Zuisen-ji Temple
瑞泉寺
The “Flower Temple” in a valley in northeast Kamakura, where the rock garden designed by Musō Soseki is one of the few surviving Zen gardens from the Kamakura period in Japan.
Zuisen-ji was founded in 1327 by the Zen monk Musō Soseki. It is tucked away in the Kinbu Valley in the northeast corner of Kamakura, so it sees fewer visitors. Behind the main hall, a rock garden uses the natural cliff to form ponds and caves. It is Musō Soseki's representative work and is designated a nationally recognised scenic site. In winter, daffodils, winter jasmine and early plum blossoms bloom first, which is why it is called the “Flower Temple.” Autumn foliage is also beautiful. Admission is about ¥200. From the east exit of Kamakura Station, take a bus to the “Daitōgū” stop and walk about 15 minutes. It can be combined with Kamakura-gū and Hōkoku-ji to form an eastern temple route.
Opening hours
9:00 am–5:00 pm (Oct–Mar until 4:30 pm)
Nearby sights
- Kamakura-gu Shrine
- Hokoku-ji Temple (Bamboo Temple)
- Kamakura Museum of National Treasures
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
- Kencho-ji Temple
- Komachi-dori
- Meigetsu-in
- Jochi-ji Temple