Tamasenji Temple (Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture) | Complete Guide to History, Access, and Cemetery Information
Located in Tamanawa, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Tamasenji Temple is a historic temple belonging to the Daikakuji branch of the Shingon sect. Despite its convenient location within walking distance of Ofuna Station, it boasts a tranquil atmosphere nestled in a quiet residential area. This article comprehensively introduces detailed information useful for those considering a visit or seeking a burial plot at Tamasenji Temple, covering its history, highlights, access methods, and cemetery/burial ground information.
Basic Information on Tamasenji Temple
Tamasenji Temple is a Shingon sect Daikakuji branch temple located at 3-687 Tamanawa, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Its mountain name is Shōtenzan, and it has long been a cherished place of worship rooted in the local community.
Basic Information
- Official Name: Shōtenzan Gyokusenji Temple
- Sect: Shingon-shu Daikakuji-ha
- Address: 3-687 Tamanawa, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture 247-0071
- Corporate Number: 3021005001862
- Phone Number: We recommend confirming the number beforehand when making inquiries
- Nearest Station: JR Ōfuna Station
The Shingon-shu Daikakuji-ha is a branch of the Shingon sect, with Daikakuji Temple in Kyoto as its head temple. Founded by Kūkai, Kōbō Daishi, it is known as a traditional sect that transmits the teachings of Esoteric Buddhism. Gyokusenji Temple also inherits this tradition and functions as a center of faith in the region.
History and Origins of Gyokusenji Temple
While there are limited existing documents regarding the founding date and detailed history of Gyokusenji Temple, it is a temple deeply connected to the history of the Tamanawa district of Kamakura City.
Historical Background of the Tamanawa District
Tamanawa is a region that developed as a castle town of Tamanawa Castle, built by the Hojo clan during the Sengoku period. Tamanawa Castle was built in 1512 (Eisho 9) by Hojo Ujitsuna and functioned as an important branch castle of the Hojo clan. Many temples and shrines were built in this castle town, and it is believed that Gyokusenji Temple also supported the local faith within this historical context.
Tradition of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism
As a Shingon Buddhist temple, Gyokusenji Temple inherits the teachings of Esoteric Buddhism, which were brought from China by Kobo Daishi Kukai. Esoteric Buddhism is characterized by its unique methods of practice using mantras, mudras, and mandalas, and has the idea of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime at its core. The temple’s mountain name, “Shōtenzan,” suggests a belief in Kankiten (Shōten). Kankiten is a deity widely worshipped in Shingon Buddhist temples, believed to grant blessings such as business prosperity, marital harmony, and the removal of obstacles.
Features and Highlights of Gyokusenji Temple
Gyokusenji Temple is not a large-scale tourist temple, but it possesses a unique charm as a place of faith deeply rooted in the community.
Main Hall and Temple Grounds
Despite being located in a residential area, the grounds of Gyokusenji Temple maintain a tranquil atmosphere. Daily services are held in the main hall, which serves as the center of faith for local parishioners and believers. As befits a Shingon Buddhist temple, the principal image and various other Buddhas are enshrined, creating a sense of esoteric Buddhist solemnity.
Function as a Cemetery/Graveyard
Gyokusenji Temple has its own temple cemetery, used by families who have lived in this area for generations and by those seeking burial plots within Kamakura City. A key feature of temple cemeteries is that they offer perpetual memorial services and Buddhist ceremonies conducted by the temple, making them suitable for those seeking religious reassurance.
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
Gyokusenji Temple offers Goshuin. If you wish to receive one, we recommend speaking to staff at the main hall or the temple’s living quarters during your visit. However, staff may be absent, so it is advisable to contact them in advance if you wish to guarantee receiving one. The Goshuin features the temple’s seal and calligraphy, serving as a memento of your visit.
Seasonal Scenery
Kamakura City is a region blessed with beautiful nature throughout the seasons, and you can feel the changing seasons within the grounds of Gyokusenji Temple. The natural changes—cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and autumn leaves in fall—further enhance the tranquil atmosphere of the temple grounds.
Access to Gyokusenji Temple
Gyokusenji Temple is located in the northern part of Kamakura City, within walking distance of Ofuna Station, making it easily accessible by public transportation.
