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.

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Takako Sakamoto

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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Veronika Tomanova

Veronika Tomanova 9 years ago

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

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Veronika Tomanova

Veronika Tomanova 9 years ago

Aha, cool! Thanks for info!

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