiren sect .

① There is the principal image Shakyamuni Nyorai.

It is a cultural asset designated by the city of Kamakura.
(If you want to know more about Shakyamuni Nyorai, Click Here)
It is currently housed in the Kamakura National Treasure Museum.
I researched the Kamakura National Treasure Museum.

➁There is Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri kannon Bodhisattva)
Kamakura 13 Nyorai Buddhas, No. 3
(If you want to know more about Manjusri kannon Bodhisattva, Click Here)

③ There is Fugen Bosatsu (Samantabhadra kannon Bodhisattva)
(If you want to know more about Samantabhadra kannon Bodhisattva, Click Here)

kokuzodo 3

③ There is Funadera Jizo Bodhisattva　

It is said to grant blessings of “Maritime safety “ and “Prosperity in industry.“
(If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattve, click here )

kokuzodo 2

② There is a well called Kamakura Jissei　

There is a well called Hoshinoi , which is one of the ” Ten Wells of Kamakura . “

Kamakura Jissei: During the Edo period, Kamakura was not blessed with water, so wells with good quality water were highly valued.
Kamakura Jissei refers to the 10 wells that represent Kamakura.

It is said that in the past, this area was overgrown with trees and was dim even during the day.
That’s why this well came to be called ” Hoshinoi ” because it was so dark that you could see the stars shining even during the day.

The water from the well was so delicious that it was sold as drinking water until the early Showa period.

kokuzodo 1

① There is Hondo(a main hall)

It is said that this temple has a connection with Gyoki (a monk from the Nara period).

“Gyoki” was a high Buddhist monk in the Nara period .
Even in a time when the spread of Buddhism was prohibited, he worked hard to spread it to the masses and gained their support. He was also the first Japanese person to become a Daisojo, the highest-ranking monk in Buddhism.

He was also responsible for the construction of the Great Buddha of Nara.

It is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo (the first Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate) also worshipped this Kokuzo Bosatsu during the Kamakura period.
It is said the statue was only displayed to the public once every 35 years as a secret Buddha .

It is now open to the public on January 13th every year, so you can see it.

The Kokuzodo Hall is managed by Jojuin Temple.

There is the principle image Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akasagarbha kannon Bodhisattva)
(If you want to know more about Akasagarbha kannon Bodhisattva, click here )

engakuji 15

⑮ There is Obaiin　

It was built as a “tower for Yumemakura Kokushi .
” The remains of Ashikaga Toshiakira (the second Shogun) are divided here.
For this reason, it is also known as the ” family temple of the Ashikaga clan .”

②There is a wooden seated statue of Yumemakura Kokushi .

You can see flowers all year round in the garden.

① There is Senju Kannon Bosatsu (Thousand-Armed Kannnon Buddhas）
(If you want to know more about thousand-Armed Kannnon Buddhas, click here)

② There is a wooden seated statue of Yumemakura Kokushi .

You can see flowers all year round in the garden.

engakuji 14

⑭ There is Bentendo(Hall)

Sacred　Object
Benzaiten
（If you want to know more about Benzaiten, Click here ）

Divine Blessing
Wisdom, Financial fortune, Success in competitions, Prosperity of descendants, Music, Arts, Eloquence

Even the famous craftsman of the Kamakura period, ” Mononobe-no-Kunimitsu“, failed twice to make the large bell (Ⓓ temple bell).
Therefore, the client, Hojo Sadatoki, went to pray to Benzaiten in Enoshima for success this time, and succeeded on the third try.

It is said that the “Bentendo” was built in gratitude for the answer to his prayer.

engakuji 13

⑬ There is Byakuro-chi(pond)　

The name “Byakuro-chi(pond) ” is said to have come from the fact that when Mugaku Sogen (Zuiroku-zan) (the monk who first founded the temple and the first chief priest ) was looking for a place to build Engaku-ji Temple, the god of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine transformed into a white heron and guided him to the White Heron Pond.

It is a nationally designated place of scenic beauty .

engakuji 12

⑫　There is Myokochi(pond)

This is a historic pond that has existed since the construction of Engakuji Temple.
The garden was created by Muso Soseki (who is said to be the creator of dry landscape gardens).
(If you want to know more about Muso Soseki, click here.)

It is a nationally designated place of scenic beauty .
(If you want to know more about a nationally designated place of scenic beauty, click here.)

The rock visible on the other side of the pond is called ” Kotogan” (Tiger’s Head Rock) because it resembles a tiger’s head .

The rock visible on the other side of the pond is called ” Kotogan” because it resembles a tiger’s head .

engakuji 11

⑪ There is So-mon(main gate)　

The Sango, ” Zuirokusan” , is inscribed on the wall .

It is said that the name “Zuirokusan” came from the fact that when ” Mugaku Sogen (Zuiroku-zan) ” (the monk who first established the temple and the first chief priest ) was about to give a sermon on the opening of the temple, a white deer appeared from the mountain and tried to listen to his lecture .

engakuji 10

⑩ There is Bonsho (temple bell)

It is said that Hojo Sadatoki (the founder of Engakuji Temple; son of Hojo Tokimune)donated it ” in the hope of national peace . “

It is the largest bell in the Kanto region .
It is 259.4 cm tall and 142 cm in diameter.

It is one of the three famous bells in Kamakura .
At the temple, it is called Ogane.

It is a national important cultural property .

engakuji 9

⑨ There is Butsunichian

There is a mausoleum (a graveyard where the spirit of Hojo Tokimune is enshrined) for Hojo Tokimune (the founder of Engakuji Temple; the 8th regent who repelled two Mongol invasions (from China)).

It is said that Hojo Tokimune ” devoted himself to Zen at Butsuni-an .

➀　There is a seated statue of Jizo Bodhisattva.
( If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva, click here)
It is the principal image of Butsuni-an Temple
”Kamakura 14 Jizo Bodhisattva , No. 14”

➁　There is a “seated statue of the eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva . “
It is in a “mausoleum” (a place where spirits are enshrined. It is a graveyard.)
“Kamakura 33 Kannon　Buddhas, No. 13”　

➂ There is a wooden statue of Kakuin Shuin.

person who rebuilt the sub-temples (graves of high priests, etc.) of Engakuji Temple, which had fallen into disuse.
He is in the main hall .

➃ There is a wooden statue of Houjou Tokimune.

“He is the 8th regent “
“He is in the mausoleum”

The teahouse “Ensokuken” is located inside Butsuni-an.

It was built by “Kakuin Shuin”, who loved tea.
You can drink “matcha” and “coffee”. The snacks are “Kobato Mame-raku” from Toshimaya, famous for its Hato Sable cookies.

It also appears in the novels “A Thousand Cranes” by Yasunari Kawabata and “Thicket of Thorns” by Tachihara Masaak.

➀　There is a white magnolia tree .
It was given to the temple by Rojin, a Chinese novelist who wrote “The True Story of Ah Q,”in 1933.
The tree blooms in mid-March.

➁　There is a magnolia tree.
It was given to the temple by Rojin, a Chinese novelist who wrote “The True Story of Ah Q,”in 1933.
You can see the flowers around June.

engakuji 8

⑧ There is Shozokuin Temple　

This is Engakuji Temple’s most famous sub-temple (a temple built to protect the tombs of the founders and high priests).

① There is ” Manjusri Kannnon Buddhas . “
(If you want to know more about Manjusri Kannnon Buddhas ,click here)

② There is” Mugaku Sogen (Zuiroku-zan)” (the monk who first founded the temple and the first chief priest ).
He is in the Kaisan-do Hall at the back of the temple grounds.

engakuji 7

⑦　There is Shari-den (reliquary hall)　

This is the only building in Kamakura that is a national treasure (a national important cultural property) .
(If you want to know more about a national treasure, click here)

The roof is made using “kokerabuki” roofing, a technique made by layering thin boards multiple times, and is a “traditional architectural craftsmanship” registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage .

Here you can see architectural styles that were introduced from China during the Kamakura period, such as
①fan rafters, the slope of the roof and the curve of the eaves
➁Katomado windows, with their straight vertical lines in the window frames .

The Shari-den is located inside the sub-temple, Shozokuin .
Minamoto no Sanetomo received a portion of the Buddha’s remains from a temple in China (Song Dynasty) called Noninji
. It is a tooth of Buddha called Butsuge Shari .
It is enshrined here.

On the left and right are Ⓐ” Jizo Bodhisattva“ and Ⓑ “ Kannon Bodhisattva“.
Ⓐ (If you want to know more about Jizo Bodhisattva, click here)
Ⓑ (If you want to know more about Kannon Bodhisattva, click here)

It is not usually open to the public, but you can see the exterior only during① th

engakuji 6

⑥ There is Senbutsujo(Zen temple meditation hall)

This is Zen temple meditation hall.
This building was built in 1699.
It is a thatched roof building that is “over 300 years old”

① There is a ” Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)“.
(If you want to know more about Medicine Buddha, click here )

②There is a statue of the “Daijidaihi Kannon Bodhisattva . “
( If you want to know more about Kannon Bodhisattva, click here)

engakuji 5

⑤ There is a Kojirin

Zen meditation sessions are held every Saturday and Sunday .
Anyone can participate.

It is said that Natsume Soseki, Shimazaki Toson, and Miki Kiyoshi also practiced zazen .

engakuji 4

④ There is the Chokushi-mon (imperial envoy gate)

It is located in front of the Hojo .

You can see the gently curved roof shape known as karahafu .

engakuji 3

③　There is a juniper tree　

In front of the hojo (the building where the chief priest lives), there is an old juniper tree.
(If you want to know more about an old juniper tree, click here )

It is a natural monument of the city .

engakuji 2

② There is Sanmon(gate)

This is the famous Sanmon Gate.

The “Somon” (Main Gate) , ” Sanmon” ( Gate) , “ Buddha Hall(main hall)“ and “ Hojo ” (an abbot‘s chamber ) are lined up in a straight line
. This is a common layout in Zen Buddhist temples .

