Jomyo-ji（浄妙寺）
A Zen Retreat with Ashikaga Legacy and Garden Tranquility
Tucked into the eastern hills of Kamakura, Jōmyō-ji stands as the fifth temple of the Kamakura Gozan, the Five Great Zen Temples. Founded in 1188 by Ashikaga Yoshikane, a samurai who served Minamoto no Yoritomo, the temple began as a Mikkyō (esoteric Buddhism) temple named Gokuraku-ji. Later, under the guidance of head priest Geppō Ryōnen, it transitioned to the Rinzai Zen sect and adopted its current name.
During the Muromachi period, Jōmyō-ji flourished as the family temple of the Ashikaga clan, the ruling shogunate of the era. At its peak, the temple complex encompassed seven buildings and several pagodas. Although many structures were lost to fires over the centuries, the main hall, reception hall, main gate, and warehouse remain, preserving the temple’s historical essence.
A highlight of Jōmyō-ji is the Kisen-an teahouse, restored in 1991. Here, visitors can savor a bowl of matcha accompanied by traditional wagashi while overlooking a meticulously maintained dry landscape garden. The teahouse offers both tatami seating and tables, accommodating various preferences.
Beyond the teahouse, the temple grounds feature an English-style garden and a Western-style restaurant, providing a unique blend of Japanese and Western cultural experiences. The serene environment, combined with the temple’s rich history, makes Jōmyō-ji a perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility and a deeper understanding of Japan’s Zen heritage.
Read more in our eBook!
Jōmyō-ji Garden Guide
This eBook introduces Jōmyō-ji, a historic Zen temple in Kamakura. Founded in 1188, it features the Kisen-an teahouse, a tranquil dry landscape garden, and a unique English-style garden.
Perfect for history enthusiasts, garden lovers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in Kamakura.
Learn more before your visit—or revisit from home.
Gallery
Directions
How to get to the garden
Take the bus 鎌23 from the Kamakura main station. After 6 stops (about 8 min), get off at the bus stop Jōmyō-ji (浄明寺). From the bus stop, walk up the next street on the left side until reaching the gate of Jōmyō-ji.
Address
- EN: 8-31, Jomyoji 3-chome, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0003
- JP: 〒248-0003 神奈川県鎌倉市浄明寺３丁目８−３１
Opening times
- 9:00 – 16:30
Admission fee
- Adults: 100 yen
- Children: 50 yen
- Tea with dry sweets: 660 yen
- Tea with fresh sweets: 1100 yen
Facilities & Accessibility
- Restaurant: Garden Terrace 10:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Mondays and Year's End, entry through the temple.)
- Tea House: Kisen-an 10:00 – 16:30 (last entry: 16:00)
- NICO GARDEN SHOP
- The temple is not barrier-free.
Best time to visit
- March for plums in the approach area.
- May for azaleas in the dry landscape garden behind the tea house.
- Summer for flowers at the Garden Terrace Restaurant.
- Late November - early December for autumn colors.
No Comments on “Jomyo-ji（浄妙寺）”
The comment section is closed.