Jōju-in, Buddhist temple in Kamakura, Japan
Jōju-in is a Buddhist temple in Kamakura featuring stone steps ascending from Gokurakujizaka Pass to the main hall, with gardens and traditional Japanese buildings arranged around the grounds. The layout displays characteristics from different periods, with multiple structures and planted areas creating the overall appearance.
Hojo Yasutoki founded the temple in 1219, but a fire destroyed the buildings during the siege of Kamakura in 1333. Reconstruction took place later during the Edo period, when the temple received its current basic form.
This site stands as one of thirteen important Buddhist destinations in Kamakura where visitors experience traditional temple life and architecture. People come here to observe how the space continues to serve as a place for quiet reflection.
The grounds sit about five minutes from Gokurakuji Station and open to visitors during winter months between 8 AM and 4:30 PM. The climb involves many stone steps, so comfortable shoes are helpful for navigating the path.
The temple path once featured hydrangea plants arranged according to a meaningful number in Buddhist teaching. Today the path displays a different type of flowering plant, creating a changed visual character.
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