This is Sanmon（Gate）, which appears in Natsume Soseki’s novel “The Mon,” Kawabata Yasunari’s novel “A Thousand Cranes,” and Tachihara Masaaki’s novel “Yabatsubaki.”

engakuji 1

① There is Honden(a main building)

It was built in 1282 with two wishes in mind: ➀ to mourn those who died in the two wars against China (the Yuan Dynasty) (the Mongol Invasions), and ➁ to spread Zen .

The ceiling is painted with a white dragon .
The pyramid-like shape of the three scales is the family crest of the Hojo clan (the regent of the Kamakura Shogunate) .

It is ranked as the second of the Five Mountains of Kamakura . (This indicates the status of a Zen temple.)

① There is the principal image “the Shakyamuni Buddha(hokan shakyamuni Buddha) “
(If you want to know more about the Shakyamuni Buddha, click here )

② There is” Taishakuten ”

➂ There is “Brahma”

tokeiji 7

⑦　There are many graves of cultural figures　

There are many graves of cultural figures.
“Kitaro Nishida”, “D. T. Suzuki”, “Takami Jun”, “Hideo Kobayashi”, etc.

tokeiji 6

⑥ There is an iris field　

They bloom from early to mid-June.
When the irises bloom, you can drink tea in the tea-house “Byakurensha”, which is not usually open to the public.

tokeiji 5

⑤　There is Kanuntei.

It is said to be the “oldest tea room” of the Urasenke school (one of the major schools of tea ceremony).

At the time, most tea rooms were about 4.5 or 2 tatami mats in size, but Kanuntei was built as an “8 tatami mat tea room“.
It was built in “Shoin-zukuri” (a residential style with a shoin at the center of the building).

It is said that it was made to the taste of Sen no Sotan (grandson of Sen no Rikyu).

The sliding doors feature “Hachisennin-no-techigai-no-fusuma(The Mistake of the Eight Immortals)” by Kano Tan’yuu.

Tea ceremonies are held on the 18th of every month.

(Closed every January and August) 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, and 14:00 (scheduled to be held at normal times when there is no risk of infectious diseases or typhoons)

tokeiji 4

④ There is the Matsuoka Houzo(treasury)

There are “Buddha sculptures,” “lacquerware by successive nuns,” “old documents related to breaking off relationships,” and more.

As a temple known as a “refuge” and “relationship-cutting temple,” it is unique in that it has “ancient documents related to severing ties.“

Special exhibitions such as the “Spring Buddhist Statue Exhibition” and the “Autumn Maki-e Exhibition” are held.
There are precious national important cultural properties that can only be seen at those times.
(If you want to know more about national important cultural properties, Click Here)

➀　There is a “Standing Statue of Sho kanzeon Kannon Bodhisattva.“
It is said that there are not many “Kannon Bodhisattva wearing the robes of a Buddha.”
It is a Song-style statue.
It is a national important cultural property.
It is the 32nd of the 33 Kannon of Kamakura.

➁　There is a “Hatsune Maki-e Hitorimo”

It is an incense burner from the Muromachi period.
You can see it at the “Tokei-ji Maki-e Exhibition” held in the fall.
It is a national important cultural property.

③ There is a “Budoumakieraden Seiheibako”.
It is a “relic of Nanban lacquer art” and “a tool used in Christian mass”.
It can be seen at the “Tokeiji Maki-e Exhibition” held in the fall.
It is a national important cultural property.

④ There are “Tokeiji Bunsyo(documents)”.
There are “ancient documents” such as “A letter from Ashikaga Shigeuji” and “A letter of seal from Ashikaga Masauji” from 1383.
It is a national important cultural property.

tokeiji 3

③　There is a Suigetsudo（hall)

There is a seated statue of Suigetsu-kannon Bodhisattva.
(If you want to know more about Kannon Bodhisattva, Click Here)

“Most Buddhas are seated facing forward,” but the seated Suigetsu Kannon Bodhisattva is in a relaxed position, leaning its body against a rock.
The expression of the Buddha gazing gently at the moon reflected on the water’s surface is skillfully expressed.

It is said that the expression looks “gentle and compassionate.”
It is said that Buddhas with this appearance cannot be seen in Kyoto, but only in Kamakura.
In Kamakura, the handsome man is the Great Buddha of Kotoku-in Temple, and the beautiful woman is the half-seated Suigetsu Kannon Bodhisattva at Tokei-ji Temple.

The 18th of every month is the Kannon festival day, so you can see the seated Suigetsu Kannon Bodhisattva .

tokeiji 2

②　There is a Sanmon （gate）

It has a thatched roof.
The beautiful curve of the roof is an architectural style called “Hokei-zukuri”.

tokeiji 1

①　There is Taiheiden（a main hall）

This temple was built in 1285 by Kakusanni (wife of Hojo Tokimune).It is said that 1285 was the year after Kakusan-ni’s husband, Hojo Tokimune (the 8th regent of the Kamakura Shogunate), died at the age of 34.

It was a convent until 1902. (At that time, Tokei-ji was ranked second among the five Kamakura nunneries.)
In an era when women could not divorce their wives, Tokei-ji had a “temple law for cutting ties” that allowed them to do so by working at the temple.For 600 years, it was called a “temple for refuge and cutting ties.”

It is currently a “temple for male monks.”
It is an architectural style called “Hokei-zukuri,” with a beautiful curved roof.

It is an architectural style called “Hokei-zukuri,” with a beautiful curved roof.

➀ There is「 The principal image Shakyamuni Buddha 」.
(If you want to know more about Shakyamuni Buddha , Click Here)

② There is 「a statue of Tenshu-ni, the 20th abbot」.
She was the third son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the adopted daughter of Senhime, and the 20th head priest of the temple.

③ There is 「a statue of Kakuzan-ni.」
She is the founder (the monk who first opened the temple, the first abbot).

④ There is 「a statue of Yodo-ni.」
She is the daughter of Emperor Godaigo, and the 5th head priest of the temple.

Event

Scheduled to be held during normal times when there is no risk of infectious diseases or typhoons.

① You can do “Shakei(copying sutras)”

No reservation necessary.
Please tell the shop between 9:00 and 14:00 (reception closes at noon).
The event will be held at the teahouse “Byakurensha”.
You cannot borrow brushes, so please bring your own. (They are also sold at the shop )

②You can do”kodo“

This is a competitive form of “kumiko” where you smell the scents of several types of fragrant wood and guess which are the same or different.
The event will be held on the “second Sunday” of every month (closed in August every year).
The event will be held from 13:00 to 14:30.
The event will be held at the teahouse “Kanuntei”.
If you are wearing Western clothes, you must wear white socks. (They are also sold at the shop .)

➂You can do “Sado（Tea Ceremony）”.

You can learn the manners of a guest in a tea room, how to eat matcha and sweets, etc.
The date of the event varies each month. (Please refer to the Tokeiji website.)
The event is held from 11:00 to 12:00.
It takes place at the tea room “Kanuntei”.
It has a capacity of 15 people.
If you are wearing Western clothes, you must wear white socks. (If you are wearing a kimono, you must wear white tabi socks. They are also sold at the shop .)

④You can make “Oshi-bana（Pressed Flower craft)”

You can learn the basics of flower arranging.
It takes place on the fourth Saturday of every even-numbered month (irregularly only in December).
The event takes place from 10:30 to 12:00.
It takes place at the tea room “Byakurensha”.

sugimotodera temple 9

⑨ There is the Okura Benzaiten do(hall)

According to the legend of the temple, if you worship here you will be blessed with enough wealth to build a large storehouse .

Sacred　Object
Benzaiten
( If you want to know more about Benzaiten , Click here )

Divine Blessing
Business prosperity, wisdom, Financial fortune,Success in competitions, Blessing for pregnancy, Music, Improvement in the art

sugimotodera temple 8

⑧ There is a Gorin-to（tower)

This is a memorial tower to mourn Shiba Ienaga (a subordinate of Ashikaga Takauji and the lord of Sugimoto Castle at the time) and his retainers, who were defeated in a war during the Nanboku-cho period .

sugimotodera temple 7

⑦　There is Jizo Bodhisttva

There are seven Jizo statues lined up . The one on the far right is the ” Migawari Jizo.” This is number 4 of the 24 Jizo bodhisattva in Kamakura .
(If you want to know more about Kaikei, click here )

It is said that this Jizo Bodhisttva took the arrow that was shot at Yoshimune Sugimoto instead.

” Sugimoto Yoshimune ” is the man who built “Sugimoto Castle “ behind Sugimoto Temple .

sugimotodera temple 6

⑥ There is a Gongendo(hall)

There is a shrine dedicated to “Hakusan Daigongen”(shinto shrine) and ” Kumano Daigongen”(shinto shrine).
(If you want to know more about ” Kumano Daigongen shinto shrine”, click here)

sugimotodera temple 5

⑤ There is a moss staircase　

Currently, you cannot climb the moss stairs.
You can climb up the “new stairs” on the left.

Looking at the moss-covered green stairs, you can sense the length of 1,200 years of history .

sugimotodera temple 4

④　There is a Niomon (gate)

This is a Niomon gate with a thatched roof .
The Nio statues (Kongo Rikishi statues) at the Niomon Gate are said to have been made by Unkei in the 18th century .
(If you want to know more about Unkei, click here )

They have a more powerful impact when viewed up close.

sugimotodera temple 3

③　There is Jizo Bodhisttva

Of the two Jizo Bodhisattvas on the left side of the main hall, the one on the right is the Nisyogun Jizo Bodhisattvas .
Anami (also known as Kaikei’s nickname) (If you want to know more about Kaikei, click here )

This is number 6 of the 24 Jizo statues in Kamakura .

② The Jizo on the left is a “Migawari Jizo Bodhisattvas .”
There are two Migawari Jizo bodhisattvas, one in the main hall and one outside the main hall . The other Migawari Jizo Bodhisattvas is Ⓖ. Ⓖ is number 4 of the 24 Jizo statues in Kamakura .

sugimotodera temple2

②　There is an eleven-faced Kannon bodhisattva statue donated by Minamoto no Yoritomo

There is “the Eleven-faced Kannon bodhisattva “ In front of the main hall .

