＜Fujisawa Yugyoji Temple＞Beloved Sacred Site on the Tokaido With a Longstanding History｜Shonan,KamakuraFor recommended sightseeing and leisure spots inTabiiro

Beloved Sacred Site on the Tokaido With a Longstanding History

"Fujisawa Yugyōji Temple" in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, serves as the head temple of the Ji-shū sect. It was founded in 1325 by the priest Donkai with support from his elder brother, Goro Kagehira Matano. The principal image is "Amida Nyorai," associated with blessings such as protection from misfortune and the fulfillment of heartfelt wishes. The spacious grounds preserve ten Registered Tangible Cultural Properties and are known for seasonal flowers that make the temple a notable sightseeing destination in Fujisawa, inviting leisurely strolls throughout the year.

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"Ichitsu-bi" - a Traditional Ritual Evoking the World of the Nenbutsu

The ritual known as "Ichitsu-bi" involves extinguishing the lights in the main hall until the space is enveloped in complete darkness. As the chanting of the nenbutsu begins, sparks struck from flint briefly illuminate the hall. These sparks are then transferred to a small flame, symbolically restoring the light of Amida and Shakyamuni to the darkened world. The ceremony offers a traditional way to experience the spiritual imagery of the nenbutsu.

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"Uga Shrine" - Known for the "Deity Uga Benzaiten"

"Uga Shrine," located toward the back left of the temple grounds, enshrines "Uga Benzaiten," a deity associated with the Tokugawa family. Behind it sits the long-cherished "Zeniarai Benzaiten," where washing coins is believed to invite prosperity. The surrounding approach paths are pleasant for an unhurried stroll, offering views of a serene pond and seasonal flowers and plants throughout the year.

Detailed information

Enjoy Seasonal Blooms and Foliage Throughout the Year

In autumn, the sacred "giant ginkgo"—designated as a natural monument of Fujisawa City and believed to be more than 700 years old—turns a brilliant shade of gold. The grounds become a vivid tapestry of seasonal color, with maple trees in deep red and clusters of red spider lilies set against the lush greenery of the shrine. The striking contrast creates one of the area’s most photogenic spots for the season.

01. White magnolias bloom beside "Hojo Pond," fish gathered under "the Edict of Compassion" were released back into "Free Life Pond".
02. Monthly temple stamps feature "Myōgō" and the "Twelve Light Buddhas" in gold.
03. During the Fusan ritual, the traveling priest distributes Nembutsu talismans to visitors.

Fujisawa Yugyoji Temple

Address

1-8-1 Nishitomi, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa

Access

[Car] 20 minutes from Totsuka IC on the Yokohama Shindo; [Train] 15-minute walk from Fujisawa Station on the JR and private railway lines

Official Website

http://www.jishu.or.jp/

TEL

+81-466-22-2063Please inform the staff that you found us through "Tabiiro"

FAX

+81-466-23-8243

SNS

Business hours

9:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M.

Regular Holiday

Open all-year-round

Fee

Admission to the temple is free. A separate fee applies for the Yugyoji Treasure Museum

Parking

15 spaces

Event information

January 1: Shushō-e (New Year’s Day Ceremony), 12: Hatsu Fusan (First Offering of Memorial Tablets)
February 3: Setsubun Tsuina-shiki (Ritual of Driving Away Misfortune), 15: Nehan-e (Commemoration of the Buddha’s Nirvāṇa), 17–18: Shunki Kaisan-ki / Donkai-ki (Spring Memorial for the Founder Donkai)
April 8: Shakuson Gōtan-e (Celebration of the Buddha’s Birth)
Early June: Memorial Service for Pets
September 14: Susuki Nembutsu-e, 14–15: Aki no Kaisan-ki / Ippen-ki (Autumn Memorial for Saint Ippen)
November 18–28: Saimatsu Betsuji Nembutsu-e (Year-end Nenbutsu Ceremony), 27: Omettō (Ichitsu-bi Ritual), 28: Ōondai