Sugimoto-dera

Stone steps covered in green moss lead up to the main temple hall, featuring a traditional thatched roof and guardian statues at the entrance.

Founded in 734 by Empress Komyo, who commissioned Buddhist monk Gyoki and nobleman Fujiwara no Fusasaki to establish this sacred site in Kamakura.

The temple houses three sacred Juichimen Kannon statues and serves as the first station of both the Bando and Kamakura pilgrimage routes.

Visitors can access the temple from 9:00 to 16:00, with admission fees of 300 yen for adults and reduced rates for students and children.

The sacred statues reportedly escaped a fire in 1189 by taking refuge under a large cedar tree, giving the temple its name Sugimoto, meaning cedar base.

Location: Nikaidō

Inception: 734

Founders: Fujiwara no Fusasaki, Gyōki

Part of: Bandō Sanjūsankasho, 鎌倉三十三觀音靈場, 鎌倉二十四地蔵霊場

Website: http://sugimotodera.com/english

GPS coordinates: 35.32262,139.56745

Latest update: May 11, 2025 13:09