Eisho-ji Temple is Kamakura's only nunnery, located in Ogi-ga-ya, Kamakura City. It was founded by "O-katsu-no-kata" (later known as Eishoin), a concubine of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, on land believed to be the former site of the residence of Ota Dokan, ancestor of the Mito Tokugawa family. The temple flourished under the protection of the Mito Tokugawa clan. In the past, the inner grounds featured a grand mansion, guard posts, and officials' residences, resembling a samurai residence. Even today, you can see the three-leaf hollyhock crest on the temple buildings.
The temple grounds boast several nationally important cultural properties, including the Butsuden (main hall), Sanmon (gate), Shoro (bell tower), Shido (shrine building), and Karamon (gate of the shrine building). These buildings remain as they were originally constructed, serving as invaluable cultural assets showcasing the architectural styles and techniques of that era. Eisho-ji also features a beautiful garden where flowers bloom throughout the year. Enjoy camellias and wisteria in spring, hydrangeas and balloon flowers in summer, spider lilies and autumn leaves in autumn, and daffodils and plum blossoms in winter.
Eisho-ji offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Be sure to visit Eisho-ji Temple during your trip to Kamakura.
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