Complete Guide to Jogyoji Temple (Kamakura, Kanagawa) | Attractions of the Fifth-Ranked Zen Temple in Kamakura’s Five Mountains and Matcha Experience at Kisen-an
Jogyoji Temple, located in the Jomyoji district of Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a venerable Zen temple with a history dating back to the founding of the Kamakura shogunate. Ranked fifth among the Five Mountains of Kamakura, it is known as a temple with deep connections to the Ashikaga clan. Within the temple grounds stands Kisen-an, which features a dry landscape garden, and many pilgrims and tourists cherish it as a healing spot where they can enjoy matcha tea while spending time in serene silence.
This article comprehensively introduces information you should know before visiting Jogyoji Temple, including its history, highlights, access information, and recommended nearby spots.
History and Heritage of Jogyoji Temple
Circumstances of Its Founding and Connections to the Ashikaga Clan
Jogyoji Temple, formally known as “Inari-san Jomyo Kori Zen Temple (稲荷山浄妙広利禅寺),” is a temple of the Rinzai sect affiliated with Kenchoji Temple. It was founded in 1188 (Bunji 4) with Ashikaga Yoshikane, a trusted retainer of Minamoto no Yoritomo, as the founding patron, and Taikō Gyōyū as the founding abbot.
Initially named “Gokuraku-ji,” it was a True Word sect temple, but when Geppō Ryōnen, a disciple of Lanxi Daolong (the founding abbot of Kenchoji), became the chief priest, it converted to the Rinzai sect and was renamed “Jogyoji Temple.” Flourishing as the Ashikaga clan’s family temple, at its peak it was a major temple complex with seven main halls and twenty-three subsidiary temples.
Status as the Fifth-Ranked Temple in Kamakura’s Five Mountains
The Five Mountains of Kamakura is a ranking system for Rinzai sect temples established from the Kamakura through Muromachi periods. Jogyoji Temple is ranked fifth. In order from first to fifth, the temples are Kenchoji, Engaku-ji, Jufuku-ji, Joji-ji, and Jogyoji.
This ranking was not merely an honorific title but demonstrated the degree of protection and economic support from the shogunate as well as cultural influence. Jogyoji’s place among the Five Mountains reflects its deep relationship with the powerful warrior clan of the Ashikaga and its central role in Zen Buddhist culture in Kamakura.
Changes Through the Ages and Its Present Appearance
After the Muromachi period, many temple buildings were lost due to warfare and fires, and the temple declined during the Edo period. The current main hall was built in the early Showa period, and while it lacks the appearance of the once-grand temple complex, it conveys a sense of formality and historical weight in its quiet presence.
The principal image is a seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, and the temple is also known as the ninth temple on the Kamakura Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage. The temple grounds are designated as a national historic site and are protected as valuable cultural heritage that preserves Kamakura’s history.
Highlights of Jogyoji Temple
Main Hall and Temple Grounds Scenery
The main hall of Jogyoji Temple is a wooden structure with a distinctive sturdy roof, presenting a simple yet dignified appearance characteristic of Zen temples. A spacious courtyard spreads before the main hall, welcoming visitors with the natural beauty of the four seasons.
The temple grounds, which show different faces with each season—cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, autumn leaves in fall—are popular photography spots. Particularly during the fall foliage season, trees colored in red and yellow adorn the main hall, allowing visitors to fully savor the atmosphere of ancient Kamakura.
Matcha Experience at Kisen-an
One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Jogyoji Temple is the matcha experience at the tea room “Kisen-an (喜泉庵)” within the temple grounds. Kisen-an features a well-maintained dry landscape garden whose beauty captivates all who visit.
Beauty of the Dry Landscape Garden
Kisen-an’s garden is a typical dry landscape garden composed of white sand and stone arrangements. This is a concentrated expression of Zen aesthetics, representing the flow of water and landscape scenery through stones and sand without using actual water. Particularly during the season of fresh greenery, the vibrant green of the trees surrounding the garden creates a striking contrast with the white sand.
The garden is carefully maintained at all times and presents different appearances with each season. It is worth visiting throughout the year for the cherry blossoms of spring, fresh greenery of early summer, autumn leaves, and snowy winter landscapes.
A Moment with Matcha and Japanese Sweets
At Kisen-an, you can enjoy authentic matcha while viewing the dry landscape garden. Matcha is available with dried sweets for 660 yen or with fresh sweets for 1,100 yen (prices may change).
Matcha enjoyed in this quiet space while gazing at the garden is a moment of bliss that makes one forget the hustle and bustle of daily life. The perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness in the matcha, combined with seasonal Japanese sweets, becomes a luxurious sensory experience.
