Overview
Jojuin is a Buddhist temple in Sasage, Konan-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, belonging to the Takada branch of the Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) school. Its mountain name is Baikazan, meaning 「Plum Blossom Mountain」, an image that evokes the quiet, crisp air of early spring. Set a little away from the bustle of central Yokohama, it has long served as a neighborhood hall of nembutsu practice. Rather than a showy sightseeing spot, it suits travelers who wish to press their palms together in stillness at a temple of a relatively uncommon branch.
Highlights
- ●A quiet, dignified precinct whose 「Plum Blossom Mountain」 name evokes early-spring plums
- ●A temple of the relatively uncommon Takada branch, headed by Senshu-ji in Tochigi
- ●A calm nembutsu hall rooted in the Sasage neighborhood of Konan-ku, Yokohama
- ●A local place of prayer away from tourist crowds, ideal for a moment of stillness
History
Jojuin belongs to the Takada branch of Jodo Shinshu, a Pure Land lineage whose head temple is Senshu-ji in Tochigi Prefecture, carrying on the teachings of the priest Shinran. Because the facts on hand do not record firm dates for its founding, or the detailed history of the Baikazan mountain name and the Sasage district, please confirm the temple's origins through on-site signboards or official information. Supported by the faith of local people, it has kept the light of nembutsu burning to the present day.
Access
The temple stands in Sasage, Konan-ku, in southern Yokohama (around 35.39N, 139.60E). It is most easily reached by bus or taxi from stations on the Keikyu Line or the Yokohama Municipal Subway. As the surroundings are residential, check the exact route and parking availability with a map app or official information before you go.
Best season
The plum season alluded to in the temple's name, roughly January to March in early spring, fills the grounds with clear, gentle air and makes for a pleasant visit. Early summer greenery and the crisp skies of autumn are also quiet times to come. Prepare for heat in midsummer and cold in winter.
Map
35.3888, 139.5981 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head to the Sasage area by bus or taxi from the nearest station, arriving at Jojuin amid the residential streets
- 2Pass through the temple gate and offer prayers in the still grounds worthy of the Plum Blossom name
- 3Read the on-site signboards to learn about the temple's origins and the Takada teachings
- 4Stroll the surrounding Konan-ku and enjoy the calm townscape of southern Yokohama before departing
Did you know?
💡 The mountain name 「Baikazan (Plum Blossom Mountain)」 is thought to refer to the plum, which blooms early while the cold still lingers, long cherished as a symbol of patience and purity. Notably, the Takada branch of Jodo Shinshu places its head temple at Senshu-ji in Tochigi rather than in the more famous Pure Land centers, and Jojuin is a Yokohama temple of that tradition.
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