About Shomyoji (Temple)

Shomyoji Temple is a historic Jodo sect temple located in Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is a tourist attraction characterized by its elegant garden and precincts decorated with cultural assets. The temple dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and was founded by Hojo Sanetoki, a military commander of the time. The temple attracted many worshippers from the Kamakura period to the Edo period, and many buildings and relics of high cultural and historical value remain. In particular, the beautiful garden centering on a pond is especially scenic, and its scenery, which changes with the seasons, captivates the hearts of visitors.

One of the main attractions of Shomyoji Temple is its beautiful garden, called the “Pure Land Garden. At the center of the spacious temple grounds is a large Amida Pond, and in the center of the pond is an island called “Naka-jima. Two bridges, a wooden sledge and a flat bridge, each gracefully spanning the pond, connect the island to the grounds. The two bridges were designed based on the aesthetics of a Japanese garden, and their reflections on the surface of the pond, the greenery of the trees surrounding the pond, and the autumn leaves are in perfect harmony, creating a scene that seems to depict the world of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

This Pure Land Garden shows its beauty in each of the four seasons. In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the area around the pond is tinted a pale pink. In summer, the grounds are green and fresh breezes blow through the grounds, and water lotuses float on the pond. In autumn, the leaves turn beautiful colors, especially in vivid contrast with the Anti-Bashi and Hira-bashi bridges. In winter, the surface of the pond is dignified and serene, and the addition of snow creates an even more magical atmosphere. No matter what season you visit, you can enjoy the beauty of each season and have a peaceful time strolling through the garden.

In addition to the garden, Shomyoji Temple has many historical buildings. The main hall, gate, bell tower, and other structures are all in the Edo period (1603-1867) or later style, and some of them are designated as Important Cultural Properties. The Buddhist statues enshrined in the main hall are particularly worth seeing, and are a valuable reminder of the teachings and history of the Jodo sect. As you stroll through the temple grounds, you will see wooden structures, stone pagodas, and Buddhist statues throughout that remind you of the era, each of which tells a story of the temple's long history.

Shomyoji Temple is characterized not only by its historical background but also by its beautiful landscape in harmony with the surrounding nature. Many trees have been planted in the precincts of the temple, creating pleasant shade. The Kanazawa Bunko (library) is located near the temple, which suggests that the temple and its surroundings flourished as a center of learning and culture during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Touring around the temple and its surrounding historical sites and immersing oneself in the atmosphere of the ancient times is a unique way to enjoy Shomyo-ji Temple.

Various traditional events and memorial services are also held at Shomyoji, the most famous of which is the Shomyoji Takigi Noh Play. This traditional Noh play is performed on a special stage set up by a pond, and is very solemn and mysterious as it is lit by a bonfire in the fantastic atmosphere from dusk to night. Takigi Noh is a valuable event that conveys the culture and art of ancient times to the present, and many tourists come to the temple for this performance.

Shomyoji Temple is located in a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle of Yokohama, and is a precious spot where visitors can experience good old Japanese history and nature in the city. Together with the beauty of the garden, the style of the temple, and the historical architecture, it is a healing place where visitors can spend a peaceful time. For those who want to take a break from everyday life and enjoy a moment of relaxation, a stroll through the gardens or a moment in the quiet precincts of Shomyoji Temple is highly recommended. As one of Yokohama's most popular tourist attractions, we invite you to experience the luxury of being in touch with history, nature, and culture.