Mar 26, 2015 - 1 min read

Jojuin Temple, Kamakura

Kobo-daishi recited a mantra 1,000,000 times here!

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Front view of Jojuin Temple's main hall with manicured Japanese garden in the foreground

Bronze statue of Kobo-daishi (Kukai) standing on the temple grounds

Looking up at the main gate of Jojuin Temple in Kamakura

Fierce-looking bronze dragon at the water purification basin

History of Jojuin written on a wooden board at the entrance

Jojuin's main hall. Beautiful golden letter says, 'Jojuin'

I wonder if this is a small plum tree? What an artistic curve!

I found a funny statue here. It's called 'Nade-kaeru', meaning, 'petting frog'. Probably, if you pet this frog's head you will have good luck!

The memorial pavilion of Prince Shotoku commemorating the1,300-year anniversary of his demise

The sign indicating that this Japanese umbrella pine (Koya-maki) in the background was planted by Prince Hisahito, the future emperor of Japan.

The face of Kobo-daishi (Kukai)'s statue in black & white

A door to the successful future?

Closer look at the fierce dragon

After visiting Gokurakuji Temple in Kamakura in late February, I headed toward Jojuin Temple, which is located just a stone's throw away from Gokurakuji. I just happened to visit these two temples (a cab driver dropped me off there), but it turned out that I visited Gokuraku (heaven) and a place of Joju (success/accomplishment) in one day by sheer chance. This should mean I'll be VERY lucky this year, shouldn't it? Anyway, established in 1219, Jojuin is a prestigious temple where Kobo-daishi (Kukai) once trained himself for 100 days reciting a Buddhist mantra 1,000,000 times. The principal image of this temple is Fudo Myo-o, which is said to ensure successful love relationships. For further information please read this article on Japan Travel.

Was this article helpful?

Help us improve the site

Give Feedback

Takako Sakamoto

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Following Follow

Veronika Tomanova

Veronika Tomanova 10 years ago

Is it difficult to get to? Or why did you go with taxi? Thanks.

Reply Show all 2 replies

Veronika Tomanova

Veronika Tomanova 10 years ago

Aha, cool! Thanks for info!

Reply

3 comments in total

Thank you for your support!

Your feedback has been sent.