Overview
Kentoji is a temple of the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai Zen school, located in Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Standing near the sea at the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula, it conveys the taut spirit characteristic of the Rinzai school, known for its koan-based meditation. Said to have been founded in 1628, it is a Zen temple that has recorded history since the early Edo period, lending a quiet grace to a seaside journey through Miura.
Highlights
- ●A Zen temple dating from the early Edo period, said to be founded in 1628
- ●The taut spirit characteristic of the Rinzai Myoshinji branch
- ●A location near the Misaki coast at the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula
- ●Quiet grounds to visit alongside the area's seaside attractions
History
Kentoji is a temple of the Rinzai Myoshinji branch, said to have been founded in 1628. The Rinzai school is a form of Zen brought to Japan by Eisai, and the Myoshinji branch in particular is a large lineage holding many sub-temples. Miura City is a seaside town at the tip of the Miura Peninsula that flourished during the Edo period as a fishing base sending fish to Edo. Kentoji is a Zen temple that has walked alongside this coastal way of life; its detailed history can be confirmed through on-site guidance or official information at the time of your visit.
Access
The temple is located in Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, near the Misaki coast at the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula. It is easy to visit together with Miura's seaside attractions such as Misaki Port and Jogashima. From the metropolitan area, access is generally by train and bus, or by car. Please confirm current transport options and visiting availability through official sources.
Best season
Coastal Miura is mild throughout the year; the season from spring to early summer, when flowers and greenery dazzle, and autumn, when sea and sky turn clear, are especially suited to a stroll. Winter is relatively warm too, letting you calmly enjoy a visit to the quiet Zen temple and a walk by the sea.
Map
35.1444, 139.6153 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Savor Miura's tuna and port-town mood at Misaki Port
- 2Head to Kentoji and pay a quiet visit to this Rinzai Zen temple
- 3Wander the grounds while reflecting on its 1628 founding
- 4Extend your trip to Miura's coastal sights such as Jogashima
Did you know?
💡 The Rinzai school is distinguished by meditation that uses the koan (a question-and-answer riddle) as a clue. When visiting Kentoji, said to date from 1628, take in the taut stillness unique to a Zen temple near the sea while reflecting on the layers of time since the early Edo period. Miura City has several temples, but Kentoji is a Zen temple of the Rinzai Myoshinji branch.
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