Seasonal Scenery
Gyokusenji Temple is conveniently located in the northern part of Kamakura City, within walking distance of Ofuna Station. ### Access by Train
Nearest Station: JR Ofuna Station
Ofuna Station is a major station served by multiple lines, offering excellent access from central Tokyo.
- JR Tokaido Main Line: Approximately 50 minutes from Tokyo Station
- JR Yokosuka Line: Approximately 15 minutes from Yokohama Station, approximately 5 minutes from Kamakura Station
- JR Shonan Shinjuku Line: Approximately 60 minutes from Shinjuku Station
- Shonan Monorail: Connects to Shonan Enoshima Station
From Ofuna Station to Gyokusenji Temple
- Walking: Approximately 13 minutes (approximately 1.2 km)
- Route: Exit Ofuna Station West Exit and head towards Tamanawa. Gyokusenji Temple is located beyond the residential area.
Access by Bus
If using the bus from Ofuna Station, you can use Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu buses. Take a bus bound for the Tamanawa area, get off at the nearest bus stop, and it’s a few minutes’ walk from there. However, it’s easily accessible on foot, so walking is recommended if the weather is good.
Access by Car
Using the Yokohama-Yokosuka Expressway:
- Approximately 10 minutes from “Hino IC”
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Asahina IC”
Parking: There may be parking spaces at the temple, but it is recommended to check in advance if you are visiting for reasons other than grave visits or memorial services. There are also coin-operated parking lots nearby, but the number is limited.
Map and Surrounding Information
Gyokusenji Temple is located in a residential area of Tamanawa 3-chome, Kamakura City. Nearby are historical sites such as Tamanawa Castle Ruins Park and Ryuhōji Temple, and visiting them together will give you a deeper understanding of the history of the Tamanawa area.
Main nearby facilities:
- Tamanawa Castle Ruins Park (approx. 10-minute walk)
- Ryuhōji Temple (approx. 8-minute walk)
- Ōfuna Kannon (approx. 15-minute walk)
- Ōfuna Station area shopping street (approx. 13-minute walk)
Information on Tamasenji Temple’s Cemetery
Tamasenji Temple is a temple cemetery that provides burial plots and perpetual memorial services. It is one option for those seeking a burial plot in Kamakura City.
Characteristics of Temple Cemeteries
Advantages:
- Religious Peace of Mind: Regular memorial services are provided by Shingon Buddhist priests.
- Perpetual Memorial Service: Even without a successor, the temple will continue memorial services in perpetuity.
- Convenience of Memorial Services: Memorial services can be held in the same location.
- Thorough Management: Daily management is provided by the temple.
- History and Tradition: The spiritual value of memorial services at a temple with a long history.
Points to Note:
- Parishioner System: Becoming a parishioner may be a requirement.
- Sect Restrictions: Generally, only Shingon Buddhism or similar sects are eligible.
- Costs: Cemetery usage fees, tombstone costs, annual management fees, and donations as a parishioner are required.
- Rules: You must follow the temple’s rules and customs.
The process from purchasing a burial plot to interment
When purchasing a burial plot at Gyokusenji Temple, the general process is as follows:
1. Inquiry and Visit
- First, contact the temple to check the availability and conditions of the cemetery plot.
- Visit the site to check the environment and atmosphere of the cemetery.
- Receive a detailed explanation of the danka system and fees during a meeting with the head priest.
2. Application and Contract
- Apply for the use of the cemetery plot.
- Submit necessary documents (resident registration certificate, family register transcript, etc.).
- Conclude a cemetery plot usage contract.
- Pay the danka membership fee (fee for becoming a danka).
3. Tombstone Construction
- Select a stonemason (the temple may designate one).
- Choose the tombstone design and stone material.
- Tombstone construction takes place (usually 2-3 months).
- Perform the eye-opening ceremony (soul-transferring ceremony).
4. Interment
- After cremation, the remains are interred in the cemetery plot.
- Perform the interment ceremony.
- From then on, annual memorial services can be held at the temple.
Estimated Costs
The cost of a temple cemetery plot varies greatly depending on the location and size of the plot, but the general estimates are as follows:
- Perpetual Use Fee: Approximately 500,000 to 2,000,000 yen
- Gravestone Cost: Approximately 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 yen (depending on design and stone material)
- Annual Maintenance Fee: Approximately 5,000 to 20,000 yen
- Beginning Fee: Approximately 100,000 to 500,000 yen (depending on the temple)
- Offering for Memorial Services: Approximately 30,000 to 100,000 yen (depending on the type of memorial service)
For specific costs, please contact the temple directly.
