Kamakura's Myohonji Temple

Where legends begin

Steve Morton Oct 01, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>A different dragon with Soshido hall in the background</p>

<p>Although there is an official front entrance, I entered this temple from the “back” descending via a pathway which connects this temple to the Gionyama Hiking Course. This large roof was my first sight of this impressive complex</p>

<p>Soshido Hall or otherwise known as the founding priest's hall is the center piece of Myohonji</p>

<p>A rear view of the bright and colorful Nitemon gate</p>

<p>The first of many dragons that will greet you!</p>

<p>At the opposite end is yet another dragon with the colorful Nitemon gate in the background</p>

<p>When approaching Soshido Hall you will notice many impressive carvings along the roof</p>

<p>Known as Ichimen's Sodezuka or `sleeve tomb`, this is the site where the six year old boy named Ichiman of the Hiki clan was assassinated by the rival Hojo clan. Despite his young age, he was in a strong position to succeed the ailing shogun, something which the Hojo Clan could not allow!</p>

<p>A side of view of Soshido Hall's back area</p>

<p>Within the roof lurks another dragon</p>

<p>A statue of Nichiren, the founder of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism</p>

<p>A colorful bell tower perched on top of a hill</p>

<p>Looking out towards Soshido Hall from inside Nittemon Gate</p>

<p>A final look at one of several colorful dragon carvings found on Nittemon Gate</p>

Legend has it that one of the emperors servant's (Hiki Yoshimoto, 1222-1282), when returning to Kamakura was so impressed by a monk's street sermon that he asked to become his disciple.

Acting on advice from his new “teacher”, Yoshimoto decided to build a temple to console the spirits of his family who were violently assassinated many years previously during a feudal dispute.

This monk was called Nichiren who later became famous for establishing the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. As for Yoshimoto, hopefully this tranquil temple provided him with enough peace and comfort as it did for me when I visited here.

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Steve Morton @steve.morton138

Yokohama based content creator, editor, and researcher. Steven likes, eating, reading and traveling on a streamlined budget guaranteed to make any self-respecting local gulp. When not too busy with work assignments, Steven attempts to not get lost while following Japanese tourist maps.Follow me o...