It is said to have been donated by Minamoto no Yoritomo (the first Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate) and to have been made by Unkei .
(If you want to know more about Unkei, click here )

sugimotodera temple1

①　There is a hondo（main hall)

It is the oldest temple in Kamakura, built in 734.
It was built 500 years before the Kamakura Shogunate was established .

Empress Komyo (the wife of Emperor Shomu) built this temple at the request of Kannon Bodhisattva , and asked Fujiwara no Fusasaki (the Minister of the Right) and Gyoki (the high priest).
(If you want to know more about Gyoki, click here )

➀　 There is the Eleven -Headed Kannon bodhisattva created by Gyoki , also known as the Masked Dismounted Kannon.　

There are three Buddha in one main hall. “It is rare to see three Buddha in one main hall, where the highest ranking Buddha is in the middle and there are usually two Kannon statues on either side.”

② There is the ” Eleven-Headed Kannon bodhisattva “ created by Jikaku Daishi. Jikaku Daishi is also known as “Ennin. ”
It is a national important cultural property .
(If you want to know more about a national important cultural property, click here )

There are three Buddha in one main hall. “It is rare to see three Buddha in one main hall, where the highest ranking Buddha is in the middle and there are usually two Kannon statues on either side.” ③ There is the ” Eleven-Headed Kannon bodhisattva” created by Eshin Sozu . Eshin Sozu is also known as ” Genshin .”
It is a national important cultural property .

The three “Eleven-faced Kannon” statues are “secret Buddhas” and are behind doors, so they cannot usually be viewed.
However, they can be viewed on the 1st and 18th of every month.

There are three Buddha in one main hall. “It is rare to see three Buddha in one main hall, where the highest ranking Buddha is in the middle and there are usually two Kannon statues on either side.”

It is said that if you visit the shrine on the day of the 46,000-day festival , which is held every year on August 10th , you will receive blessings worth 46,000 days .

According to a story told at the temple,
during the Kamakura period, a fire broke out. The three eleven-faced Kannon statues took refuge under a large cedar tree. This is why the temple came to be called the “Cedar Tree Kannon.“

There are three Buddha in one main hall. “It is rare to see three Buddha in one main hall, where the highest ranking Buddha is in the middle and there are usually two Kannon statues on either side.” The main hall has a thatched roof and is a designated cultural property of Kanagawa Prefecture .

hokokuji 7

⑦　A Zen meditation session is being held.　

A Zen meditation session is held “every Sunday.”
(It takes place in the Kasho-do Hall at AM7:30.)
Anyone can participate.

hokokuji 6

⑥　There is the grave of the Ashikaga clan

This is the grave of the Ashikaga clan.
It is a cave-type grave carved into the rock face and is called a “yagura.“

The graves of Ashikaga Yoshihisa, who committed suicide after being defeated in the Eikyō Rebellion in 1438, and its founder, Ashikaga Ietoki (grandfather of Ashikaga Takauji), are located here.

hokokuji 5

⑤　There is a Kyukoan　

You can “drink tea” surrounded by bamboo.

It is said that Kyukoan was originally the place where the temple’s founder (first chief priest), Tengan Ekou, spent his life training and composing poetry.
A bamboo forest grew there, and a new tea shop was built.
This is why the place was named Kyukoan.

hokokuji 4

④　There is a bamboo forest　

There are about 2,000 Moso bamboo trees growing here.

You can take a walk through the bamboo forest and see stone Buddha statues and lanterns.
(CLICK HERE ,If you want to know more about Moso bamboo)

There is also a tea ceremony room (Kyuko-an).

“Moso bamboo” is a perennial plant of the grass family.

The language of flowers is “moderation” and “principled“.

Native to China, it produces high-quality bamboo shoots.
In Japan, it is the tallest bamboo, with some species reaching 25 meters, and there is a record of one growing 119 cm in a day.
It is said to flower in about 70 years.
The stems are used to make bamboo crafts such as brush holders and trays.

The Japanese name is said to come from a Chinese legend about a filial son named Moso who dug up bamboo shoots for his mother in winter.

hokokuji 3

③　There is Bonsho(a bell tower)　

This is a thatched bell tower.

hokokuji 2

②　There is a Kasho-do temple.　

The Zen meditation session is held every Sunday from 7:30.

hokokuji 1

①　There is a Hondo(main hall)

It was built in 1334 by Tengan Eko with the support of Ashikaga Ietoki (grandfather of Ashikaga Takauji).

Tengan Eko: A Rinzai sect monk who was taught by Mugaku Sogen.

This is the family temple of the Ashikaga clan.
It has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

① There is“The principal image Shakyamunibutsu Nyorai”
(CLICK HERE ,if you want to know more about Shaka Nyorai)
“It was built in the Kamakura period”
“It is a cultural property designated by the city of Kamakura“

②There is「 Shoukanzeon Kannon Buddhas」

This is in the room on the right side of the main hall.
”Kamakura 33 Kannnon Bodhisattva, No. 10”

③There is「 Hugen Kannon Buddhas」.
(CLICK HERE , if you want to know more about Hugen kannon Buddhas )

”Kamakura 13 Nyorai Buddhas, No. 4”

komyoji 13

⑬　There is Akihabara Daigongen

Deity
Honokagutuchi-no-kami

Benefits
Fire prevention

komyoji 11

⑪　There is Hanei Inari Daimyojin

The founder, Ryochu Shonin, helped a baby fox.
The parent fox then appeared in a dream and gave him medicinal seeds as thanks.
It is said that when he gave the leaves of the seeds to a person who had been sown and was afflicted by the plague, the disease was cured.

(If you want to know more about Inari Shrine, Click Here)

komyoji 10

⑩　There is Tenshozan.

You can see Mt. Fuji and the sea.
This is a view from one of the “50 Most Beautiful Places in Kanagawa.”

As you climb the mountain,
ⒶAlong the way, there is the grave of the temple’s founder (first chief priest), Ryochu Shonin.

ⒷThere is also the grave of Hojo Tsunetoki, the founder of Komyo-ji Temple (a person who provided financial support for the construction of the temple or a well-known person who lent his strength).

komyoji 9

⑨　 There is a rock garden of the three Buddhas and five ancestors.

It is a dry landscape garden.

There are stones in this garden.
Each of these stones represents one of the three Buddhas and five ancestors.

Three Buddhas and Five Patriarchs…
Ⓐ“Three Buddhas” refers to the Amida Triad of the Pure Land.
Amida Nyorai, Kannon Bodhisattva, and Seishi Bodhisattva.

Ⓑ“Five Patriarchs” refers to Shakyamuni, Zendo, Honen, Chinzei, and Kishu of Pure Land Buddhism, who preached about the Pure Land.

komyoji 8

⑧　There is a Kishu Garden.

It is said to have been built by the famous Edo gardener Kobori Enshu.
( if you want to know more about Kobori Enshu, Click Here)

ⒶThere is a lotus pond in the garden.
The lotus is an ancient lotus that sprouted from a lotus seed about 2000 years ago.

ⒷThere is also a hall called Taisho-kaku in the garden.
It was built to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of Honen Shonin, the founder of the Jodo sect.
The Amida Triad is on the second floor.

You can see lotus flowers from July to August.
You can enjoy the lotus while drinking tea, but there is a fee.

komyoji 7

⑦　There is a Juya Memorial Service

This is the birthplace of the Juya Memorial Service at Jodo sect temples across the country.
It began in 1495 and has been going on for over 500 years.

It is held every year from October 12th to 14th.
(It is scheduled to be open during normal times when there is no risk of infectious diseases or epidemics.)

komyoji 6

⑥　There is the Naito family graveyard

There are more than 100 stone towers.

This is the graveyard of the Naito family, the lords of Nobeoka Domain in Hyuga, and the parishioners of Komyo-ji Temple in Iwaki, Mutsu Province.
It is rare to have so many daimyo graves gathered in one place.

It is a historic site designated by the city of Kamakura.

komyoji 5

⑤　There is Amibiki Enmei Jizo Bodhisattva

It is the 24 Jizo Bodhisattva ,no.22 in Kamakura.
( if you want to know about Jizo Bodhisattva, Click Here)

komyoji 4

④　There is a Bell Tower.

It was built in 1847.
It is a tiled bell tower made of zelkova wood

komyoji 3

③　There is a Sanmon Gate.

It was built in 1847.
It is the largest Sanmon gate in Kamakura.

It is built in a style called Goken Sanko Ni Kainijūmon.
It is a two-story gate divided into five sections by pillars, the three in the middle of which are passageways.

On the second floor, you can see the Shaka Triad, the Four Heavenly Kings, and the Sixteen Arhats.
(It seems that if more than 20 people request it, it may be possible to view it depending on the reason. It is listed on the website.)

komyoji 2

②　There is a Kaisan-do Hall.

It enshrines the portraits of the founder and past head priests.
You can eat vegetarian cuisine (reservations required).

komyoji 1

①　There is a main hall.

It was built in 1243 by Ryochu, the third patriarch of the Jodo sect.

Ryochu was a Jodo sect monk in the Kamakura period.
The three Jodo sect patriarchs are Honen, Seiko, and Ryochu.

Ⓐ In 1495, it was designated as a place of imperial prayer (protecting the nation and ensuring peace and prosperity) by the emperor and retired emperor of the time.

Ⓑ During the Edo period, Tokugawa Ieyasu designated it as the “basic training center” for Nembutsu faith and Buddhist studies.

It was also designated as the “lead of the 18 temples in the Kanto region (designated as places of learning by the Tokugawa shogunate).”

The main hall was built in 1698.
It is the largest main hall in Kamakura.

It is built in “Irimoya-zukuri” (a Japanese roof architectural style) with “copper plate tile roofing“.

