Jimmuji

神奈川県

An ancient mountain temple founded by Gyoki in 724 — where both Yoritomo and Sanetomo made pilgrimage to the Medicine Buddha

Founded

724

Type

Temple

Visited

Want to go

Access

20 min walk from JR Higashi-Zushi Station

2-1402 Numama, Zushi

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Info

Temple

Founded 724

1302 years

Enshrined Deity

Overview

An ancient Tendai temple founded in 724 by Gyoki on the order of Emperor Shomu. Nestled in the forested hills between Zushi and Yokosuka, it retains a deep mountain-temple atmosphere rare in the Kanto region. The Azuma Kagami records that Yoritomo visited to pray for Masako's safe childbirth, and Sanetomo also made a pilgrimage here. The main hall enshrines a Medicine Buddha Triad.

Origins

Founded in 724 by Gyoki under Emperor Shomu's decree. Revived by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi) in the Heian period as a Tendai esoteric training center. The Azuma Kagami records Yoritomo's visit to pray for Masako's safe childbirth and Sanetomo's pilgrimage in 1209. The mountainous setting between Zushi and…

Divine Benefits

Healing & Longevity

Warding Off Evil

Long Life

Recovery from illness, bodily wellness, peace of mind. Especially efficacious at Yakushi and Kannon temples.

Derived from the enshrined deity "薬師三尊"

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Related Articles
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Jimmuji Temple and Masako Hojo: The Ancient Zushi Temple Where Yoritomo Prayed

Deep in the mountains of Zushi, Jimmuji Temple is a historic Tendai Buddhist site recorded in the Azuma Kagami as the place where Minamoto no Yoritomo prayed for his wife Masako Hojo's safe delivery. Founded by Gyoki, its healing Yakushi Nyorai draws pilgrims through the rugged trails of Mt. Takatori to this day.

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Related Figures
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Hojo Masako

Nun Shogun

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Yoritomo visited Jimmuji to pray for Masako's safe childbirth, as recorded in the Azuma Kagami. The temple thus holds a direct connection to Masako as a place where prayers were offered for her and her unborn child. This pilgrimage underscores how deeply Yoritomo cared for Masako's well-being and how important this mountain temple was to the Kamakura power couple.

Minamoto no Yoritomo

First Shogun of Kamakura

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Yoritomo personally visited Jimmuji to pray for the safe delivery of Masako's child. The Azuma Kagami chronicles this pilgrimage, showing that Yoritomo entrusted the divine protection of his family to this ancient mountain temple's Medicine Buddha.

Minamoto no Sanetomo

3rd Kamakura Shogun and Waka Poet

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According to the Azuma Kagami, Sanetomo visited Jimmuji in 1209, also visiting Iwadono-ji on the same trip. As a poet-shogun who appreciated both martial and literary arts, Sanetomo's pilgrimage to this ancient mountain temple reflects his devotion to Buddhist practice.

Posts

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あきとと様

2026/3/28

神武寺駅から鷹取山ハイキングコースを選び訪問。週末はハイキング客で賑わうと書いてあったが、神武寺駅から神武寺を目指すルートでは誰ともすれ違いすらしなかった。道のりは険しく、寺周辺には野生のリスが沢山。歴史のある神社と今更知ったので、もっと有り難がるべきであった。北条政子が妊娠した時、神馬を奉納したとか。お馬さんも、山登りしたんかなとか、、とにかく、険しいので、追浜ルートがオススメです。

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Visiting Information

Hours

No specific hours for grounds (mountain trail). Special viewing inside main hall requires reservation.

Admission

Free to visit grounds. Special viewing inside main hall ¥500 (reservation required).

As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.

Related Spots

Gandenji (Zushi)

Temple Sanetomo visited together with Gandenji in 1209

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