Overview
Shomyo-ji is a temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect located in Imaizumi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It bears the mountain name Konsen-zan and the cloister name Isshin-in, and its principal image is the raigo Amida triad. Locally it is affectionately known by the byname Imaizumi Fudo. Set in the wooded hills of Imaizumi a little apart from central Kamakura, it is a calm temple well suited to those who wish to worship quietly away from the crowds.
Highlights
- ●An old temple whose origins are said to reach back to 818 (9th year of Konin)
- ●A Jodo-sect temple enshrining the raigo Amida triad as its principal image
- ●A site of Fudo devotion beloved as Imaizumi Fudo
- ●Quiet grounds cradled in the wooded hills of Imaizumi, Kamakura
History
The origins of Shomyo-ji are ancient, said by tradition to date back to the 9th year of the Konin era (818) in the Heian period. Over long ages it has been handed down in Imaizumi as a Jodo-sect temple, and is said to have originally been a branch temple of Zojo-ji. As its byname Imaizumi Fudo suggests, it has also been linked to the faith in Fudo; for a detailed history, please confirm through on-site notices or official information.
Access
The temple is located in Imaizumi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It can be reached by bus and on foot from JR Ofuna Station or from the Kamakura area, though the way is somewhat winding as it lies deep in the wooded hills. The grounds are said to cover roughly 1,263 square meters; when visiting, it is reassuring to check the nearest bus stop and parking availability through official information.
Best season
Because of its setting embraced by wooded hills, the temple lets you feel the nature of each season up close. Early summer, when the fresh green is dazzling, and autumn, when the trees take on color, are especially pleasant seasons for a stroll. As the dates of Imaizumi Fudo festival days and events may change, it is wise to confirm before visiting.
Map
35.3432, 139.5661 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head to Imaizumi by bus and on foot from Ofuna Station or the Kamakura area
- 2Follow the wooded-hill path and worship at Shomyo-ji (Imaizumi Fudo)
- 3Slowly savor the stillness of grounds tied to its mountain and cloister names
- 4Return from Imaizumi to central Kamakura and enjoy temple visits and a town walk
Did you know?
💡 True to its byname Imaizumi Fudo, this temple has also been known for devotion to Fudo Myoo. In its mountain name Konsen-zan and cloister name Isshin-in, the character of a Jodo-sect temple enshrining the raigo Amida triad overlaps with a locally rooted faith in Fudo, and this blend is part of what makes Shomyo-ji distinctive.
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