Jonji-ji

Jonji-ji is a venerable Zen temple of distinguished standing, ranked fourth among the Five Mountains of Kamakura, established in the late Kamakura period. It is said to have been founded to honor the memorial of Munetsune, the third son of Hojo Tokiyori. The temple enshrines Hotei-son and is beloved as one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Kamakura. Stone steps surrounded by bamboo groves lead to a serene space that makes one forget the bustle of the city. I sometimes find myself in meditation within these bamboo groves. It is a place where one can truly feel Zen spirit and experience spiritual cleansing.