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Visit National Historic Site – Meigetsu-in Temple in Kamakura
Visit National Historic Site – Meigetsu-in, the temple with Kannon Bodhisattva as the main image of worship, Kamakura, Japan.
Meigetsu-in was founded in the year 1160 as “Meigetsu-an” (Bright Moon Hermitage) by Yamanouchi Tsunetoshi for the purpose of the soul of his father Toshimichi, who died in the Battle of Heiji the previous year. In 1256, Hojo Tokiyori chose this site for the construction of a Buddhist temple called Saimyoji (northwest of the present day Meigetsu-in).
At the age of 30, Tokiyori entered the Buddhist priesthood under the name Kakuryobo Dosu. When he died seven years later, he composed the following poem while in the sitting meditation posture.
For 37 years
I held the mirror of karma high.
Now with a smash I break it to pieces,
And the Great Path falls away.
Posthumous name: Saimyojiden Sunko Daizenjomon.
Saimyoji later became the predecessor of a new temple called “Fukugenzan Zenkokoshozenji” (Zenkoji) founded by Hojo Tokiyori’s son Tokimune. The first abbot was Misshitsu Shugon, fifth-generation dharma successor to Zen Master Daikaku, founder of Kencho-ji Temple. In 1380, Shogun Ashikaga Ujimitsu ordered his assistant Uesugi Norikata to promote Zenkoji by constructing new buildings, expanding the grounds and establishing subsidiary temples. During his stint at third shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu ranked Zenkoji first among the ten great Buddhist temples of the Kanto region.
Meigetsu-an, meanwhile, was changed in name to Meigetsu-in and designated a subsidiary of Zenkoji.
The main image of worship is Kannon Bodhisattva, the deity of compassion. An old collection of illustrations called “Meigetsuin Ezu” give a glimpse of the temple in its hayday. Zenkoji Temple was abolished soon after the Meiji Restoration (1867) and only Meigetsu-in remains in the present day. It belongs to the Kenchoji Branch of the Rinzai Zen Set.
During your visit, do not forget to stroll around the beautiful garden with traditional rock landscapes. Stroll between the greenery in a relaxing atmosphere. Observe nature, listen to birds and admire wonderful vegetation.
Finally, chill down meditating with a view on the Zen rock garden.
Visit also other temples in Kamakura that have Japanese National treasures like Eisho-ji Temple, Engaku-ji Temple or Kencho-ji Temple.
Date: 2025-04-27
Author: Beti – A passionate traveler and lover of Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Japanese dishes, Bernadeta brings her culinary and cultural experiences to life in her writing. Beyond her travels, she’s an avid technology enthusiast with a deep interest in data processing, merging her love for exploration with analytical insights.
Photographer: Adalbert – An aficionado of computers and photography, Adalbert captures the essence of diverse cuisines with a discerning eye. A connoisseur of rich flavors and particularly fond of meat-based dishes, he combines his technical skills with his passion for the culinary arts in every shot.