It is a national important cultural property.
(If you want to know more about national important cultural properties, Click Here)

① There is the principal image “Amida Nyorai“.
Ⓐ “Amida Nyorai” is in the center. (If you want to know more about Amida Nyorai, Click Here)
Ⓑ “Kannon Bodhisattva” is on the left side. (If you want to know more about Kannon Bodhisattva, Click Here)
© “Seishi Kannon Bodhisattva” is on the right side. (If you want to know about Seishi Bosatsu, Click Here)

② There is a “Nyoirin Kannon Bodhisattva statue“
“It is on the left side of the main hall”
“It is the Kamakura 33 Kannon Bodhisattva, No. 18 in Kamakura”
(If you want to know about Nyoirin Kannon Bodhisattva, Click Here )

③ There is a “life-size standing statue of Zendo Daishi”
“It is on the right altar of the main hall”
“The monk who established the Pure Land thought of the Tang Dynasty, who influenced Honen.

④ There is “Benzaiten“
(If you want to know about Benzaiten, Click Here)

⑤ There is a “statue of Honen Shonin“
“The founder of the Jodo sect”

This is the birthplace of the Juya Memorial Service at Jodo sect temples across the country.
It began in 1495 and has been going on for over 500 years.

It is held every year from October 12th to 14th.
(It is scheduled to be open during normal times when there is no risk of infectious diseases or epidemics.)

Muso Soseki

Muso Soseki (1275-1351) was a Zen monk of the Rinzai sect.　
He is said to be the creator of dry landscape gardens.
He was also a landscape designer, Chinese poet, and tanka poet.

➀ He was the head priest of the Gozan (the highest ranking Zen temples) eight times, including Engakuji temple, Nanzenji temple, and Jochiji temple.
He also built six temples, including Tenryu-ji temple, Erin-ji temple, and Saiho-ji temple.
He built gardens at each of the temples he built.

➁ He was deeply revered by Hojo Takatoki during the Kamakura period, and by Emperor Go-Daigo, Ashikaga Takauji, and his brother Ashikaga Tadayoshi during the Nanboku-cho period.
He was given the title of Kokushi (an honorific title for a high priest) seven times by Emperor Go-Daigo, a nobleman, and the emperors of the Ashikaga clan, a samurai family, from both the Northern and Southern Courts. As a result, he was known to the world as the “Imperial Teacher of the Seven Dynasties.”

③ He is world-famous as a landscape designer who created Zen gardens and dry landscape gardens.
His gardens, such as Eiho-ji Temple on Kokei-san in Mino, Erin-ji Temple in Kai, Tenryu-ji Temple and Saiho-ji Temple gardens in Kyoto, and Zuisen-ji Temple garden in Kamakura, have been designated as Special Places of Scenic Beauty by the nation.

④ He is also famous as a Chinese poet.
Eleven of his poems have been published in waka and imperial anthologies of waka poetry.

Mongaku

A Shingon Buddhist monk from the Heian to Kamakura periods.
The Tale of the Heike describes the ascetic practices of Mongaku.
He angered Emperor Goshirakawa by forcing him to restore Jingo-ji Temple, and was exiled to Izu.
It is said that he became acquainted with Minamoto no Yoritomo there, and helped him raise an army.

Battara

An Indian monk.

He translated Buddhist scriptures.
He also contributed to spreading the Tathagatagarbha and Yogacara schools of thought in China.
It is said that he attained enlightenment in a bathhouse.

Since ancient times, it has been said that he has the power to cure ailments of the head, eyes, shoulders, waist, and legs.

Ninsho

A Shingon Buddhist monk from the Kamakura period.

He was also a social worker.
He was also dedicated to helping the poor, lepers, and other socially vulnerable people, as well as building roads and bridges.

Nichiren

A Buddhist monk from the Kamakura period.
(Posthumous name: Shigō, a name given to praise the deeds of nobles, monks, etc. during their lifetime: Nichiren Daibosatsu, Risshō Daishi)
He was the first to preach the Nichiren school (Hokke sect).

Tokudo

A monk from the Nara period.
He was the first head priest of Hasedera Temple in Nara.

Tankei

A sculptor active during the Kamakura period.
He is the eldest son of Unkei.

His works show a gentle combination of the strength of Unkei and the delicacy of Kaikei.

Famous works include ① the Bishamonten Triad at Sekkei-ji Temple in Kochi Prefecture, and ② the central statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon at Sanjusangendo Temple in Kyoto.

Shotoku taishi(Prince Shotoku)

Prince Shotoku was a great respecter and protector of Buddhism.
Prince Shotoku was a devout believer in Buddhism, which had only just been introduced to Japan, and became a symbol of its spread and popularity throughout Japan.
As a result, he is worshipped by people of all Buddhist sects as the “Japanese Buddha” and the “reincarnation of Kannon Bodhisattva.”
The hall where the statue of Prince Shotoku is enshrined is called “Taishido.”

Kobori Enshu

Also known as Kobori Masakazu. He was a feudal lord in the Edo period and one of the three great tea masters.
He created the Enshu school.
His students in tea ceremony included Tokugawa Iemitsu and Takuan Soho.
He was also involved in architecture, gardens, and pottery.

Some of his famous works include the Kohoan teahouse and garden at Daitokuji Temple, and the Konchiin garden at Nanzenji Temple.

Gyoki

A high-ranking Buddhist monk from the Nara period.

Even in a time when the spread of Buddhism was prohibited, he worked hard to spread it to the masses and gained their support.

He was also the first Japanese person to become a Daisojo, the highest-ranking monk in Buddhism.
He was also responsible for the construction of the Great Buddha of Nara.

Kaikei

A sculptor active during the Kamakura period.
He is said to have been a disciple of Unkei’s father.

His works have painterly and delicate features. He is said to have believed in Pure Land Buddhism, and so he created many statues of Amida Nyorai(buddha).

Famous works include ① the Maitreya Bodhisattva standing statue at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, USA; ② the Amida Triad at Jodo-ji Temple in Hyogo Prefecture; ③ the Sogyo Hachiman sin Statue at Todai-ji Temple in Nara Prefecture; ④ the Amida Nyorai(buddha) statue at Shunjo-do Hall, Todai-ji Temple; and ➄ the Jizo Bodhisattva statue at Kokei-do Hall, Todai-ji Temple.

Eison

(Posthumous name: Shigō, a name given to praise the deeds of nobles, monks, etc. during their lifetime: Kōshō Bosatsu)

A monk from the Kamakura period.

He was the first to preach the Shingon Ritsu school.

Unkei

A sculptor active in the early Kamakura period who created Buddhist statues and other works.

His works display masculine characteristics such as powerful expressions, appearances, and imposing physiques.

Famous works include ➀the Dainichi Nyorai（Mahavairocana buddha） at Enjoji Temple in Nara Prefecture, ➁ the Amida Nyorai（buddha）, Acala, and Bishamonten at Ganjojuin Temple in Shizuoka Prefecture, ➂ the Amida Triad, Acala, and Bishamonten at Jorakuji Temple in Kanagawa Prefecture,➃ Hachidai-doji (Eight Great Youths) at the Fudo Hall at Mount Koya, ➄ the Maitreya, Mujakaku, and Vaschin at the Hokuendo Hall of Kofuku-ji Temple in Nara Prefecture, and ➅ the Kongorikishi statues at Todai-ji Temple, which are said to have been created together with Kaikei.

Kukai

A monk from the early Heian period.
(Posthumous name: Shigō, a name given to praise the deeds of nobles, monks, etc. during their lifetime: Kobo Daishi)

The first to preach Shingon Buddhism.
He was also a writer and calligrapher, and is said to be one of the three most outstanding calligraphers of his time.
He brought Esoteric Shingon Buddhism from China as a Japanese envoy to the Tang Dynasty.

He opened the Shingon-in Temple at the Imperial Court, the Shingon-in Temple at Todaiji Temple, Toji Temple, and Kongobuji Temple at Mount Koya.
He also opened the first free school in Japan for commoners, Shugei Shuchiin.
He entered nirvana at Mount Koya at the age of 62. (Sokushinbutsu)

Eisai

He was a Zen monk of the Kamakura period.
His pen name was Myoan, and he was commonly known as Senko Kokushi.
He was the first to preach the Rinzai school of Buddhism.
He wrote “Kōzen Gokokuron” (Promoting Zen and Protecting the Nation), which argues for the legitimacy of Zen.
He also introduced tea from China to Japan.
He wrote “Kissa Yojoki” (Record of Healthy Living While Drinking Tea), which describes the medicinal properties of tea.
He was the first chief priest of Jufuku-ji Temple in Kamakura and Kennin-ji Temple in Kyoto.

Ippen

He was a monk from the Kamakura period.
He was the first to preach the Ji school.

He was commonly known as Ensho Taishi and Shojo Daishi.

He spread his teachings by going on pilgrimages handing out nenbutsu charms to people and by dancing nenbutsu.

Ikko

He was a monk from the Kamakura period.
He popularized dancing nembutsu.

Nyoirin Kannon Bodhisattva

Nyoirin Kannon Bodhisattva is often depicted with one face and six arms.The right knee is raised on the lotus, the soles of both feet are together, and the first right hand is touching the cheek.

This is the Kannon Bodhisattva in a great condition.

“Nyoi” refers to the jewel called Nyoihoju, which grants all wishes.” Rin” refers to the wheel called Horin, which destroys worldly desires. It embodies the truth that all things are made by the law of jewels and wheels.

Camellia wabisuke

Flower Language　“Modest,” “Simple,” “Quiet,” “I’ll comfort you”

It belongs to the genus Camellia and the family Theaceae.

The flowers are single and tubular, never fully opening.
Flowers are white, pink or red.
Flowers bloom from March to April.

It is a typical flower that is often displayed in tea rooms used in the tea ceremon

Moso bamboo

Flower Language　“Moderation” “Disciplined”

It is a perennial plant of the grass family.

It is the tallest bamboo in Japan, and some can reach 25 meters. There is also a record of it growing 119 cm in a day. It is said that it takes about 70 years for it to flower.

The stems are used to make bamboo crafts such as brush holders and trays.

