称名寺, Buddhist temple in Kamakura, Japan.
Shomyoji Temple sits nestled among forested hills south of Kamakura's town center, surrounded by mature trees and carefully maintained gardens. The buildings display classic Japanese temple architecture with curved tile roofs and wooden beams that blend naturally into the wooded setting.
The temple was founded in the 13th century when Kamakura became the headquarters of Japan's military government under the first shoguns. This period shaped both the temple's construction and its role in the spiritual life of the new political center.
This temple serves as a living center for Buddhist practice in Kamakura, where the layout of buildings and gardens reflects Buddhist principles about harmony with nature. You can observe how the space guides visitors naturally toward quiet reflection through its design.
The temple is reachable on foot from Kamakura's downtown, though it sits in a quiet area away from main streets, so allow extra time for the walk. Wear comfortable shoes since the grounds are hilly and paths wind through forested areas.
The temple houses a notable collection of medieval Buddhist manuscripts and religious objects stored in its historical repository. These scrolls and artifacts reveal how Buddhist practice evolved during Japan's samurai era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
