Jochiji Temple

About

Caption: The distinctive Chinese-style Shoromon bell tower gate at Jochiji Temple, featuring Song dynasty architectural elements. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Jochiji Temple (浄智寺, Jōchi-ji) is a historic Zen Buddhist temple in Kita-Kamakura, ranking fourth among Kamakura's prestigious Five Great Zen Temples (Kamakura Gozan). Founded in 1281-1283 by members of the ruling Hojo family, the temple belongs to the Engakuji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. 🔗 🔗

The temple was officially founded in 1283 by Hojo Munemasa (1253-1281) and his son Hojo Morotoki (1275-1311), though construction began in 1281 upon the death of Munemasa Hojo, the third son of Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth regent of the Kamakura government. 🔗 Although Hojo Morotoki is officially listed as the founder, he was still a child at the time, and the temple was actually established by Munemasa's wife and elder brother to honor his premature death. 🔗

The temple's construction was advised by Chinese monks, resulting in distinctive Song dynasty architectural style that sets it apart from other Kamakura temples. 🔗 At its peak, Jochiji was far larger than today, comprising 11 buildings and housing 500 people. However, much of the complex was lost to fire and the devastating 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. All existing buildings were rebuilt after the earthquake. 🔗

Today, the temple is a constituent cultural property of the Japan Heritage "Iza, Kamakura" and serves as a living expression of Kamakura-era Zen philosophy. 🔗 Surrounded by forest off the main road from Kita-Kamakura Station, Jochiji offers a serene escape that contrasts sharply with Kamakura's more crowded tourist attractions. The temple grounds boast lush flowerbeds, bamboo groves, and seasonal flowers, making them excellent for quiet contemplation. 🔗

Cultural & Religious Significance

Jochiji Temple owns a 13th-century statue designated a National Treasure and is a constituent cultural property of the Japan Heritage "Iza, Kamakura." On February 9, 1984, the entire temple precincts were designated a National Historic Site. The temple's distinctive architecture reflects Chinese Song dynasty influence, introduced through Chinese monk advisors during construction. 🔗

The temple enshrines three wooden Buddha statues designated as Kanagawa Prefecture Important Cultural Properties, representing the Buddhas of past, present, and future: Amida Nyorai (Amitabha), Shaka Nyorai (Shakyamuni dating from approximately 1370 CE), and Miroku Nyorai (Maitreya from the mid-1400s). 🔗

Behind the temple stands a stone statue of Hotei, the god of happiness and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Gently rubbing his large belly is said to bring luck and vitality—a popular activity among visitors seeking good fortune. 🔗

To the left of the temple entrance sits one of the famous Ten Wells of Kamakura (Kamakura Jussei), the Well of Sweet Dew (Kanro-no-I). The water is reportedly as sweet as honey and was believed to be an elixir of immortality, though it can no longer be drunk today. 🔗

Visiting Information

Hours:

• 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM daily 🔗

Admission:

• Adults: ¥300
• Children: ¥100 🔗

Getting There:

• From Kita-Kamakura Station: 8-10 minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line)
• Kita-Kamakura is one stop north of Kamakura Station when coming from Tokyo
• Exit the station and walk along the main road; the temple is surrounded by forest off the main road
• Address: 1402 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062
• Phone: 0467-22-3943 🔗 🔗

Best Timing:

• Late November to early December for autumn foliage
• Late February to mid-March for plum blossoms
• Early morning or late afternoon for fewest crowds (though the temple consistently has minimal crowds throughout the day) 🔗

The Temple Experience

The Shoromon Bell Tower Gate (鐘楼門) The temple's distinctive entrance is a rare two-story structure combining a main gate on the lower level and a belfry above. Built in Chinese Song dynasty architectural style, it features elegant cusped windows known as katō-mado (花頭窓) and was rebuilt in 2007. This architectural style, known as kara-yo, was introduced from China during the Kamakura period. 🔗

Three Buddha Statues (Sanzebutsu - 三世仏) In the main hall (Dongen-den) sit three serene wooden Buddha statues designated as Kanagawa Prefecture Important Cultural Properties. The statues represent the Buddhas of past, present, and future: Amida Nyorai (Amitabha), Shaka Nyorai (Shakyamuni, dating from approximately 1370 CE), and Miroku Nyorai (Maitreya, mid-1400s). 🔗

Hotei Buddha Statue (布袋尊) Behind the temple stands a stone statue of Hotei, the god of happiness and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Gently rubbing his large belly is said to bring luck and vitality—a popular activity among visitors seeking good fortune. 🔗

Well of Sweet Dew (Kanro-no-I - 甘露ノ井) To the left of the temple entrance sits one of the famous Ten Wells of Kamakura (Kamakura Jussei). The water is reportedly as sweet as honey and was believed to be an elixir of immortality, though it can no longer be drunk today. The well remains a significant historical feature. 🔗