Native to China, this plant produces high-quality bamboo shoots.
The Japanese name is said to come from a Chinese historical figure called Moso, who was a filial son who dug up bamboo shoots for his mother in winter.

buddhist pine

Flower Language　“Compassion” “Unfading Love”

It is an evergreen coniferous tree of the Podocarpus genus in the family Podocarpus.
It grows to a height of about 20 metres.

It is also called Kusamaki because it gives off a unique smell when cut.
There are many types of Maki, but Inumaki is said to be the most common.
It grows faster than Kōyamaki, so it is widely available and inexpensive.
For this reason, Kōyamaki has an elegant image and is also called Honmaki.

The bark is grayish-white and has shallow longitudinal fissures.
Flowers bloom from May to June.
Male plants produce yellow flowers, while female plants produce flowers with ovules at the end.
Female flowers produce seeds around October, and purple receptacles become visible.

It is resistant to water and pests and is durable.
For this reason, it is used for roofs, barrels, coffins, wooden sandals, etc.
It is also planted in gardens or as windbreaks around properties and fields for the purposes of fire, wind, sound, and salt protection.
At shrines and temples, it can grow to be giant trees that are hundreds of years old.

winter cherry blossom

Flower Language　“Calm down.”

It is a deciduous broadleaf tree of the Prunus tribe in the Rosaceae family.
It is another name for Kobazakura.

The flowers are single.
In the Kanto region, they bloom twice a year, in the spring in early April and in the winter from October to December.

They are said to start out pale pink and turn white later.

Juniper flower

Flower Language　“I will protect you.”

It is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the Cupressaceae family.

The shape of the leaves varies depending on the location and the age of the tree.
Depending on the location, they can have needle-like or scale-like leaves.

The scale-like leaves are called “kashiwa” and the needle-like leaves are called “maki”, and together they are called byakushin.

The flowers bloom around April.
Both male and female plants have flowers at the ends of the branches.
The flowers that bloom on male plants are brown, while those on female plants are yellow-green.
The spherical fruits grow in the fall.

It is often cultivated as a bonsai.

Trident maple

Flower Language “Abundance”

It is a deciduous tree of the maple genus in the Sapindaceae family.

The bark is gray-brown and peels off vertically like splinters.
The leaves are shaped like mitsumata leaves, splitting from the base.
In autumn, you can see yellow and red leaves.

Because it is resistant to pests and diseases and air pollution, it is planted in parks and as street trees.

Japanese aster

Flower Language　“Spiritual beauty”

It is a deciduous tall tree of the Rosaceae family, Prunus tribe.
Its other names are Azumahigan and Ubahigan.

Pale pink flowers bloom around the spring equinox.
It is a tall cherry tree, growing to a height of 12-20 meters.
Some cherry trees can grow to over 30 meters.

They are also long-lived trees, with some trees being over 1000 years old.

Tabunoki tree

Flower Language　“Soul-calming” “Protection”

It is an evergreen tall tree of the Lauraceae family.

Pale yellow-green flowers bloom from April to May. Dark purple fruits appear from August to September.
Because it can withstand sea breezes, it is sometimes planted as a windbreak along the coast.

Dyes can be extracted from the bark.
The mucus contained in the bark and leaves has a distinctive smell and can be ground into powder to make mosquito coils.

Sudajii

Flower Language　“Optimistic,” “Hospitality,” “Eternal Love,” “Brave”

It is an evergreen broadleaf tree of the Castanopsis genus in the Fagaceae family.
It is also known as Castanopsis, Castanopsis tree, Castanopsis candida, Castanopsis longa, and Castanopsis narrow-leaved.

It is known as a tree that produces shiitake mushrooms and acorns.
The wood is hard, resistant to sea breezes, and sturdy, so it is said to easily grow into a large tree.
In Japan, shii trees with trunks that grow to 10 meters have been confirmed.

Because it is difficult to use as lumber, many giant trees over 500 years old remain.
For this reason, it is a typical tree of “Shrine Forests.”
It is widely planted at temples in rural areas, and at “mansions” and schools in urban areas.

crape myrtle

Flower Language “Eloquence,” “charm,” “carelessness”

It is a deciduous medium-to-large tree of the genus Lagerstroemia and family Lythraceae.
It is also known as Lagerstroemia indicum.

The name Sarusuberi (crape myrtle) was apparently given to this tree because its bark is so smooth that even monkeys would slip off it.
It is also called Hyakujitsuko (crape myrtle) because it blooms for a long period of time.

Because the material is hard and heavy, it is used for railroad ties, etc.

Japanese umbrella pine

Flower Language “Modesty”

It is endemic to Japan and belongs to the family Veronica, Pinaceae.

It is an evergreen conifer that grows tall.
It is considered one of the three most beautiful trees in the world, along with Himalayan cedar and Araucaria.

Because it is water resistant and does not easily rot, it is used for bathtubs and bridges.
The Japanese name kouyamaki was given to it because it grows in large numbers at the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect.
It is also considered a sacred tree at Koyasan.

Banana shrub

Flower Language　“Awe”

It is an evergreen tall tree of the Magnoliaceae family, Magnolia genus.

In Shinto, there is a word called “Ogitama.”
It means to summon gods or spirits, but it seems that this word has evolved into Ogatatama.

In Japanese mythology, when Amaterasu Omikami hid herself in the Ama-no-Iwato cave, Ame-no-Uzume danced in front of the cave holding a branch of the Ogatamanoki tree.

This plant is depicted on the 1 yen Japanese coin.

In March and April, it blooms with yellow-white flowers about 3 cm in size with a purple-pink tinge.

It is planted at shrines and used in religious ceremonies. It is also said to be used as high-quality furniture material.

winter jasmine

Flower Language　“Blessing” “Grace”

It is a semi-climbing deciduous tree of the Asteraceae family, Jasminum genus.
The yellow flowers bloom in early spring.

It is a member of the jasmine genus.
It has six yellow winter jasmine and five plum flowers.
The flowers have almost no scent.
The branches droop.
As it does not bear fruit, it is propagated by cuttings or division.

As a medicinal herb, the flowers are sometimes used for their antipyretic and diuretic effects.
The leaves are sometimes used to treat boils, swellings, bruises, and cuts.

Edohigan cherry tree　

Flower Language　“Peace of mind,” “independence,” “spiritual beauty”

It is a tall deciduous broadleaf tree of the Prunus tribe in the Rosaceae family.
It is a type of wild-growing cherry tree.

They have a long life span and many large trees.
Some of the trees are over 2000 years old. Some famous trees have been designated as natural monuments. They range in height from 12 to 20 meters, with some reaching over 30 meters.

The flowers bloom from March to April. They bloom from around the spring equinox to mid-March, earlier than Somei-Yoshino cherry trees.
They produce small, single flowers.
They are pale pink or white in color.

ginkgo　

Flower Language　“Majesty,” “Longevity,” “Peace of the Soul”

It is a deciduous tree of the Ginkgo genus in the Ginkgoaceae family.

It is one of the oldest living tree species in the world, having existed since the time of dinosaurs about 300 million years ago, and is called a “living fossil.”

In ancient times, it lived all over the world, but it is said that today there is only one type of ginkgo, native to China. For this reason, it is designated as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Ginkgo trees have a long life span, and it is not uncommon for them to live for over 1,000 years.
It is said that they have been able to survive for so long because of the thickness of their bark and the high water content.

They are planted in temples and shrines, in parks and along roads.
Their fruits and leaves are edible and have medicinal properties, so they are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Registered Tangible Cultural Properties

These are tangible cultural properties that are registered in the cultural property register upon application by the owner themselves.
There are two types: buildings and art and craft objects. (National treasures and important cultural properties are designated by the state, not by the owner.)

Yagura

It is a horizontal cavern type cavern dug into the slope of a mountain, which is unique to the Kamakura region.

Shinbutsubunri

This refers to the policy of separating Shinto and Buddhism proclaimed by the Meiji government.
（Shinbutsubunri means separation of Buddhism and Shintoism）

It was a religious policy aimed at realizing the political ideals of the Meiji Restoration – the restoration of the monarchy and the unity of religion and politics – and it became a policy of protecting Shinto and suppressing Buddhism.
This led to the radical Haibutsu Kishaku movement, in which Buddha statues, monk statues, sutra scrolls, and other items were removed from shrines.

The separation of Shinto and Buddhism was carried out immediately after the Meiji Restoration.

Shinbutsushugo

The religion that originated naturally and indigenous to the ethnic groups in Japan is called (A) Shinto.On the other hand, (B) Buddhism is a religion that was introduced from the continent in the 6th century.
(Shinbutsushugo means syncretization of Shinto with Buddhism）

Shinbutsu shugo is the mixing and combination of these two different religions, Shinto and Buddhism.
This can be seen, for example, in shrines that have mountain gates and Buddhist statues, and temples that have shrines within their grounds.Shinbutsu shugo continued until the end of the Edo period.

Historic Sites

This refers to places where historically important events or facilities occurred, designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties.

(Shell mounds, castle ruins, settlement sites, ancient tombs, and other ruins)

National Important Cultural Assets

Based on the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, the government (Minister of Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) has determined that national important cultural properties are of high value and worthy of protection in the following three categories: ① buildings, ② art and crafts, and ③ documents.

Among these national important cultural properties, those with particularly high value are called national treasures.

Sanzon-zo

In a triad, the Buddha in the center is called (A) Syuzon（the main Buddha.） And the Buddhas on either side are called (B) Kyoji（the attendant Buddhas.）
The attendant Buddhas are solely there to assist the main Buddha.

Goma gyo(Goma Ceremony)

This refers to training that involves chanting the mantra of Kokuzo Bosatsu one million times over a period of 100 days.

It is said that by undergoing this training, one will be able to understand all Buddhist scriptures.

Goma ceremony is held on the 13th of January, May, and September.

A national treasure

Based on the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, the government (the Minister of Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) has determined that these three categories of ① buildings, ② arts and crafts, and ③ documents are of high value and worthy of protection, and these are called national important cultural properties.

Among these national important cultural properties, those that are particularly valuable are called National Treasures.