Grave Closure and Reburial Acceptance
Gyokusenji Temple accepts reburials (moving graves) from other cemeteries. For those who find it difficult to maintain a distant cemetery plot, or who wish to move their grave to a more convenient location, Gyokusenji Temple, located near Ofuna Station, is a suitable option.
Process of Reburial:
- Inform the current cemetery administrator of your intention to rebury the remains.
- Obtain permission to use the new cemetery (Gyokusenji Temple).
- Obtain a “Reburial Permit” from the municipality where the current cemetery is located.
- Perform a closing ceremony at the original cemetery and retrieve the remains.
- Transfer the remains to Gyokusenji Temple, perform an opening ceremony, and inter the remains.
Reburial involves procedures and costs, so thorough information gathering and planning are necessary beforehand.
Comparison with Other Temple Cemeteries in Kamakura City
There are many temples in Kamakura City, each with its own cemetery. When considering Gyokusenji Temple, it is important to compare it with other options.
Major Temple Cemeteries in Kamakura City
Temples in Central Kamakura:
- Famous temples such as Kenchoji, Engakuji, and Hase-dera also have cemeteries, but due to their high historical value, cemetery usage fees tend to be high.
- Many tourists visit, so caution is advised if seeking a quiet environment.
Temples in the Tamanawa/Ofuna Area:
- Temples such as Ryuhōji and Jōrakuji are located in the same area as Gyokusenji.
- Relatively quiet environment with good access.
- Costs tend to be lower than in central Kamakura.
Advantages of Gyokusenji
- Excellent Access: Within walking distance of Ōfuna Station, with access to multiple train lines.
- Quiet Environment: Located in a residential area, offering a peaceful atmosphere.
- Shingon Buddhism Tradition: Respectful memorial services based on the traditions of Esoteric Buddhism.
- Community-Oriented: A sense of security as a temple rooted in the local community.
Comparison with Public Cemeteries
Kanagawa Prefecture also has public cemeteries such as Kamakura Cemetery and Yokohama Municipal Cemetery. Advantages of Public Cemeteries:
- No restrictions on religion or sect
- Relatively low cost
- Stable management
Advantages of Temple Cemeteries (Gyokusenji Temple):
- Religious memorial services available
- Memorial services can be held in the same location
- Peace of mind with perpetual memorial services
- Spiritual connection with the temple
The choice between the two depends on individual values, religious beliefs, budget, etc.
Annual Events and Memorial Services at Gyokusenji Temple
As a Shingon Buddhist temple, Gyokusenji Temple holds various events and memorial services throughout the year.
Main Annual Events
Shushōe: January 1st-3rd
- A Buddhist service to welcome the New Year and pray for peace throughout the year.
Setsubun-e: Around February 3rd
- A ceremony to ward off evil and invite good fortune through bean-throwing, etc.
Spring and Autumn Equinoxes: 7 days centered around the spring and autumn equinoxes
- An important period for ancestor worship
- Many parishioners visit to pay their respects at graves.
Obon: August 13th-16th (sometimes July depending on the region)
- A period to welcome and honor the spirits of ancestors
- Segaki memorial services are held.
Kōbō Daishi Miekū: 21st of every month
- A memorial service held on the anniversary of Kōbō Daishi’s death.
Individual Memorial Services
Parishioners and grave site users can request the following memorial services:
- Funeral and Memorial Service
- Memorial services on the seventh and forty-ninth days after death
- Annual memorial services on the first and third anniversaries
- Sutra recitation during Obon
- Eye-opening ceremony (soul-imbuing of the tombstone)
- Eye-closing ceremony (soul-removing ceremony when closing the grave)
- Memorial service for stillborn babies
- Pet memorial service (Please check availability)
If you wish to hold a memorial service, please contact the temple in advance to discuss the date and content.
Manners and Precautions When Visiting
When visiting Gyokusenji Temple, please observe the following manners.
Basic Manners for Visiting
- Attire: Please wear clean clothing when visiting the temple. 1. When attending a memorial service, wear formal or subdued attire.
- Behavior within the temple grounds: Act quietly and respectfully.
