Jomyo-ji Temple (浄明寺)
What is Jōmyō-ji Temple?｜History and Origins
Located in the eastern hills of Kamakura, Jōmyō-ji Temple is a Rinzai Zen temple affiliated with Kenchō-ji.
Founded in the late 12th century by Ashikaga Yoshikane, a samurai who served Minamoto no Yoritomo, Jōmyō-ji is deeply connected to the early Kamakura shogunate. Yoshikane was also the ancestor of the Ashikaga clan that later established the Muromachi shogunate.
The temple’s first head priest was Taikō Gyōyū, a revered monk who also served as a spiritual advisor to Minamoto no Sanetomo and Hōjō Masako. His wooden statue remains enshrined in the temple and is a designated National Important Cultural Property of Japan. Originally called Gokuraku-ji, the temple was later renamed Jōmyō-ji.
In the 14th century, during the Muromachi period, Jōmyō-ji became the family temple of the Kamakura Kubō (regional governors), and the grounds flourished with halls and residences. While many of these structures have not survived, the temple remains a peaceful oasis reflecting the quiet elegance of Zen tradition.
Highlights｜Dry Garden, Tea Room, and Sounds of Stillness
One of the main highlights of Jōmyō-ji is the Kisen-an (喜泉庵) tea room, paired with a stunning karesansui (dry landscape) garden.
Composed of white gravel and carefully placed stones, the garden evokes mountains and rivers in a style unique to Japan. Seasonal accents like blooming azaleas in May enhance the scene.
Inside the tea room, you can enjoy matcha green tea and wagashi (Japanese sweets) while sitting on the veranda overlooking the garden—a true Zen experience.
Nearby, a suikinkutsu (buried water harp) gently echoes the sound of water drops, creating a bell-like tone that deepens the sense of calm.
Spiritual & Cultural Significance
As one of the Kamakura Gozan (Five Great Zen Temples), Jōmyō-ji held a high spiritual and cultural rank during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. These temples were centers of training, cultural refinement, and philosophical reflection.
Jōmyō-ji is also the 9th stop on the Kamakura 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, drawing visitors seeking spiritual peace and connection with the bodhisattva of compassion.
Omamori, Goshuin & Legends
Visitors can receive a goshuin (calligraphy temple seal) at Jōmyō-ji—whether for the Kannon pilgrimage or as a keepsake of your journey through Zen Kamakura.
Don’t miss the small Kamatarisha shrine within the temple grounds. According to legend, Fujiwara no Kamatari, a powerful 7th-century statesman, buried a sacred kama-yari (curved spear) here after receiving a divine message in a dream. Some say this spot is linked to the origin of the name “Kamakura.”
Access & Morning Tips from Toshi’s Place
Jōmyō-ji is easily accessible by bus—about 10 minutes from Kamakura Station (East Exit). Get off at the “Jōmyōji” stop and walk just 2 minutes.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Admission: Tea room and garden require an entry fee
If you’re staying at Toshi’s Place, a kitchen-equipped self-catering smart hotel, you can make the most of your free mornings.
With no fixed breakfast time and easy check-in, Jōmyō-ji is perfect for a calm, early morning visit—whether on your first day or right before checkout.
Best Time to Visit｜Seasonal Recommendations
The best times to visit are:
- May for blooming satsuki azaleas in the dry garden
- November to early December for autumn foliage
Arriving right at opening (9:00 AM) ensures fewer visitors, allowing you to listen to birdsong, feel the breeze, and hear the suikinkutsu’s gentle tones—fully immersed in Zen.
Staying at Toshi’s Place gives you the flexibility to enjoy this without rushing.
Nearby Spots｜Temple-Hopping and Garden Cafés
Within walking distance from Jōmyō-ji, you’ll find:
- Hōkoku-ji (Bamboo Temple): Famous for its bamboo grove and tea house
- Sugimoto-dera: The oldest temple in Kamakura, known for its mossy stone steps
- Garden cafés and tea houses: Scenic places for lunch or sweets after a temple stroll
Inside the temple grounds, don’t miss the Stone Oven Garden Terrace, a Western-style restaurant and bakery designed by a Scottish garden artist. Enjoy fresh bread or afternoon tea while overlooking a serene European-style garden.
Who Should Visit?｜Recommended for Different Travelers
- Garden and nature lovers looking for peaceful beauty
- Visitors interested in Zen, matcha, and cultural rituals
- Travelers seeking quiet, off-the-beaten-path temples
- History enthusiasts exploring Kamakura’s samurai legacy
- Guests staying at Toshi’s Place who want a meaningful morning experience
Final Thoughts｜Why Jōmyō-ji is Worth a Quiet Morning Visit
Jōmyō-ji offers more than a glimpse into Zen Buddhism—it’s a place where tea, nature, architecture, and silence come together in harmony.
The dry garden, suikinkutsu, tea room, and seasonal beauty provide a unique, sensory experience of traditional Japan.
Staying at Toshi’s Place makes it easy to visit in the morning, avoid crowds, and enjoy a peaceful start to your day.
Whether you’re on a spiritual journey or simply seeking calm, Jōmyō-ji is one of Kamakura’s most rewarding hidden gems.