12-5 Kamakura temples (Born in the Year of the Sheep)

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.”

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.)

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

It is said to be the oldest shrine in Kamakura .

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.

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.

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 .

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

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 .

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

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

This is our famous ball konnyaku .

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

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

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

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

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 .

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.

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

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

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 .

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

It is a natural monument of Kamakura City .

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

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 .

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.

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,

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.

There is an all-purpose talisman called “Kumano Goo-o-ho-in”,　also known as Okarasu-san.

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.

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.

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 .”

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.                                      

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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

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

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.

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.

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 .

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

There is “a big torii gate” .

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

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

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

There is the dungeon where Prince Goryo was confined .

It is an evergreen tall tree of the Magnoliaceae family, Magnolia genus.

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.

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

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

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

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 .

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

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

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 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.

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

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 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” .

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.

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

These are the two stones in front of Shirahata Shrine .

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.

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

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

It is a nationally  important cultural property .

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.

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 ” 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)

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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,

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.

It is located next to Okutsunomiya Shrine .

 ” 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.”

It is painted on the ceiling of the worship hall .

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 .

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 .

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

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 .

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

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

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

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” .

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 .

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.”

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 .

“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 .

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.)

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

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.

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

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.)

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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).

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 )

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 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.”

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 .

(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 .

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 .

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 )

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.

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 .

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.

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

The Sanmon gate is vermilion .

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.

The temple is also associated with literary figures .

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 .

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 .

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.

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 )

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.)

It is located behind the main hall.

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

It is Kamakura 24 jizo　Bodhisattva, No. 7.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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 .

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.

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. “

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 .

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

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.

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 .

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 .

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

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

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 is a national treasure.

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

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 .

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).

It is a national important cultural property .

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

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 school.
(If you want to know more about Ippen, Click Here)

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

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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)

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)

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 .

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.

It is private .

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

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 .

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)

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.

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.