Tower gate and stone statues (Photo: Tomoko Kamishima)

Zushi Jinmu-ji Temple

Former location of ascetic worship by mountain monks

Tomoko Kamishima   - 1 min read

Jinmu-ji Temple used to be a sacred place in this area for monks who practiced asceticism in the mountains. Although no official records exist, the temple's start is attributed to a famous monk, Gyoki (668-749), in 724. The first official record that describes this temple was when the 3rd Shogun of Kamakura visited it, and Ganden-ji in May 1209. The Showa Emperor also often worshiped here when he stayed at the Hayama Imperial Villa. The temple is deep in the forest, which creates a sacred feeling in the heart of the visitor. It’s a 20-minute walk from JR Higashi-zushi Station.

Tomoko Kamishima

Tomoko Kamishima @tomoko.kamishima

Japan is a small island nation, but we have a huge number of surprising things to discover here. Many of these delights can be found when you step off the main street onto small side paths. I really enjoy studying about and researching various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, and then sha...