Shōkyū-ji

Shōkyū-ji is a Buddhist temple in Jōmyōji with a traditional main hall topped by a bronze roof and containing a wooden statue of Shaka Nyorai from the Nanboku-chō period. The grounds include several structures arranged together to form a cohesive religious space.

The temple was founded in 1188 by priest Taikō Gyōyū under the original name Gokuraku-ji and later converted to Rinzai Zen Buddhism. It received its current name between 1257 and 1288.

The temple maintains a restored teahouse called Kisen-an where visitors watch a rock garden while participating in tea ceremonies. This setting allows people to experience moments of reflection within the temple grounds.

The temple opens daily from 9:00 to 16:30 and is accessible by a 10-minute bus ride from Kamakura Station. Visitors should plan to purchase an entrance ticket upon arrival at the gate.

A spacious cemetery spreads up the hillside behind the main hall, while a small Western restaurant run by the temple offers views over Kamakura. These two elements create an unusual contrast on the grounds.