Jomyoji temple [浄妙寺]
Entrance gate of Jomyoji
Main temple of Jomyoji
Jomyoji, Photo by nyanchew
Jomyoji is a temple of Rinzai Buddhism which is one of the Zen Buddhism.
It is located about 1.5 km east of Tsurugaoka Hachiman shrine.
Both "o" in the word "Jomyoji" are pronounced long, so it is read as "Jômyôji" in Japanese.
It is said that the temple was established in 1188.
Later, it became one of five important temples in Kamakura and there were 23 sub-temples around this temple.
In the 15th century, the temple had fallen into ruin by fire.
The main temple was rebuilt in 1756.
The roof is covered with copper plates and the color is light green.
Site of Jomyoji
Japanese garden of Kisen-an in Jomyoji
By the main temple, there is a Japanese tea house Kisen-an.
It was originally built in the late 16th century, and current building was restored.
It is used as a Japanese cafe, and you can enjoy the Japanese tea (Green tea).
And there is a Western-style restaurant Ishigama Garden Terrace.
It is a popular restaurant, but it is very unique that such restaurant is in the site of ancient Buddhist temple.
How to get here
By route bus, 8 minutes from JR Kamakura station (East exit) to Jomyoji stop.
From there, 100 meters walk.