Kanjo(transfer)

It refers to moving the incarnation or spirit of a god or Buddha to another place and enshrining it anew.

Kamakura Gozan(Kamakura Gozan Temples)

(This indicates the status of Zen temples.)
This is a ranking system for temples in the Rinzai sect. There are five mountains in Kyoto and Kamakura, and Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto is ranked above the five mountains.

'Kamakura-jussei' (ten water wells in Kamakura)

This refers to wells in Kamakura that have good quality water or are steeped in legends.

Ichinomiya

This represents the shrine with the highest rank in a certain region during the late Heian period.

A certain region refers to a province (area) defined under the Ritsuryo system. At that time, the provincial governors appointed in each province would visit shrines in order of rank: Ichinomiya, Ninomiya, Sannomiya, etc.

Shinmei shrine, Kotai shrine

Sacred　Object
Amaterasu Omikami Also known as: Oise-sama, Shinmei-sama, Amaterasu Omikami

Divine Blessing
An all-powerful deity who exerts all divine virtues.
In particular, he can lend strength to requests that require more energy than usual, such as exams or a new job.

➀　Amaterasu Omikami is the supreme goddess who rules over all the gods in Japan. (Japan’s chief deity)

➁　She is said to be the ancestor of the Imperial family. (Imperial ancestor deity)

➂　Amaterasu Omikami is the sun goddess. (Sun goddess)

It is said that “you should visit Ise Shrine at least once in your lifetime.”
When Japan was filled with traditional Japanese houses, it is said that hanging scrolls of “Amaterasu Omikami” were hung on the tokonoma alcoves.

The head shrine of Shinmei-sha and Kotai-jinja is the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu (Ise City, Mie Prefecture).
Ise Jingu is the collective name for the group of shrines centered around Kotai-jingu (Inner Shrine) and Toyouke-daijingu.
The sacred grounds, which include 14 auxiliary shrines and 116 auxiliary and subordinate shrines, are a sacred place for Shinto.

Munakata faith

Sacred　Object
The Munakata Three Sisters, Tagorihime no Kami, Tagitsuhime no Kami, and Ichikishimahime no Kami

Divine Blessing
Safety at sea, prosperity in business, road safety, academic improvement, financial luck, prayers for victory, children, music, performing arts, eloquence.

Benzaiten is a Buddhist deity, but due to Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, she was incorporated into Ichikishimahime no Mikoto, a deity famous for her beauty in Shinto, and became both a Buddhist deity and a Shinto deit.

He is also known as Michinushi no Muchi.
Muchi means the most precious god, and he is said to guide you in all paths (martial arts, tea ceremony, calligraphy, life, etc.).
This is a shrine you should visit if you are at a crossroads in your life.

Amaterasu Omikami told the Three Munakata Goddesses, “The land of Munakata is an important place for Japan, as it is a gateway for trade and culture with foreign countries. Protect this land, assist the Emperor in his festivals, and perform the rites.”
For this reason, the Three Munakata Goddesses were enshrined on Okinoshima, which floats in a straight line between the continent and Japan.

The Genkai Sea has rough waves, making navigation very difficult.
For this reason, it is also famous for its blessings for safe travels .

It is said that envoys sent from the capital to Tang China always visited Munakata Taisha Shrine to pray for a safe voyage.

There are about 7,000 Munakata Taisha shrines across Japan.
Munakata Taisha is the head shrine of Itsukushima Shrine, Munakata Shrine, and the Three Munakata Goddesses, all of which are located throughout Japan . (Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture)

Many of the “rituals found on Okinoshima Island, where Munakata Shrine and Okutsumiya are located,” are designated as national treasures , and are therefore known as Ura-Ise.

The Munakata-Okinoshima Island and Associated Sites are also registered as a World Heritage Site.

Fuji Sengen Shrine

Sacred　Object
Konohana no Sakuyahime

Divine Blessing
safe childbirth, fertility, protection from fire and disaster, protector of agriculture, god of fishing, god of navigation.

Mount Fuji is known as the mountain where gods reside.

There are 1,300 shrines across Japan.
Mt. Fuji is the object of worship.
The head shrine of the Asama faith is Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha.
The main building is located at the foot of Mt. Fuji (Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture).The inner building is located at the summit of Mt. Fuji (Summit of Mt. Fuji).

It is said that the shrine was first built here when Yamato Takeru set out on his expedition to the east.
After the Heian period, it became associated with Shugendo, and during the Muromachi period, worship at the summit of Mount Fuji became more common.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Sacred　Object
Tokugawa Ieyasu

Divine Blessing
Recovery from illness

In accordance with his will, his body was first buried on Mount Kuno, and one year later he was enshrined as a god in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture.
It is also called Tosho Daigongen. The shrine building was built by the third shogun, Iemitsu, using the finest materials and techniques.

Kitanotenmangu shrine

Sacred　Object
Sugawara no Michizane (God of learning)

Divine Blessing
Prayers for success in exams, singing, writing, performing arts, academic improvement, recovery from illness, protection of agriculture

It is located in Kyoto City.

From an early age, he was a genius who was praised for his waka poetry , and was also a master archer.
Ⓐ For this reason, sacred portraits of Michizane were hung in temple schools , and he came to be worshipped as the “ god of learning.”
Ⓑ As he was a master archer , he is also known as the ” god of martial arts.”
Ⓒ Because Sugawara no Michizane was angry with the world, he was also thought to be the “god who controls the weather, causing natural disasters.”

These are the reasons why he came to be known as Fire and Thunder God, the god of agriculture.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the head shrine of the Tenmangu Shrines.
It is the head shrine of the Tenmanjinja Shrines, Tenmangu Shrines, and Tenjin Shrines.
It is the head shrine of about 12,000 shrines named Tenjin Shrine.

At the age of 52, he rose to the important position of Minister of the Right. However, his brilliant intellect and talent were shunned, and he was demoted to Dazaifu in Kyushu prefecture as a result of a conspiracy by the powerful man of the time, Fujiwara no Tokihira.

He prayed to heaven and earth that he would be exonerated for a crime he was innocent of, but his prayers were not answered, and he passed away two years later.

After that, Kyoto was plagued by natural disasters for 30 years, and many of the important court figures involved in Sugawara no Michizane’s demotion were killed or injured, which led people to believe that it was Michizane’s curse

It is said that in an attempt to appease this ” curse,” the Imperial Court granted him pardon and built a shrine on the current site of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine .
Thus, he came to be worshiped as a” god who communicates sincerity,” a “god who clears charges,” and a “god who protects the people .”

Hikawa shrine

Sacred　Object
Susanoo-no-Mikoto

Divine Blessing
Protection from misfortune, bountiful harvests, academic success, matchmaking

The faith has spread mainly in the Kanto area.
During the reign of Emperor Shomu, it was considered the most important shrine in Musashi Province.

Kakinomoto hitomaro shrine

Sacred　Object
Kakinomoto no Hitomaro

Divine Blessing
Waka poetry, protection from fire, safe childbirth, protection from misfortune, protection from agriculture and wind

A man of culture became a god. He was a poet of the Asuka period. He is considered one of the three gods of waka poetry.

The deity is a real person.
There are shrines that enshrines Hitomaro, a name derived from the word “Hitomaro” meaning “fire stops,” as in the god of fire prevention, and “life is perfect,” as in the god of safe childbirth.

Kumano Taisha shrine

Sacred　Object
Ketsumi Miko no Okami (Kumano Hongu Taisha) , Kumano Hayatama no Okami (Hayatama Taisha), Kumano Fusumi no Okami (Usumi no Okami) (Kumano Nachi Taisha)

Divine Blessing
National peace, longevity, good health, good luck, career advancement, recovery from illness, protection from misfortune, matchmaking, marital harmony, safe childbirth, god of fishing,

People devoutly believed in the Kumano Sanzan as a place where they could receive salvation from both gods and Buddha. Kumano Sanzan (three major shrines, Kumano-Hongu-Taisha, Kumano-Hayatama-Taisha and Kumano-Nachi-Taisha)

They also called it a sacred place of resurrection.
It is said that ① Hayatama is a shrine where you can look back on the past, ② Nachi is a shrine where you can confirm where you stand in the present, and ③ Hongu Taisha is a shrine where you can be granted the future in order to start a new life.

These three shrines each represent the past, present, and future, and are said to be shrines where you can overcome worries and suffering and start walking towards new goals.

The Kumano Sanzan is a collective name for Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, Kumano Hayatama Shrine, and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine.

It is believed that Izanami was buried in Kumano.
For this reason, ancient people considered Kumano a sacred place that connected to the afterlife.
Kumano was originally a training ground for ascetic monks, typified by mountain ascetics. This is because mountain worship was alive and well, with the belief that by training in the high mountains where the gods descend, one could attain powers beyond that of humans. It is said that the three Kumano shrines were built as gods to protect this sacred place.
It later developed as a sacred place for ascetic monks, and with pilgrimages by retired emperors and retired emperors alike, it came to be known as Kumano pilgrimage.

Yatagarasu…It is said that once when a god descended to the land of Kumano, the Yatagarasu appeared and guided the way. For this reason, it is treated as a divine messenger in Kumano.
In mythology, it is said that Amaterasu, the sun goddess, dispatched the Yatagarasu to guide Emperor Jimmu on his march.For this reason, it is also called the incarnation of the sun.

There are several theories about the meaning of its three legs, one of which is that each leg represents heaven, earth, and man, and the other that it represents benevolence, wisdom, and courage.

There is an all-purpose talisman called “Kumano Goo-o-ho-in”,　also known as Okarasu-san.

Ganrikisha shrine

Divine Blessing
Cure for eye diseases, improve eye conditions, grant foresight

It is also popular among those involved in corporate management, finance, and the stock market.

Inari shrine

Sacred　Object :
Ukata no Mitama (the female deity known as the rice god

Divine Blessing

Abundant harvests, prosperous business, industrial prosperity, safety of the home, improvement in the arts,

Inari faith is the god of agriculture. It is the god of agriculture because Inari means carrying rice.
It is affectionately called “O-Inari-san”. It is also well known for its vermilion torii gates and foxes.

