Jomyoji

神奈川県

Kamakura's Fifth Great Zen Temple — founded by Ashikaga Yoshikane, where Zen meets matcha

Founded

1188

Type

Temple

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3-8-31 Jomyoji, Kamakura, Kanagawa

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Info

Temple

Founded 1188

838 years

Founder

Ashikaga Yoshikane (founder abbot: Taiko Gyoyu)

Overview

Jomyoji is the fifth-ranked temple among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura, a Rinzai Kenchoji school temple founded in 1188 by Ashikaga Yoshikane. Originally a Shingon temple called Gokurakuji, it was converted to Rinzai Zen and renamed Jomyoji. The serene garden, the teahouse Kisenan, and the Stone-Oven Garden Terrace make it a uniquely cultured destination in Kamakura.

Origins

Founded in 1188 by Ashikaga Yoshikane, who invited Taiko Gyoyu as founding abbot under the name Gokurakuji — initially a Shingon temple. During the Kencho era, Ashikaga Tadayoshi revived it and invited Geppho Ryonen (a dharma heir of Rankei Doryu) to convert it to Rinzai Zen, renaming it Jomyoji. Un…

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Festivals & Events
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3月

Jomyoji Spring Equinox Ceremony

Spring equinox memorial ceremony at Jomyoji, fifth of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura. Memorial rites for ancestors are held in the quiet precincts surrounded by bamboo. In spring, the temple garden with its English-style garden also offers plum and early cherry blossoms.

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Enoshima Benzaiten: Visiting One of Japan's Three Great Benzaiten Shrines

Enoshima Jinja on Enoshima Island enshrines one of Japan's three great Benzaiten deities. This guide covers the pilgrimage route through the island's three shrines, the sea caves, and the lighthouse observation deck, with seasonal highlights.

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Kawasaki Daishi New Year Visit: Etiquette and Local Specialties

Kawasaki Daishi ranks among Japan's top New Year pilgrimage sites. Learn proper etiquette for this Shingon temple, plus tips for enjoying the famous kuzu-mochi and tontoko candy without getting lost in the crowd.

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Kamakura Gozan Complete Guide: How to Visit All Five Zen Temples of Samurai Culture

A comprehensive guide to all five Kamakura Gozan Zen temples — Kenchoji, Engakuji, Jufukuji, Jochiji, and Jomyoji — with history, highlights, admission fees, and access. Also explains the influence of Zen culture (ink painting, Chinese poetry, kencho-jiru soup) on the samurai world.

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Posts

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Danila Galperovich

2026/7/16

Beautiful Zen temple with tea serving, very calm and hospitable

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Visiting Information

Hours

9:00 AM–4:30 PM. The on-site tea room 'Kisen-an' is open 10:00 AM–4:30 PM (last order 4:15 PM).

Admission

Admission: adults (junior high age and up) ¥200, elementary school ¥100 (free for disability certificate holders). Tea service at Kisen-an is a separate charge (e.g., ¥600 for matcha with a dry sweet).

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

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