Kamakura's Myoo-in Temple

Pleasant things in quiet places

Steve Morton Jul 01, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>When approaching the back of this temple you can see its garden has been partially built into the side of a cliff face, a feature common with many buildings in Kamakura</p>

<p>From Kamakura Station it’s either a 40 minute walk or you can catch any bus numbered 23, 24 or 36 to Sensuibashi bus stop and follow the signs for this temple</p>

<p>About five minutes’ walk from the main road you will see the front entrance</p>

<p>Myoo-in Temple's peaceful courtyard</p>

<p>A colorful sight! On this occasion I was lucky enough to see this Camellia in bloom within the temple's courtyard</p>

<p>The priest's residential quarters overlooked by a large hill</p>

<p>Although Myoo-in is essentially a private temple, the courtyard and garden are open to visitors</p>

<p>A statue of 'Fudo-Myo'. This scary looking figure is one of the five great Buddhist guardian deities. Interestingly, this temple is one of the few places throughout Japan where this deity is enshrined as the main object of worship</p>

<p>This distinctive thatched roof was built in the 17th century</p>

<p>Some flowers in bloom, with 'Fudo-Myo' in the background</p>

<p>A side view of this temple's courtyard</p>

<p>Located next to this temple is a small alleyway and trailhead for the Tenen Hiking Course where it is possible to get one last look at the courtyard and garden</p>

If not for the fact that this small but pleasant temple isn`t located next to the trailhead for the southernmost point of the popular Tenen Hiking Course, the chances are I would never have come here.

Despite its modest appearance, Myoo-in Temple used to be one of Kamakura`s greatest religious institutions, even comparable to the famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Founded in 1235 by the fourth Shogun Yoritsume Kujo, Myoo-in Temple`s peaceful courtyard and picturesque garden, (built into the side of a large hill), provide some much needed respite before moving onto your next destination

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...