There are about 20,000 to 40,000 shrines across the country, making it the most numerous shrine in Japan.
It is believed to have originated in the Nara period.

The three major Inari shrines in Japan are: 1) Fushimi Inari Taisha (the main shrine in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto Prefecture), 2) Toyokawa Inari (Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture), 3) Kasama Inari Shrine (Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture), and 4) Yutoku Inari Shrine (Kashima City, Saga Prefecture).

Originally, he was the Ujigami(tutelary deity) worshipped by the Hata clan, a powerful clan in Yamashiro Province.

As the Hata clan was active in the areas of commerce and industry, he came to be worshipped as a deity for business prosperity in urban areas.

In rural areas, the local rice field deity was worshipped. Foxes were thought to be messengers of the rice field deity in folk beliefs, and so it is said that they became associated with Inari Shrine.

During the Heian period, the Inari deity became the guardian deity of Buddhism. It is said that Kobo Daishi, who wanted to spread esoteric Buddhism throughout the country in order to save people, retired to Inari Shrine and prayed that “I want the Inari deity to become the guardian deity of Buddhism” so that foreign religions would be more easily accepted by people.

Yasaka shrine

Sacred　Object
It is said that the Buddhist deity Gozu Tenno and the Shinto deity Susanoo no Mikotowere combined to become the enshrined deity of Gion Shrine.(The two have in common the fact that they are violent creatures who harm humans when they get angry.)

Divine Blessing
Protection from misfortune

It is famous as a shrine that wards off epidemics . It is also said to bring good luck in business and the arts. For this reason, many maiko (traditional Japanese dancers) visit the shrine.

It was formerly called Kanshin-in and Gion-sha .
It is the head shrine of the shrines called Gion-san, Tenno-san, Yasaka-san, and Tsushima-san.

This shrine is where the Gion Festival, one of Japan’s three major festivals, is held.

Mitsumine shrine

Sacred　Object
Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, Izanagi no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto

Divine Blessing
National peace, bountiful harvests, prosperous business, career advancement, good fortune, protection from misfortune, road safety, prayers for success

The wolf that guided Yamato Takeru no Mikoto is said to be a god who protects him from disasters.
Kenzoku(It refers to those who follow the Buddha) is wolves.

There are about 3000 Ko(group)s, large and small, at the shrine.
A Ko(group) is a group that is bound together by faith. They range in size from a few people to 100 people.

Hachiman Shrine

Sacred　Object
Emperor Ojin, the 15th emperor, Hachiman Okami（also known as Hondawake no Mikoto, grandson of Yamato Takeru no Mikoto）

Divine Blessing
Protection of the nation, prosperity in business, good luck, prayer for victory, prayer for success, road safety, protection from misfortune,

It is said that this shrine enshrines the first emperor.
For this reason, it is worshipped by the emperor second only to Ise jingu Shrine.
The Minamoto clan, who descended from the imperial family, had Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine as their Ujigami . For this reason, Hachiman is said to be the god of the military.(The Minamoto clan established the Kamakura Shogunate with Hachiman as their Ujigami . Gradually, he came to be worshipped as a god of war among samurai.)

Main Building: Usa Jingu (located in Usa City, Oita Prefecture. It is the head shrine of the Hachiman Shrines, which have about 44,000 branches nationwide.)

Origin: It is said that this shrine offered to cooperate when the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple was built. Therefore, this shrine has a strong connection with Buddhism.

Yakushi shrine

Sacred　Object :
Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha,Bhaisajyagur)　Sided deities：Nikko Bodhisattva, Gakko Bodhisattva Twelve protective Generals

Divine Blessing
Recovery from illness

He is a Buddha who does not save people after death, but gives them benefits in this world we live in.
It is said that the medicine in his left hand cures all kinds of illnesses and extends people’s lifespan. He is also said to provide food and clothing.

The Yakushi Nyorai festival is held on the 8th of every month.

Representative temples: Yakushiji Temple (Nara prefecture), Horyuji Temple (Nara prefecture), Shojoji Temple (Fukushima fecture)

Kisshoten

She is an Indian goddess.

Divine benefits: Good harvests, National peace ,

She was worshipped as a beautiful goddess when the Hindu goddess Lakshmi was syncretized with Buddhism.
As Benzaiten became more well-known, she has often been replaced as one of the Seven deities of good Luck.
She is the wife of Bishamonten.
Her mother is Kishimojin.
Kissho means prosperity and good fortune.
She holds a jewel called a hoju, which grants wishes.

Hotei

He is Chinese god.

He is the only one of the Seven deities of good Luck who was originally a human.

Divine blessings: Good relationships, marital harmony, fertility,

He is a large belly.
He was originally a real Chinese monk, and the most popular one is a monk named Kaishi.
He is a god who teaches patience and harmony.
He was called Hotei because he always carried a bag on his back.

Jurojin

He is a Chinese god.

Divine benefits: Good health,Good fortune, longevity.

He is a Taoist god in China.
It is said that this is the appearance of Laozi after he became a hermit. He is said to have mastered the art of immortality.
He is depicted as an old man wearing a hood.He holds a fan and a walking stick.
He is accompanied by Genroku(a deer), which is a symbol of longevity.

Fukurokuju

He is a Chinese god.

Divine benefits…Financial fortune、Good fortune、Longevity .

He is a god of fortune who has all three of the main purposes of life in China: 1) Fuku (happiness), 2) Roku (career advancement), and 3) Shou (longevity).
He is the god of longevity in Chinese Taoism.
He is said to have originated from a Taoist priest in China. There is also a theory that he is the incarnation of the Southern Star.

He is short, with a long head and beard.
He carries a staff with a scroll called a “kyomaki” tied to it, and is accompanied by a crane.

Benzaiten

It is an Indian goddess.
Divine blessing: Wisdom, Financial fortune, Success in competitions, Prosperity of descendants, Music, Arts, Eloquence

She is the goddess of art and aesthetic sense.
A goddess of Hindu origin, she is a symbol of beauty.

He wears a jeweled crown, a breast ornament and holds a biwa (Japanese lute).

He deified rivers and, because he was the god of water, Bentendo temples were built on islands and waterside areas all over the country.

Bishamonten

An Indian god.
Divine blessings…Financial fortune and good fortune (said to protect from disasters).
Originally he is a Hindu war god. He holds a spear and a pagoda on each side.
He has many yashas(demon) as his kenzoku (disciples or followers) .Among the heavenly beings, the most distinctive are those of warriors wearing armor.
The Four guardian Kings are accompanied by various demons and deities, and each protects the east, west, north and south directions from external enemies. Tamonten protects the north. (When worshipped alone, he is called Bishamonten. When worshipped as one of the Four guardian Kings, he is called Tamonten. He is also a subordinate of Taishakuten.)
As the north is kimon(the unlucky direction) , it is guarded by Tamonten, the leader of the Four guardian Kings and said to be the strongest.

Daikokuten

A syncretism of the Buddhist Daikokuten, which incorporates the Indian god Shiva and the deity Okuninushi.
Divine blessings: Financial fortune, agriculture.

It is said that he came to be enshrined in the kitchens of Tendai school temples.
It is said that he got the name Daikokuten because his body is black.

He is a god of fertility who is a combination of the Hindu god Shiva, who is in charge of creation and destruction, and the Shinto deity Okuninushi.

The bag on his back contains the seven treasures of virtue. It is said that it contains spiritual treasures such as longevity, popularity, purity, dignity, charm, and abundance.
He carries a large lucky bag on his left shoulder, holds a magic mallet in his right hand, and steps on a straw rice sack.

Ebisu (Japanese God)

The only one of the Seven deities of Good luck that originated in Japan.

Divine benefits: Good harvest、Maritime safety、Business prosperity
He is the god of fishing and is especially known as the god of prosperity in business.

He is said to be the first child of Izanagi and Izanami.
Nishinomiya Shrine (Hyogo prefecture) – This shrine enshrines the god Ebisu. This shrine is where the lucky man is chosen.
He holds a fishing pole on his right shoulder and a net under his left arm.
His trademark is his smiling face, known as the Ebisu face.

Jizo Bodhisattva

The most numerous Buddhist statues in Japan is Jizo Bodhisattva.
Most Buddhas are enshrined in temples, but Jizo Bodhisattva is often left outside, exposed to the rain.
It looks like a monk and holds a shakujo (a traditional Japanese staff).

Jizo Bodhisattva has two main roles.
The first is to save those who have fallen into hell.
Children who die before their parents will continue to pile stones on the banks of the Sanzu River. It is said that Jizo Bodhisattva will go down to the banks of the Sanzu River on behalf of the parents who can do nothing for their children left behind and free them from that hard labor.
For this reason, Jizo Bodhisattva is the principal image in Mizuko kuyo.
Jizo Bodhisattva also saves those who have not attained enlightenment from being reincarnated in the six realms of hell, hungry ghosts, animals, asuras, humans, and heaven. For this reason, the six Jizo were born.

The second role is to save people from the time when there was no Buddha after the Buddha passed away until 5.67 billion years later when Maitreya Bodhisattva appears.
For example, there are Migawari(substitute) Jizo, Togenuki(Thorn-Removing )Jizo, and Komori( Baby-Sitter)Jizo.

Bato Kannon

Originally he is an Indian god (the Hindu god Vishnu).
　Often depicted with the head of a horse and three faces and eight arms.

　The only Bodhisattva with an angry expression, he does not attain enlightenment himself, but erases the suffering and worldly desires of people in this world.

Sho Kanzeon Kannon Bodhisattva

It is said to be the basic form of Kannon Bodhisattva.

On the head, he has a large hair tied and wears a jeweled crown with a small statue of Amida Buddha.
In his right hand, he holds a lotus flower and in his left hand, he holds a water pitcher.

It is said that by chanting this name, one can avoid seven disasters, including fire, and by thinking about it, one can be freed from the three poisons (greed, anger, and ignorance, which are the roots of human suffering and all evil).

