Jul 10, 2013 - 1 min read

Zushi Jinmu-ji Temple

Former location of ascetic worship by mountain monks

By Tomoko Kamishima

Community writer

Tower gate and stone statues

Jinmu-ji Temple is deep in the forest

This narrow path was drilled through the rock in 1717

Six Jiso statues at sunset

Stone steps leading up toward the temple hall

The outer gate of the temple

Tower gate (built in 1761)

Yakushi-do Hall

Jizo-do Hall next to Yakushi-do Hall

The roof of the bell hall

Mountain path leading to Jinmu-ji Temple

Jinmu-ji Temple used to be a sacred place in this area for monks who practiced asceticism in the mountains. Although no official records exist, the temple's start is attributed to a famous monk, Gyoki (668-749), in 724. The first official record that describes this temple was when the 3rd Shogun of Kamakura visited it, and Ganden-ji in May 1209. The Showa Emperor also often worshiped here when he stayed at the Hayama Imperial Villa. The temple is deep in the forest, which creates a sacred feeling in the heart of the visitor. It’s a 20-minute walk from JR Higashi-zushi Station.

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Tomoko Kamishima

By Tomoko Kamishima

Community writer

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