Learn the History of Jōchi-ji Through the Memorial for Hōjō Munemasa
Jōchi-ji is a Zen temple of the Engaku-ji branch of the Rinzai school, ranked fourth among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples, with grounds extending through a quiet valley in Kita-Kamakura.
Beyond the atmosphere of its moss-covered stone steps and bell gate, learning about the memorial rites of the Hōjō clan and the temple's history involving monks from China's Song dynasty reveals the meaning embodied in the forms of its halls and Buddhist statues.
Praying for Hōjō Munemasa Around 1281
When Hōjō Munemasa, the 3rd son of Hōjō Tokiyori, the 5th regent, died, the temple was founded around 1281 to pray for the repose of his soul.
Rather than describing the temple's beginnings only in terms of status, it is important to approach the main hall as a place born from memorial prayers mourning one person's death.
Monks from the Song Dynasty and the Growth of the Zen Monastery
Many monks from China's Song dynasty were involved during the temple's founding period. At its height, it had a complete seven-hall monastic complex and as many as 11 subtemples.
Although today's grounds are smaller than they once were, the Song-style designs preserved in the bell gate and main hall offer a glimpse of the period when Kamakura embraced Zen culture from overseas.
Fourth Rank Among the Five Great Zen Temples and a National Historic Site
Jōchi-ji holds the fourth rank among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples, and its green-covered grounds are designated a National Historic Site.
Instead of viewing each building in isolation, remember that the entire temple precinct—including the valley, mountain, cemetery, and yagura caves—is a place that conveys history.
| Historical clue | Significance | Where to see it on the grounds |
|---|---|---|
| Around 1281 | Memorial rites for Hōjō Munemasa | Main hall and Buddhas of the Three Ages |
| Monks from the Song dynasty | Exchange of Zen culture | Bell gate and Buddhist statues |
| Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples | Fourth-rank temple status | Entire temple grounds |
| National Historic Site | Valley and historic remains | Forest, yagura caves, and cemetery |
Walk from Kanro-no-I Well Up the Mossy Stone Steps to the Main Gate
A visit to Jōchi-ji begins with Kanro-no-I Well and the stone bridge before the main gate, followed by stone steps enclosed by trees.
With water, stone, moss, and the gate all close together, do not rush your arrival. Take time to experience the scenery shifting from the street into the valley of a Zen temple.
Kanro-no-I, One of Kamakura's Ten Wells
Kanro-no-I is one of Kamakura's Ten Wells and is traditionally said to hold sacred water as sweet as honey, with the blessing of immortality.
It is no longer used as drinking water, so do not confuse the sacred water of legend with water that is safe to drink.
Do Not Drink Directly from the Well
The well deeper within the grounds draws the same water as Kanro-no-I, but you must not drink directly from it.
Do not put your hands or objects into the water. Quietly observe the well's shape, stonework, and the valley's water environment from the path.
Look Up at the Hōsho Zaikin Plaque
The main gate displays the characters Hōsho Zaikin, said to have been written by Mugaku Sogen. They express the teaching that faith in the Buddha and continued practice bring peace of mind.
See the gate as more than a frame for photographs. Climb the stone steps while keeping in mind that treasure is not far away but close at hand, and your approach to worship will become more focused.
| Entrance feature | Meaning it conveys | What to respect |
|---|---|---|
| Kanro-no-I Well | Kamakura's water legend | Do not drink |
| Stone bridge | Boundary between the street and temple precinct | Do not block the path |
| Mossy stone steps | Humid valley environment | Watch your footing |
| Plaque on the main gate | Teaching of Hōsho Zaikin | Bow once before the gate |
Look Up at the Bell Gate's Katōmado Window and Temple Bell
Jōchi-ji's bell gate is a rare Chinese-style gate in Kamakura, combining a temple gate below with a bell tower above.
Rather than viewing only its front, follow the vertical arrangement of the passage on the 1st floor, the katōmado cusped window on the 2nd floor, and the temple bell to see how the gate serves several functions.
A Structure Combining Temple Gate and Bell Tower
The 1st floor is a temple gate for people to pass through, while the 2nd floor is a bell tower holding the bell, uniting a place of passage with a place that announces the time.
Do not stand in the center of the gate for a long photo session. Yield to worshippers approaching from both directions and step back slightly to study the proportions of the whole structure.
See Song-Dynasty Style in the Katōmado Window
The upper level has a katōmado window with a flower-shaped outline, and the bell gate is built in the Chinese style.
Comparing the window's curves with the straight lines of the roof and pillars makes it possible to see how a style transmitted from the Song dynasty was incorporated into the temple landscape.
Distinguish the Dates of the Rebuilt Gate and the Bell
The present bell gate was rebuilt in 2007, while the bell hanging on its upper level dates to 1649.
Do not assume the gate and bell are from the same period. See them as layers in which newer architecture protects an older ritual implement, and never touch the bell without permission.
See Past, Present, and Future in the Buddhas of the Three Ages at Donge-den Hall
Donge-den, the temple's main hall, enshrines wooden seated statues of the Buddhas of the Three Ages as its principal icons. They are designated Important Cultural Properties by Kanagawa Prefecture.
