Attached to Komyo-ji Temple, this grave took me by surprise. It looks so different than any grave I have ever seen here in Japan. Although it is closed to the public, it is very easy to see in over the low fence surrounding it. A sign posted in front explains that the temple was the family temple for the Naitos, a feudal lord in Miyazaki Prefecture in the latter half of the Edo Period (1603-1868). They were powerful and whenever a family member died, elaborate funerals were held. The grave now seems to have fallen into neglect.
- 1 min read
The Naito Family Grave in Kamakura
Unique and Neglected Cemetery of Powerful Feudal Lord
![Larry Knipfing Larry Knipfing](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/24/240x240!/565e87e167ba810c868b6ba0.jpg)
Community writer
![The statues and gravestones are all mixed together here.](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1699-9663/1000/kanagawa-the-naito-family-grave-in-kamakura-9663.jpg)
The statues and gravestones are all mixed together here.
![The Naito Family grave is nestled into a residential area.](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1699-9656/1000/kanagawa-the-naito-family-grave-in-kamakura-9656.jpg)
The Naito Family grave is nestled into a residential area.
![I have never seen gravestone that look like these do.](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1699-9655/1000/kanagawa-the-naito-family-grave-in-kamakura-9655.jpg)
I have never seen gravestone that look like these do.
![The contrast of black on green is quite beautiful.](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1699-9660/1000/kanagawa-the-naito-family-grave-in-kamakura-9660.jpg)
The contrast of black on green is quite beautiful.
![Within the walls here are 40 Hokyo-into, 1Gorinto, 13 other monuments, 4 Buddha statues, 118 garden lanterns, 17 washbasins and 9 Jizo statues.](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1699-9662/1000/kanagawa-the-naito-family-grave-in-kamakura-9662.jpg)
Within the walls here are 40 Hokyo-into, 1Gorinto, 13 other monuments, 4 Buddha statues, 118 garden lanterns, 17 washbasins and 9 Jizo statues.
![Those stone structures were erected during the 250-year period from 1634 through 1888.](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1699-9657/1000/kanagawa-the-naito-family-grave-in-kamakura-9657.jpg)
Those stone structures were erected during the 250-year period from 1634 through 1888.
![Most of Hokyo-into are as tall as 3 meters.](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1699-9661/1000/kanagawa-the-naito-family-grave-in-kamakura-9661.jpg)
Most of Hokyo-into are as tall as 3 meters.
![This cemetery is just a few minutes away from Komyo-ji Temple.](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1699-9658/1000/kanagawa-the-naito-family-grave-in-kamakura-9658.jpg)
This cemetery is just a few minutes away from Komyo-ji Temple.
![This statue has lost his head, but somebody has kindly placed it down below him.](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1699-9664/1000/kanagawa-the-naito-family-grave-in-kamakura-9664.jpg)
This statue has lost his head, but somebody has kindly placed it down below him.
![The cemetery sits in a 2,000-square-meter plot.](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1699-9665/1000/kanagawa-the-naito-family-grave-in-kamakura-9665.jpg)
The cemetery sits in a 2,000-square-meter plot.
![It is hard to know who these represent, since there is not much information available.](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1699-9659/1000/kanagawa-the-naito-family-grave-in-kamakura-9659.jpg)
It is hard to know who these represent, since there is not much information available.
![The site is designated as a Historic Spot by the City of Kamakura](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1699-9666/1000/kanagawa-the-naito-family-grave-in-kamakura-9666.jpg)
The site is designated as a Historic Spot by the City of Kamakura
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