Did you know Shōmyōji Temple started as a Jibutudo? It was a hall where private Buddha statues and ancestor tablets were displayed. Hojo Sanetoki built it in the 13th century.
Shōmyōji Temple has a rich history. It is a Buddhist temple in Yokohama. The temple belongs to the Shingon school of Buddhism. Hojo Sanetoki was an authority. He served the Kamakura Shogunate. This temple was expanded by his son and grandson. They constructed a Shichido Garan. This Buddhist monastery had seven halls. It also featured a three-story pagoda.
Imagine Shōmyōji Temple 700 years ago. The temple had a layout. This layout is shown in “Shomyoji Ezu narabini Kekkai”. The drawing established in 1323.
After the Kamakura Shogunate, Kamakura became a big city. It needed rice and goods. Mutuura Harbor became the main port. Supplies went through Asahina Kiridoshi. The Kanazawa Hojo Clan founded Shōmyōji Temple. They wanted to rule Kanazawa.
Many halls and temples were lost. This happened after the Kanazawa Hojo Clan fell. Today, you can still see some structures at Shōmyōji Temple. There is the Red Gate. Visit the Temple Gate with Guarding Gods. See the Kondoh which is the Main Hall. A temple bell remains. A belfry still stands. The Shakado is the Shakamuni Buddha Hall. Explore the Jodo Teien which is the Pure Land Garden. Shōmyōji Temple precinct became a national cultural property in 1922.
The Niomon is the main gate of Shōmyōji Temple. It guards the pure land. Two Niozo guard the temple. It is said that visitors’ souls are purified here.
Kondoh is the main hall. The Honzon is the principal image. It is a standing statue of Miroku Bosatsu. This statue is a national cultural property. Wall paintings show Miroku Bosatsu in Pure Land. Shumidan and others are also designated properties.
Hojo Sanetoki donated the first bell. It commemorated his father’s death in 1269. Hojo Akitoki made the current bell in 1301. The bell weighs 375 kg.
The Jodo Teien represents the Buddhist Pure Land. The garden has Ajigaike Pond. Nakanoshima Island sits in the center. An arched bridge connects this world to the other. Higan is the Miroku Jodo pure land. Miroku Bosatsu lives there. The arched bridge connects this world to Nakanoshima Island. It represents hardships. Follow the teachings of the Buddha. You can enter Miroku Jodo by the flat bridge.
Today, Shōmyōji Temple attracts many tourists. People seek a peaceful stroll here. The gardens are good for a hike. Children can run around freely. Photographers love this place. Especially in spring when cherry blossoms bloom.
Entering Shōmyōji Temple is free. Visit the Kanazawa Bunko. It is the private library and museum beside the temple. The entrance fee is 250 yen. This museum houses arts, crafts, and books. Sanetoki and his family gathered these items.
Shōmyōji Temple is perfect for a quiet day with family. It’s worth a visit in Yokohama.