Jōkōmyō-ji

Jōkōmyō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ōgigayatsu, Kamakura, featuring a main hall that houses statues of Amida Buddha. The site contains several important wooden sculptures dating from the medieval Kamakura period.

The temple was founded in 1251 and later served as a meditation site for important figures of that era. It is now recognized as one of Japan's historic sites.

The temple holds a nationally designated Amida Triad that showcases the carving skill of Kamakura artisans of that era. Visitors can observe how the detailed wooden sculptures reflect the religious devotion of medieval times.

The temple opens only on certain days of the week, so it is best to check ahead before planning a visit. The area is easily accessible on foot, and the temple sits in a quiet residential neighborhood of Kamakura.

On the temple grounds stands a stone Jizo statue that local legend says was found in a fishing net at the nearby beach. This small statue represents a folk tale connecting the temple to the sea.

Location: Ōgigayatsu

Inception: 1251

Founders: Hōjō Tokiyori, Hōjō Nagatoki

Part of: 鎌倉三十三觀音靈場, Thirteen Buddhist Sites of Kamakura, 鎌倉二十四地蔵霊場

GPS coordinates: 35.32641,139.55118

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:58