Kannon Bodhisattva

In Sanskrit, it means the one who can freely observe.
As the character for “freely” indicates, he can freely transform into a child or a woman as needed. This is because when saving a human being, he takes an appropriate form depending on the other person’s position and situation.

They are subordinates of Amida Nyorai(Buddha).
The Amida Triad is composed of ➀ Amida Nyorai in the center, ➁ Kannon Bodhisattva on the right, and ➂ Seishi Kannon Bodhisattva on the left.
Kannon Bodhisattva and Seishi Kannon Bodhisattva were brothers in their previous lives. There is also a theory that Amida Nyorai was the mother of both of them.

Miroku Bosatsu（Maitreya kannon bodhisattva）

This Buddha is meditating deeply with his eyes closed in order to save people in the future. He is the Buddha who will appear in the future 5.67 billion years from now.For this reason, he is called the second Buddha.

Maitreya Kannon Bodhisattva is a beloved disciple of the Buddha, who has entrusted him with the future, saying, “One day you will save people in my place.”
Currently, he is a bodhisattva with a lower rank than Tathagata, but the Buddha has guaranteed that he will be promoted to Tathagata in the future. Therefore, Maitreya Kannon Bodhisattva occupies a special position among the bodhisattvas and is called the Buddha of the future.

Miroku means friend or ally in Sanskrit.

yakushi nyorai

Yakushi Nyorai is also known as Medicine Buddha, Bhaisajyagur.

This Buddha supports us in this present world in which we live.

He lives in the Pure Land in the East and saves people from illness and disability. In Buddhism, it is said that there is a Pure Land called the Eastern Pure Land in the far east.

The guardian of this Pure Land is Yakushi Nyorai, also known as Medicine Buddha,Bhaisajyagur . He is often accompanied by the Nikko Bodhisattva and Gakko Bodhisattva as his attendants and the 12shinsho(protective deties).

Shakyamuni Buddha

The only Buddha modeled on a real person.
Shaka is the founder of Buddhism and the first person in the world to embody the state of enlightenment.

The “Nyo” in Nyorai means “psychology.” In other words, “rai” in Nyorai means “one who comes to this world with the truth and conveys the truth to people.”

Birushana nyorai(Vairocana Buddha)

This is the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple in Nara prefecture.
It is the absolute being that controls all the Tathagatas.
It is an ideal being that represents the psychology of the universe itself.

Amida Buddha

Amida Buddha lives in the Pure Land far to the west.

It is said that if you chant Namu Amida Butsu, even if you did bad things in life, you will be taken to the Pure Land when you die. Those who were devout will be welcomed by Amida Buddha accompanied by Bodhisattvas, but those who were not will be guided by the sound of his voice without being seen. It is said that there are nine stages of welcoming depending on the faith and deeds of the person in life.

Long ago, a certain king in India wanted to save people, so he abandoned his throne, became a monk, and took the name Hozo. After a long period of training, he created a paradise in the far west and became Amida Buddha.

Fudo Myoo

Fudo Myoo is called Acala, Wisdom King.

Acala is said to speak the truth because he was born from wisdom.

The expression and appearance of the Fudo Myoo express “anger.”
It is said that this angry expression and appearance is to destroy the evil (earthly desires and worries) that surrounds people. It is also said that within his anger there is an infinite amount of mercy, and that this overflowing mercy is expressed as a flame burning from his back.

He looks over the entire world with his right eye facing the sky and his left eye facing the earth.

Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana Buddha)

In Esoteric Buddhism, Dainichi Nyorai is a more powerful being than Amida Nyorai(buudha) andis the central Buddha above all other Buddhas.

All Buddhas are incarnations of Dainichi Nyorai, and it is said that even the evil that pervades the world was born from Dainichi Nyorai. Therefore, because it is believed that “even the evil that pervades the world was born from Dainichi Nyorai,” it is preached that even those who have many sins can be saved because they are originally pure.

Seishi kannon bodhisattva

It is said that he helps people attain enlightenment with the power of wisdom and removes confusion. He is especially good at helping with the worries that come with aging.

The appearance of Seihi Bodhisattva is almost the same as Kannon Bodhisattva. The difference that distinguishes them is the jeweled crown on their head.
Kannon Bodhisattva has a kebutsu (a small Buddha statue) on its crown, while Seishi Bodhisattva has a hobyo (a jeweled jar).This jar has a water bottle attached to it, which is filled with the water of wisdom.

Fugen bosatsu (samantabhadra kannon bodhisattva)

Fugen means “every corner of the present, past, and future, as well as the visible and invisible.”
He is a bodhisattva who practices, as he is called Fugen of Practice.
He is said to appear at any time and in any place to save people.

This is the bodhisattva who protects the Hokekyo(Lotus Sutra).
Since the Lotus Sutra teaches that women can also attain rebirth in the Pure Land, this sutra has attracted the faith of women since the Heian period.

Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri kannon bodhisattva)

He is the wisest of all Buddhas , and is the bodhisattva who governs “knowledge,” as the saying goes.
He is a bodhisattva who saves people with various wisdoms.

He is also a real person who is said to have compiled and systematized the sutras.

“Manjusri” is also said to mean “wonderful sutras.”

Kokuzo bosatsu (Akasagarbha Bodhisattva)

Koku means space.
It is said that he can grant all wishes with his great wisdom and good fortune that are as infinite as the universe.

In folk beliefs, he is worshipped as a Buddha of lost wisdom.

Senju kannon (thousand armed kannon bodhisattva)

The word “thousand” does not mean a number, but infinity.
It is said that he has one eye on each of his thousand palms, and that he looks at all suffering with his thousand hands and thousand eyes.

Because each person’s worries and suffering are different, he is said to appear in infinite forms according to the person seeking salvation and save them with infinite mercy.

Merits of healing illness, prolonging life, and reducing crime

jomyoji 7

⑦　There is restaurant renovated Western-style building.

This restaurant is housed in a renovated Western-style building.
You can enjoy freshly baked bread and French cuisine.

jomyoji 6

⑥　There is Kisenan

It is a reconstruction of a tea room that was built around 1570.

There is a dry landscape garden.
You can enjoy the garden while drinking tea.

There is a dry landscape garden.
You can enjoy the garden while drinking tea.

jomyoji 5

⑤ There is Kamatari Inari Shrine

It enshrines “Fujiwara Kamatari (who played an active role in the Taika Reforms).”
(If you want to know more about Inari Shrine, Click Here)

It is said that Fujiwara Kamatari buried his sacred sickle on this mountain to ensure the prosperity of his descendants.
This is why this area came to be called Kamakura.

jomyoji 4

④　There is a grave of Ashikaga Sadauji

There is the grave of Ashikaga Sadauji (father of Ashikaga Takauji) with the date 1392 engraved on it.

jomyoji 3

③　There is plum garden

The plum blossoms bloom from early to late February.
It has been designated a national historic site.

jomyoji 2

②　There is Kaisan do（temple hall commemorating its founding or its founder）

The first chief priest was Taiko Gyoyu (a high-ranking priest at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine who was highly revered by Hojo Masako and Minamoto no Sanetomo).

It is a work from the Kamakura period and is a National Important Cultural Property.
(if you want to know more about National Important Cultural Properties, Click Here)

jomyoji 1

①　There is a Hondo（main hall)

　In 1188, Ashikaga Yoshikane (the 6th generation descendant of Ashikaga Takauji) invited Taiko Gyoyu to be the first chief priest and built an esoteric Buddhism (Shingon school) temple.

Originally, the temple was called “Gokuraku-ji Temple.”

Around 1257-1259, when Ryonen Geppo (a disciple of Rankei Douryu, who founded Kencho-ji Temple) became the chief priest, the temple’s school was changed to “Zen (Rinzai) temple.”
Then the name was changed to “Jomyo-ji Temple.”　

At its peak, it was a large temple with 23 sub-temples.
It was rebuilt in 1756 during the Edo period.

It is the 5th of the 5 mountains of Kamakura. (This indicates the status of the Zen temple.)

Yosemine structure・・・ a Japanese architectural style with a roof that slopes in four directions.and is roofed with copper .

➀ There is「 The principal image Shakyamuni Buddha 」.
（If you want to know more about Shakyamuni Buddha , Click Here）
”Kamakura 13 Nyorai Buddhas, No. 2”

② There is「Sho kanzeon Kannnon Bodhisattva」
”Kamakura 33 Kannnon Bodhisattva, No. 9”

③ There is「Woman,s guarden Awashima Myozine 」
”It is said to grant blessings for Prosperity of descendants and gynecological diseases.”

Closed day	Open daily
Opening Times	8:30　～　17:00

4-3 Enoshima shrine nakatsunomiya

It is said to be a shrine that brings beauty.

➀　It is about a 22 minute walk from Odakyu Katase Enoshima Station.
➁　It is about a 2 minute walk from Enoshima Shrine and Hetsumiya Shrine.

③　There is a Hojo Tokiyori’s birth bath well

Takemikaduchi-no-kami

①　There is a Honden(main building)

Amaterasu oomikami

③　There is Daikoku sama(Seven Lucky Gods)

①　You can reach the top of Enoshima in 4 minutes.

② It is Japan`s first outdoor escalator.

Sacred　Object

Ebisu

Divine Blessing

Bussiness prosperity

Event

Sacred　Object	Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto(aiso known as Benzaiten) （If you want to know more about Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto, Click here ）（If you want to know more about Benzaiten, Click here ）
Divine Blessing	Maritime safety,Traffic safety,Good harvest,Business prosperity,Beauty

4-3 Enoshima shrine nakatsunomiya

It is said to be a shrine that brings beauty.

➀ It is about a 22 minute walk from Odakyu Katase Enoshima Station. ➁ It is about a 2 minute walk from Enoshima Shrine and Hetsumiya Shrine.

➀　It is about a 22 minute walk from Odakyu Katase Enoshima Station.
➁　It is about a 2 minute walk from Enoshima Shrine and Hetsumiya Shrine.