Jochi-ji Temple
浄智寺
The fourth of Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples, with mossy stone steps, a Chinese-style bell gate and a Hotei figure in a cave; the quietest Zen temple in North Kamakura.
Jōchi-ji was founded in 1283 and ranks fourth among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples. Its founding masters include the Southern Song monks who came to Japan, Gottan Fuju (Wu'an Puning) and Daikyū Shōnen. The moss-covered stone steps and pond at the entrance have an antique charm. The bell tower gate above is a rare two-storey gatehouse in the Chinese style. In a cave in the rear courtyard, the statue of Hotei (Budai) is considered one of Kamakura's Seven Lucky Gods, and visitors say that rubbing his belly brings good fortune. Admission is about ¥200, and there are far fewer visitors than at Engaku-ji or Kenchō-ji. It is about 8 minutes' walk from Kita-Kamakura Station. From here you can also join the Kuzuharaoka–Great Buddha hiking route to reach the Kamakura Great Buddha.
Opening hours
09:00–16:30
Nearby sights
- Tokei-ji Temple
- Engaku-ji Temple
- Meigetsu-in
- Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine
- Kencho-ji Temple
- Sasuke Inari Shrine
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
- Komachi-dori