Jōmyō-ji

Jōmyō-ji is a Zen temple in Kamakura, Japan, encompassing a copper-roofed main hall and several subsidiary buildings. Stone lanterns line the pathways through gardens that display traditional elements of Japanese landscaping.

Ashikaga Yoshikane founded the temple in 1188 under the name Gokurakuji within the Shingon tradition. It later shifted to the Rinzai Zen school and became part of the Kamakura Gozan system as the fifth most important temple.

The site preserves Rinzai Zen practices that visitors can observe during meditation sessions and tea ceremonies held in its grounds. Pilgrims mark it as the ninth station on the Kannon circuit, making it an active place of religious devotion.

The grounds open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM for a small entrance fee. Visitors will find parking on site and should bring comfortable shoes for walking the garden pathways.

The Kisen-an tea house offers ceremonies overlooking a karesansui rock garden, where sand and stones represent water and landscape. Guests can experience traditional matcha preparation here while contemplating the calm composition of stone and gravel.

Location: Jōmyōji

Inception: 1188

Founders: Ashikaga Yoshikane, Taikō Gyōyū

Part of: Kamakura Gozan, 鎌倉三十三観音霊場, Thirteen Buddhist Sites of Kamakura

Address: 神奈川県鎌倉市浄明寺3-8-31

GPS coordinates: 35.32284,139.57130

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26