Overview
Kōsoku-ji is a temple of the Ji sect (Jishū) in Jūniso, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, with the mountain name Iwakura-zan and the cloister name Chōshun-in. Its principal image is an Amida triad whose central Amida Nyorai is celebrated as the Hōyaki Amida (the cheek-scorched Amida), an Important Cultural Property. As stop No. 7 of the 33 Kannon Sites of Kamakura and No. 5 of the 24 Jizō Sites, it is a quiet pilgrimage temple nestled in a valley in eastern Kamakura.
Highlights
- ●The Important Cultural Property Amida Nyorai, the Hōyaki Amida
- ●A Ji-sect temple said to date from 1278 (Kōan 1)
- ●Stop No. 7 of the 33 Kannon and No. 5 of the 24 Jizō of Kamakura
- ●The hip-roofed main hall amid the quiet valley of Jūniso
History
The temple is said to have been founded in 1278 (Kōan 1), with Sakua Shōnin as founding priest and Ippen Shōnin, patriarch of the Ji sect, honored as founding patron. The Ji sect is a Pure Land lineage known for its dancing nenbutsu, and Kōsoku-ji is a branch temple of Shōjōkō-ji (Yugyō-ji) in Fujisawa. Its principal Amida image is famous for the legend of the Hōyaki Amida, said to have taken a branding on its cheek in place of a falsely accused person, and it is designated a national Important Cultural Property. The main hall, built in the hip-roof style, still conveys the pilgrimage devotion of this district.
Access
The temple is located in the Jūniso and Asaina area of Kamakura City. The usual approach is by bus from Kamakura Station toward Kanazawa-Hakkei or Kamakura Cemetery, alighting near a Jūniso stop and walking the rest of the way. The affiliated Junisho Shrine is nearby, and a visit pairs well with a hike to the Asaina Pass. Confirm bus frequency and whether the temple is open to visitors through official information.
Best season
The lush greenery of early summer and the colored foliage of autumn suit a quiet pilgrimage. Visiting as part of the Kamakura 33 Kannon and 24 Jizō pilgrimage rounds is rewarding, and a weekday morning away from the crowds allows for calm worship.
Map
35.3202, 139.5810 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Take a bus from Kamakura Station toward the Jūniso area
- 2Visit Kōsoku-ji to see the main hall and hear the Hōyaki Amida legend
- 3Stop by the nearby Junisho Shrine as well
- 4Continue to a hike over the Asaina Pass or the Kamakura pilgrimage circuit
Did you know?
💡 The name Hōyaki Amida comes from a legend that the image received a branding on its cheek in someone's place. Serving as a stop on both the 33 Kannon (No. 7) and 24 Jizō (No. 5) pilgrimage circuits, it is well loved by pilgrims.
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