Sojiji Temple

Overview

Sojiji Temple was founded in 1282 (the 5th year of the Kōan era) during the early Kamakura period as a memorial temple for Shigetada Hōjō, the regent of the Kamakura Shogunate. Its founder was Eisai Jōkin Zenji, who studied Zen in Song Dynasty China and upon returning to Kamakura, nurtured many disciples and laid the foundation for the Soto Zen sect. Later, in 1598 (the 3rd year of the Keichō era), after the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, when Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Edo Shogunate, Sojiji Temple received tax-exempt land from Ieyasu. During the Edo period, it continued to flourish alongside the prosperity of the Soto Zen sect. In 1923 (the 12th year of the Taishō era), the Great Kantō Earthquake destroyed Sojiji Temple in Kamakura. It was subsequently relocated and rebuilt in its current location in Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama. Today, Sojiji Temple stands as a head temple of the Soto Zen sect, attracting numerous worshippers. With its magnificent temple buildings and lush gardens, it draws not only worshippers but many tourists as well. The grand temple buildings of Sojiji are particularly noteworthy, exhibiting an architectural style characteristic of Soto Zen temples, commanding an awe-inspiring presence. The temple gardens offer breathtakingly beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, verdant foliage in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter. Sojiji Temple also provides valuable opportunities to engage with Buddhist culture, such as zazen (seated meditation) and shakyo (copying sutras) experiences. Zazen allows one to calm the mind and reflect on oneself, while shakyo enhances concentration through the mindful copying of scriptures. Sojiji Temple is a tranquil place where history, culture, and nature harmoniously coexist. If you wish to experience Kamakura's history while refreshing your mind and body, be sure to visit Sojiji Temple.