親縁寺

Shinnen-ji is a Buddhist temple set within a 23,000 square meter compound that includes multiple prayer halls and worship spaces. A bell tower cast during the Kanei period remains one of the oldest structures on the grounds.

The temple was founded in 1319 during the Kamakura period, with monk Donkai credited as its founder. This origin established it as a significant religious site with continuous practice spanning more than 700 years.

The main hall holds an Amida Buddha statue traditionally attributed to the master sculptor Unkei from the Kamakura period. This statue shapes how visitors and worshippers engage with prayer and ritual at this site.

The temple offers memorial services and special prayer ceremonies for newborns that require advance phone reservations. Visitors should contact ahead to learn about available ceremonies and the best times for general visits to the grounds.

The temple grounds contain several ancient burial mounds and a ginkgo tree whose considerable size has been documented in historical records. This old tree stands as a silent witness to the temple's long presence in the landscape.