Jōraku-ji

Jōraku-ji is a Zen temple in Ōfuna with several buildings arranged around a central courtyard, including a main hall, mountain gate, and a dedicated Monju hall housing religious statues and artwork. The grounds feature traditional wooden structures and planted areas that give the space a calm, lived-in quality typical of Buddhist monasteries.

The temple was founded in 1237 and initially served as a memorial building before developing into a significant Zen Buddhist institution over subsequent centuries. Throughout its long history, the site has undergone renovations that preserved its core structures and religious function.

The temple serves as a living center for Zen Buddhist practice, where visitors can observe monks conducting daily meditation and rituals that have continued for centuries. The layout of the buildings and gardens reflects Buddhist principles about harmony and the relationship between people and nature.

The temple is accessible from Ōfuna Station by foot or bus, with signs and local guidance making navigation straightforward for first-time visitors. Dress respectfully and be prepared to remove your shoes before entering certain buildings, as is customary at Buddhist temples.

The temple houses one of the Three Famous Bells of Kamakura, which has been ringing at intervals since its casting in the 13th century and is protected as a National Important Cultural Property. Visitors can hear its sound during special occasions, making it a tangible connection to the temple's oldest traditions.