Jochiji Temple

Like Walking to a Remote Mountain Temple

Ranked fourth among Kamakura's Five Great Rinzai Temples, Jochiji Temple, a Rinzai, Engakuji Sect temple, was built to pray for the repose of the soul of Hojo Munemasa (1253-1281), son of Hojo Tokiyori. More than 200 monks attended the 13 th anniversary of the death of Hojo Sadatoki, the ninth regent, held here in1323. Jochiji Temple is one of the largest temples after the three great temples of Kenchoji, Engakuji and Jufukuji. The statues of Amida-nyorai, Shaka-nyorai and Mirokunyorai, which are known as the Sanzebutsu, and which represent the past, the present and the future, are listed as important prefectural cultural assets. The temple precinct is a national historic site. Kamakura's tallest Japanese umbrella-pine tree stands in the temple precinct. Hakuunboku (styrax bassia) trees can also be seen. The grave of novelist Tatsuhiko Shibusawa is located in the temple precinct.