learn/[id]

SEASONAL

3 min read

金

SEASONAL

Hakkeijima Ryujin Shrine and Kanazawa Hojo Heritage: A Day in Yokohama's Historic Bay

The Ryujin Shrine on Hakkeijima has drawn the faith of fishermen since ancient times and was immortalized in Hiroshige's Eight Views of Kanazawa. Now within Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, this ancient shrine pairs beautifully with the Hojo Sanetoki heritage of Shomyoji and Kanazawa Bunko for a rich one-day journey.

Contents

MOKUJI

Hakkeijima Ryujin Shrine

›

Hojo Sanetoki's Kanazawa

›

One-Day Route

›

FAQ

›

The Ryujin Shrine on Hakkeijima island has anchored the faith of Kanazawa’s fishing communities for centuries, sitting quietly inside what is now Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

Hakkeijima Ryujin Shrine

Hakkeijima Jinja enshrines a dragon deity worshipped by local fishermen for maritime safety. When Sea Paradise opened in 1993 the shrine remained in place — an ancient prayer ground coexisting with roller coasters and Ferris wheels. Visit early in the morning (8:00–9:00) when the island is quiet and the sea light is at its most beautiful. Hakkeijima is part of the celebrated Kanazawa Hakkei scenic zone immortalized in Utagawa Hiroshige’s woodblock print series.

Hojo Sanetoki’s Kanazawa

Shomyoji Temple was developed by Hojo Sanetoki (great-grandson of Tokimasa) and features a stunning Pure Land garden with an arched red bridge. The reflection on still water is one of Yokohama’s most beautiful sights. Best on a weekday morning in May (fresh greenery) or late November (autumn foliage). Directly adjacent is Kanazawa Bunko, a prefectural museum housed in Japan’s earliest private samurai library, open 9:00–16:30, closed Mondays, admission ¥250.

One-Day Route

Take the Seaside Line to Hakkeijima Station (about 30 minutes from Yokohama via Keikyu). Begin at 8 AM with the Ryujin Shrine, then Shomyoji and Kanazawa Bunko, lunch near Kanazawa Fishing Port, and explore Yakuoji and Hojuin in the afternoon.

FAQ

Can I visit the shrine without a Sea Paradise ticket? In many cases yes; confirm current access arrangements before visiting. Is Shomyoji free? Main grounds free; Kanazawa Bunko ¥250 for adults.

Last updated: May 22, 2026

Shomyoji Temple — the jewel of Kanazawa, with its Pure Land garden and graceful arched bridge laid out by Hojo Sanetoki

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu — the Kamakura shogunate center connected to the Kanazawa Hojo legacy

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

Engakuji — the Zen temple built by Hojo Tokimune to memorialize those lost in the Mongol invasions

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

Kenchoji — the first-ranked Zen monastery of the Kamakura Five, founded by Hojo Tokiyori

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

Hasedera — a popular Kamakura pilgrimage site with views of Sagami Bay

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

── END ──