About Jōmyōji Temple
Jōmyōji Temple is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Kenchōji school, founded in 1188 (Bunji 4) by Ashikaga Yoshikane, a senior retainer of Minamoto no Yoritomo. Initially a Shingon Buddhist temple called “Gokurakuji,” it was later converted to Zen Buddhism and ranked fifth among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura.
At its peak, it was a large temple complex with seven main halls and 23 sub-temples, but many buildings were lost in a fire during the Muromachi period. The current main hall was rebuilt in 1756 (Hōreki 6) and houses the principal image, a seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Points to Note During Your Visit
Main Hall and the Seated Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha
The main hall enshrines the principal image, a seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, believed to be from the Kamakura period. The temple hall houses a wooden statue of Ashikaga Sadauji, preserving the temple’s history as a place associated with the Ashikaga clan.
Dry Landscape Garden
Behind the main hall lies a beautiful dry landscape garden. The Zen worldview expressed through white sand and stone arrangements provides tranquility and peace to visitors throughout the seasons. The scenery is particularly stunning in May with its fresh greenery and in late November with its vibrant autumn leaves.
Matcha Tea Ceremony at Kisen-an
Located on a hill at the back of the temple grounds, the Kisen-an tea room offers matcha tea and seasonal Japanese sweets while overlooking the dry landscape garden (separate charge from the entrance fee). The tea room also offers panoramic views of Kamakura, making it a popular spot for a relaxing experience.
Stone Oven Garden Terrace
The temple grounds also feature the Stone Oven Garden Terrace, a Western-style restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. The unique atmosphere, a harmonious blend of Japanese and Western cultures despite being a Zen temple, is a major draw.
Benefits
- Fulfillment of Wishes: Peace of mind through Zen meditation and other practices as a Zen Buddhist temple.
- Academic Success: A history of valuing the education of samurai families as a temple associated with the Ashikaga clan.
- Family Safety: Peace and well-being of the family through the compassion of Shakyamuni Buddha.
- Protection from Evil: Miraculous efficacy due to the status of one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura.
Access
Access by Train
- Approximately 30 minutes on foot from the East Exit of Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line.
- Approximately 10 minutes by Keikyu Bus from Bus Stop #5 at the East Exit of Kamakura Station, bound for “Kanazawa Hakkei Station” or “Kamakura Cemetery Main Gate Tachiarai,” then a 2-minute walk from the “Jomyoji” bus stop.
Access by Car
- Approximately 5 minutes from the Asahina Interchange on the Yokohama-Yokosuka Expressway.
- Parking: Free parking available on the temple grounds (approximately 20 spaces).
Visiting Information
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Admission Fee: Adults 200 yen, Elementary school students 100 yen
- Matcha (Kisen-an): 1,000 yen (with dried sweets)
- Closed Days: Open every day
- Estimated Time Required: Approximately 30-60 minutes (90 minutes if including the matcha experience)
Nearby Attractions
Around Jomyoji Temple, there are many ancient temples along the Kanazawa Road, such as Hokokuji Temple (famous for its bamboo garden) and Sugimotodera Temple (Kamakura’s oldest temple). It’s a quiet area slightly away from Kamakura Station, perfect for a leisurely temple and shrine tour.
