Chosho-ji Temple in Kamakura

A hidden gem with some striking Buddhist statues

Peter Sidell Dec 12, 2018 - 1 min read

The statues of Nichiren and the four Heavenly Kings

The Taishakudo hall seen from the street

Rokujizo, six statues placed by the gate to protect travelers

Buddhist saints watch over the graves by the gate

The Heavenly Kings are standing on vanquished evil spirits

Minding over the steps leading up to the higher graveyard

One of the graves: I love the little figure on her crown

There's an information board by the gate

Wandering round Kamakura one time, I found on my map a temple that I hadn't heard of and knew nothing about (actually, there are dozens like that, but this one was nearby), and decided to go and take a look. Little did I know that it was so impressive, or that it holds an important place in the history of Buddhism in Japan.

I went in through a small door in the side wall, and was met by five tall, very striking statues: the priest Nichiren, founder of a major sect of Buddhism, flanked by four ferocious Devas, Heavenly Kings protecting the world from each direction. Founded in 1265 (though the present temple is a later reconstruction dating from 1345), Chosho-ji is one of three temples claiming to be where Nichiren lived and developed his teachings.

There are many other interesting statues around the grounds: some of them are Buddhist saints and deities watching over graves, lending the graveyards a serene atmosphere.

The temple is about fifteen minutes' walk south-east of Kamakura station, on the JR Yokosuka line and the local Enoden line.

Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.