The garden visible from the tea room window is like a painting, and one becomes so absorbed that time seems to stop. One’s mind naturally settles, and it is a precious experience where one can touch the spirit of Zen.
Grave of Ashikaga Sadaaji and Historic Remains
Within the temple grounds is the grave of Ashikaga Sadaaji, father of Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. This five-ring stone pagoda is a valuable cultural artifact conveying the stone sculpture arts of the Kamakura period.
Remnants of former subsidiary temples and stone piles that suggest the past arrangement of buildings also remain, making them interesting sights for history enthusiasts.
Kajiwara Sword-Washing Water
Near Jogyoji Temple is a historic site called “Kajiwara Sword-Washing Water (梶原太刀洗水).” This is a spring said to be where Kajiwara Kagetoki, a trusted retainer of Minamoto no Yoritomo, washed the blood from his sword after defeating Kazusa no Suke Hirotsugi.
As a place preserving the history of samurai from the Kamakura period, it is worth visiting along with Jogyoji Temple. It is only a few minutes’ walk from Jogyoji Temple and stands quietly in a peaceful residential neighborhood.
Basic Information (Hours and Access, etc.)
Visiting Hours and Admission
- Visiting hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (last entry around 4:00 PM)
- Admission: Adults 200 yen, elementary and middle school students 100 yen
- Kisen-an hours: 10:00 AM–4:15 PM (closed at 4:30 PM)
- Closed days: Irregular (closed December 28–January 3)
※Hours and fees may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.
Access Methods
By Train and Bus
From “Kamakura Station” on the JR Yokosuka Line and Enoshima Electric Railway
- By Bus (approximately 15 minutes)
- Board Keihan Kyuko Bus from bus platform 5 at the east exit bus terminal at Kamakura Station toward “Kanazawa-hakkei Station” or “Kamakura Reien Seimon-mae Tachiarai”
- Get off at “Jomyoji” bus stop, then walk about 2 minutes
- Or get off at “Jogyoji Temple” bus stop for immediate arrival
- On Foot (approximately 30 minutes)
- Head east on Kanazawa Street from the east exit of Kamakura Station
- Routes via Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine are available, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing along the way
- By Taxi (approximately 10 minutes)
- Approximately 1,500 yen from the taxi stand at the east exit of Kamakura Station
By Car
- From “Asahina IC” on the Yokohama-Yokosuka Expressway: Approximately 15 minutes
- Parking lot: Free parking available on temple grounds (approximately 20 spaces, may be full during busy periods)
Weekend and tourist season parking lots become congested, so using public transportation is recommended.
Address and Contact Information
- Address: 3-8-31 Jomyoji, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture 248-0003
- Phone: 0467-22-2818 (Jogyoji Temple) / 0467-22-8638 (Kisen-an)
Recommended Spots Around Jogyoji Temple
Hokoku-ji Temple (Bamboo Garden)
Hokoku-ji Temple, a distance of about 5 minutes’ walk from Jogyoji Temple, is a popular spot known as the “Bamboo Temple.” Approximately 2,000 Moso bamboo trees fill this enchanting bamboo grove that transports visitors to another world.
In the bamboo grove stands Kyukō-an, where you can enjoy matcha (600 yen) while experiencing the beauty of the bamboo grove. Visiting this temple along with Jogyoji Temple allows you to fully enjoy a tour of Kamakura’s Zen temples.
Kamakura-gū Shrine (Daitōnomiya)
Located about 15 minutes’ walk from Jogyoji Temple, Kamakura-gū Shrine enshrines Moriyoshi, the imperial prince of Emperor Go-Daigo. Though a relatively new shrine established by imperial order of Emperor Meiji, many historic sites related to Prince Moriyoshi remain on its grounds.
Known for its benefits in warding off evil, the wooden statue called “Migawari-sama” (substitute) is famous. For history enthusiasts, it is a valuable spot where one can sense the history from the end of the Kamakura period through the Northern and Southern Courts period.
Zuisen-ji Temple (Flower Temple)
About 20 minutes’ walk from Jogyoji Temple, further along Kanazawa Street, Zuisen-ji is a Rinzai sect temple founded by Musō Soseki. Its garden is said to have been designed by Musō Soseki himself and is designated as a national scenic beauty.
Also called the “Flower Temple” because flowers bloom throughout the four seasons, it is spectacular especially during the plum blossom, daffodil, cherry blossom, and autumn foliage seasons. Situated in a quiet mountain setting, it offers a calm time away from Kamakura’s bustle.