Gardens and Seasonal Beauty The temple grounds feature lush flowerbeds, bamboo groves, and large trees that create a tranquil atmosphere throughout the year. From late February to mid-March, white plums, weeping plums, and wintersweet flowers decorate the grounds, with delicate white weeping plums near the gate and beside the Buddha Hall. In late November to early December, the temple becomes one of Kamakura's premier autumn foliage viewing spots. 🔗

Kuzuharaoka-Daibutsu Hiking Trail Connection Jochiji serves as the starting point for the Kuzuharaoka-Daibutsu hiking trail, a 2.5-kilometer marked footpath that leads through the western hills and forests of Kamakura to the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple. The trail passes through Kuzuharaoka Shrine and Genjiyama Park, taking approximately 1.5 hours to complete without hurry. Continue down the side street of Jochiji Temple to reach the trailhead. 🔗 🔗

Practical Visiting Tips

Photography Guidelines: When taking photographs or sketching within the temple grounds, show consideration for others and refrain from taking photos in areas that may obstruct viewing or disturb those touring the grounds. Commercial photography requires permission. Photography is usually permitted on temple grounds but often forbidden inside buildings—look for signs or ask temple staff when in doubt. It is taboo to directly photograph figures of deities and Buddha. When monks are praying, cameras should stay down, and flash photography is disrespectful. 🔗 🔗

Best Photo Spots:

• The Chinese-style Shoromon bell tower gate from the approach path
• Ancient stone steps leading up to the gate entrance
• Autumn foliage framing the temple buildings
• The Hotei Buddha statue in the hillside cave
• Seasonal flowers (plum blossoms, wintersweet) near the main hall

Crowd Avoidance Strategies: Jochiji Temple consistently has minimal crowds and is largely overlooked by visitors, making it a peaceful alternative to busier temples like Hasedera or Kenchoji. The temple remains serene throughout the day, though visiting early morning or late afternoon provides even deeper stillness. 🔗 🔗

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes suitable for both temple grounds and potential hiking
• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers for autumn visits)
• Camera for photography (be mindful of restrictions)
• Small amount of cash for admission fee (¥300)
• Water bottle if planning to hike the Daibutsu trail

Cultural Etiquette:

• Behave calmly and respectfully as this is an active Zen temple
• Bow slightly when passing through gates
• Be considerate of priests, monks, and worshippers
• Speak quietly and avoid loud conversations
• Remove shoes when entering buildings (if permitted entry)
• Make offerings or prayers at designated areas if desired

Seasonal Highlights:

• Autumn Foliage (Late November - Early December): Jochiji is recognized as one of Kamakura's wonderful destinations for viewing fall foliage, alongside nearby Engakuji Temple. The best time to see the autumn leaves is late November to early December. 🔗 The temple's tranquil setting and minimal crowds make it ideal for photography and contemplation during peak foliage season.
• Plum Blossom Season (Late February - Mid-March): White plums, weeping plums, and wintersweet flowers create delicate beauty throughout the grounds. 🔗

Nearby Attractions:

• Engakuji Temple: Just a few hundred meters away on the opposite side of the railway tracks from Jochiji, Engakuji is ranked second among the Kamakura Gozan. Jochiji is a branch temple of Engakuji school. 🔗
• Tokeiji Temple: A short 5-minute walk from Engakuji, Tokeiji is also a branch temple of Engakuji and is known historically as the "Divorce Temple." All three temples can be visited in a single morning or afternoon. 🔗
• Meigetsuin Temple: Located in the same Kita-Kamakura area, this temple is famous for its hydrangeas in June and round windows that frame seasonal views. 🔗
• Hachinoki Restaurant: Near Kita-Kamakura station, this restaurant serves vegetarian Shojin Ryori meals, perfect for a contemplative lunch experience after temple visits. 🔗

Special Experiences: Kamakura Mind offers English-language Zen meditation experiences with the head priest of Jochiji Temple, including 40-minute guided meditation sessions followed by catered Shojin-Ryori (vegan temple cuisine) bento lunch. 🔗 🔗

Important Notes:

• All current buildings are post-1923 earthquake reconstructions; no original structures remain
• The temple maintains active religious functions—be respectful of any ceremonies or practices in progress
• The hiking trail behind the temple involves some elevation changes and uneven terrain—assess fitness level before attempting
• Autumn foliage timing can vary by 1-2 weeks depending on weather conditions; late November is generally most reliable
• The Well of Sweet Dew is no longer safe for drinking despite its historical significance
• Photography inside the main hall with the Buddha statues may be restricted—ask permission first

Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/kamakura/jochiji-temple.md