- Photography: Be mindful of areas where photography is prohibited, such as inside the main hall.
- Offering money: Place your offering in front of the main hall and bow with clasped hands.
- Temple stamp: Receive a stamp after your visit (it is impolite to ask for a stamp without visiting the temple).
Manners for visiting graves
- Preparation: Bring prayer beads, incense, flowers, cleaning supplies, etc.
- Cleaning: First, clean the gravestone and surrounding area.
- Visiting: Offer flowers and incense, and bow with clasped hands.
- Clean up: Always take your trash with you.
- Time: Avoid visiting early in the morning or late at night.
Points to note when visiting
- Visiting hours: Generally, daytime (around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) is preferable.
- Contact: Please contact in advance if you require guaranteed service, such as obtaining a temple stamp or visiting the cemetery.
- Parking: Parking space is limited, so the use of public transportation is recommended.
- Quietness: As it is located in a residential area, please refrain from loud noises.
Tourist Spots Around Gyokusenji Temple
When visiting Gyokusenji Temple, you can have a more fulfilling experience by also visiting the surrounding historical and cultural spots.
Tamanawa Castle Ruins Park
The ruins of Tamanawa Castle are about a 10-minute walk away. You can learn about the history of Tamanawa Castle, an important branch castle of the Hojo clan during the Sengoku period. It is now a park and suitable for strolling.
Ryuhoji Temple
About an 8-minute walk. A Soto Zen temple known as the family temple of the Tamanawa Hojo clan. The main hall and garden are beautiful, and you can enjoy a peaceful visit.
Ofuna Kannon
About a 15-minute walk. The colossal white-robed Kannon statue is a symbol of Ofuna. Standing approximately 25 meters tall, the statue is visible from afar, and visitors can even enter its interior.
Jorakuji Temple
Approximately a 12-minute walk. A temple of the Kenchoji branch of the Rinzai school, it is said to have been founded by Hojo Yasutoki. It possesses important cultural assets, including the Monju Hall and a temple bell.
Around Ofuna Station
The area around Ofuna Station boasts numerous shopping streets and restaurants, making it convenient for meals and shopping after visiting the temple. There are also shops selling Kamakura vegetables and long-established Japanese confectionery shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sect of Gyokusenji Temple?
Gyokusenji Temple belongs to the Daikakuji branch of the Shingon sect. The Shingon sect is a branch of esoteric Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai, and the Daikakuji branch has Daikakuji Temple in Kyoto as its head temple.
Can non-parishioners use the cemetery?
Generally, becoming a parishioner is a requirement for using a temple cemetery. Please contact the temple directly for details.
Is there parking?
While some temples have parking spaces, they are limited. For visits other than grave visits or memorial services, we recommend using public transportation.
Can I get a Goshuin (temple stamp)?
Gyokusenji Temple offers Goshuin. However, since the priest may not always be present, we recommend contacting them in advance if you wish to be sure to receive one.
Is it possible to transfer remains from another sect?
Acceptance of transfer remains depends on the temple’s policy and individual circumstances. If you wish to transfer remains from another sect, you must consult with the head priest in advance.
Summary
Gyokusenji Temple is a Shingon sect Daikakuji branch temple located in Tamanawa, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, conveniently located about a 13-minute walk from Ofuna Station. Despite being in a residential area, it maintains a quiet environment and functions as a place of faith rooted in the community.
This temple also serves as a temple cemetery, offering respectful memorial services based on the traditions of the Shingon sect. For those seeking a burial plot in Kamakura City, those wishing for memorial services at a Shingon temple, and those looking for an easily accessible cemetery, this is a worthwhile option to consider.
The Tamanawa area is a historic region that developed as a castle town of Tamanawa Castle, and historical sites such as Ryuhōji Temple and Tamanawa Castle Ruins Park are scattered throughout the area. Visiting Gyokusenji Temple in conjunction with exploring the history and culture of this region will provide a deeper experience.
If you are considering using a burial plot or requesting memorial services, it is recommended that you contact the temple directly to confirm detailed conditions and costs. Visiting the site in person to get a feel for the atmosphere will also be an important factor in your decision.
Gyokusenji Temple, which carries on the traditions of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism in Kamakura City, a place steeped in history and culture, continues to be cherished by many as a place for ancestral worship and a spiritual haven.