Rather than seeing the 3 statues as identical Buddhist images, carefully compare the distinctions among the tathagatas representing past, present, and future, along with the forms of their robes and hands.
Amida, Shaka, and Miroku in a Row
From left to right as you face them sit Amida Nyorai, Shaka Nyorai, and Miroku Nyorai, symbolizing the past, present, and future respectively.
With the time of the person praying here and now at the center, the arrangement connects memorial prayers for the past and wishes for the future within a single main hall.
Compare the Hand Gestures and Long Robes
The hand gestures differ slightly: Amida Nyorai forms the meditation mudra, Shaka Nyorai lowers his right hand, and Miroku Nyorai lowers his left hand.
The long robes hanging on both sides and the black floor tiles show Song-style features, so extend your gaze beyond the faces to the pedestals and floor.
The Teaching Embodied in the Name Donge-den
The name Donge-den comes from the udumbara flower, which is said to bloom only once every 3,000 years.
Knowing that the name expresses how precious it is to worship the Buddhas of the Three Ages, do not make photography your first priority inside the hall. Begin by placing your palms together and respecting the stillness before the Buddhas.
| Buddha of the Three Ages | Time symbolized | Visual clue |
|---|---|---|
| Amida Nyorai | Past | Meditation mudra |
| Shaka Nyorai | Present | Right hand lowered |
| Miroku Nyorai | Future | Left hand lowered |
Experience Layers of Time in the Shoin and Yagura Caves
Beyond the main hall, the thatched-roof shoin, yagura caves carved into Kamakura stone, and a cemetery surrounded by trees reveal layers of time different from those of the temple halls.
Stay on the visitor path and walk while distinguishing the respective roles of daily life, practice, and memorial prayer.
The Thatched-Roof Shoin and Its Seasonal Garden
The shoin is a thatched-roof building constructed in 1924, presenting different appearances from the front and garden sides.
Do not assume you may freely enter the building. Check the area open to visitors and view the roof, garden, and trees behind it as one continuous scene from outside.
Yagura Caves Carved into Kamakura Stone
Yagura are shrines carved into hills of soft Kamakura stone. They were used as places where monks practiced and as tombs for people of high status.
They are remains that make use of Kamakura's terrain, where flat land is scarce. Rather than treating them as curious caves, keep a respectful distance from these places of memorial prayer and practice.
Check Whether Cultural Properties Are on View
The nationally designated Important Cultural Property wooden seated statue of Jizō Bosatsu and the city-designated Important Cultural Property wooden standing statue of Idaten are kept at the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures.
Because cultural properties associated with the temple are not necessarily always displayed on the grounds, confirm the viewing location and exhibition status in advance.
Walk Deeper into the Grounds Toward Hotei and Tenchūhō
Deeper in the grounds, Hotei of the Kamakura-Enoshima Seven Lucky Gods is enshrined, and the temple precinct continues toward Tenchūhō on the Genjiyama Hiking Course.
As the route changes from flat temple halls to rocky mountain paths, choose a manageable extent based on your fitness and available time.
Hotei of the Kamakura-Enoshima Seven Lucky Gods
A stone statue of Hotei, said to be an incarnation of Miroku Bosatsu, is enshrined in a cave and attracts devotion for complete happiness and good fortune.
Do not treat his smiling figure as a photo prop. Wait until the person ahead has finished praying before approaching, and worship according to the local guidance.
The Name and Meaning of Tenchūhō
Tenchūhō is a hill named by the eminent monk Jikusen Bonsen, who came to Japan from the Yuan dynasty. The word tenchū means the moral principles that support the world.
Rather than hurrying toward the summit marker, first understand the meaning of this place, where the temple's teachings meet the mountain landscape, to add depth to your journey.
Prepare for the Hike Separately from the Temple Visit
To reach Tenchūhō, climb the Kuzuharaoka-Daibutsu Hiking Course from beside the temple grounds. Check your footwear, weather, sunset time, and trail conditions.
Temple opening information and mountain-trail safety can change under different conditions. If the route is closed or muddy, do not push on; turn back.
Summary: Walk Through Jōchi-ji's Buddhas of the Three Ages and Valley
Jōchi-ji is a Zen temple founded around 1281 to pray for Hōjō Munemasa. Within a single valley, it brings together its fourth-rank status among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples, Kanro-no-I Well, a Chinese-style bell gate, the Buddhas of the Three Ages representing past, present, and future, a thatched-roof shoin, yagura caves, Hotei, and the forest leading to Tenchūhō.
Do not drink from Kanro-no-I or the well deeper in the grounds. Place your palms together before anything else inside the halls, and stay within permitted areas at the cemetery and yagura caves—basic ways to respect both the historic site and its faith.
Look beyond the buildings and Buddhist statues to the water, stone, moss, and mountain paths, and you can feel how Song-style Zen culture became intertwined with Kita-Kamakura's terrain and was passed down through these tranquil grounds.
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