Ichijō Kaikoku Mountain Villa
Near Jogyoji Temple’s grounds stands Ichijō Kaikoku Mountain Villa, a mountain villa originally built by Ichijō Kaikoku, the ninth imperial prince of Emperor Go-Yōzei, in Kyoto and moved to Kamakura. The sukiya-style building and pond-circuit strolling garden are beautiful, offering a precious spot to experience Kyoto’s atmosphere in Kamakura.
Enjoy the cherry blossoms of spring, fresh greenery of early summer, and autumn foliage. Admission is 500 yen, and the garden can be freely explored.
Recommended Dining Around Jogyoji Temple
Ishigama Garden Terrace
“Ishigama Garden Terrace,” a restaurant on Jogyoji Temple’s grounds, is a popular restaurant serving Italian cuisine in a Western-style building. You can enjoy meals from the terrace while viewing the lush gardens, and pizzas and pastas baked in a stone oven are popular.
Lunch hours are often crowded, so reservations are recommended. It is an ideal spot for a leisurely meal after visiting the temple.
Kisen-an (Matcha and Japanese Sweets)
As mentioned previously, at Kisen-an within Jogyoji Temple grounds, you can enjoy authentic matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets. A cup of tea while viewing the garden will become a special memory of your Kamakura tour.
Nearby Cafes
Along Kanazawa Street, there are numerous cafes and bakeries set in renovated old houses. Many serve lunch using Kamakura vegetables and offer homemade sweets, making them ideal stops during your walk.
Tips for Visiting Jogyoji Temple
Recommended Visiting Seasons
Jogyoji Temple offers beautiful scenery throughout the year, but the following seasons are particularly recommended.
- Spring (late March–April): Cherry blossoms bloom, and the temple grounds are wrapped in a vibrant atmosphere
- Early Summer (May–June): The greenery is most beautiful at this time, with Kisen-an’s garden adorned in vivid green
- Autumn (mid-November–early December): Autumn leaves reach their peak, and the temple grounds painted in red and yellow are spectacular
- Winter (January–February): Fewer tourists allow for quiet, leisurely visits
Estimated Duration
Plan for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours for visiting Jogyoji Temple and enjoying matcha at Kisen-an. If you also plan to visit nearby Hokoku-ji and Kamakura-gū, allocate about half a day.
Clothing and What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes: While the temple grounds are paved, comfortable shoes are recommended for nearby exploration
- Season-appropriate clothing: Bring a hat or umbrella in summer for strong sun; bring warm clothing in winter
- Camera: For photographing beautiful gardens and buildings
- Goshuin (temple stamp) book: You can receive stamps from the Kamakura Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage
Etiquette and Notes
- Visit quietly and respectfully
- Photography is allowed in Kisen-an’s garden, but be considerate of other visitors
- Photography may be prohibited inside the main hall; follow the posted guidelines
- Pets are generally not allowed
Recommendation for the Five Mountains of Kamakura Tour
While Jogyoji Temple ranks fifth among Kamakura’s Five Mountains, visiting all four other temples together allows for a deeper understanding of Kamakura’s Zen Buddhist culture.
- Kenchoji (First): Japan’s first Zen-exclusive temple, magnificent temple complex layout
- Engaku-ji (Second): A noted temple representative of North Kamakura, national treasure Shari-den hall
- Jufuku-ji (Third): Temple associated with Minamoto no Sanetomo, beautiful approach
- Joji-ji (Fourth): One of the Kamakura Enoshima Seven Lucky Gods, enshrining Hotei
- Jogyoji (Fifth): Temple with Ashikaga clan connections, dry landscape garden of Kisen-an
While visiting all five mountains in a single day is difficult, taking several days to visit them leisurely allows you to experience the depth of Kamakura’s history and culture.
Conclusion
Jogyoji Temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a prestigious Zen temple ranked fifth among the Five Mountains of Kamakura and a venerable temple with history connected to the Ashikaga clan. At Kisen-an within the temple grounds, you can enjoy matcha while viewing a well-maintained dry landscape garden, spending quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
With its beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and autumn leaves in fall—Jogyoji Temple is a must-visit spot when touring Kamakura. The surrounding area is rich with attractions including Hokoku-ji, Kamakura-gū, and Zuisen-ji, making it an ideal area for leisurely day-long exploration.
Accessible by bus in about 15 minutes from Kamakura Station or by a 30-minute walk, Jogyoji Temple offers convenient access. On your next Kamakura tour, why not visit Jogyoji Temple and experience the spirit of Zen and the beauty of Japan?
