Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Chohoji Temple (Rokkakudo)
Buddhist Image Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
京都府京都市中京区六角通東洞院西入堂之前町248
Visiting Status Regular worship available / principal image is secret; substitute image can be viewed
WarmthPeacefulnessGentleness
Chohoji’s Rokkakudo Hall enshrines Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu as its principal image. Traditionally said to have been Prince Shotoku’s personal devotional image, the principal image is secret and is normally worshipped through a substitute image. The temple is also known for the Heso-ishi, marking the traditional center of Kyoto, and as the birthplace of ikebana. Despite its city-center location, it remains an approachable Kannon hall that has long received the prayers of local people.
Sokujoin Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai and Twenty-Five Bosatsu Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
京都府京都市東山区泉涌寺山内町28
Visiting Status Outer sanctuary of Main Hall open for worship / inner sanctuary only during special viewing
PeacefulnessStillnessDepth
Sokujoin, a sub-temple of Sennyu-ji, is known for a devotional space sometimes described as a Pure Land in this world. In the Main Hall, Amida Nyorai is surrounded by Twenty-Five Bosatsu shown descending to welcome the faithful into the Pure Land. Also associated with the warrior Nasu no Yoichi, the quiet temple offers an atmosphere of salvation and peace.
Hasedera Temple
Buddhist Image Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
神奈川県鎌倉市長谷3-11-2
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
GentlenessPeacefulnessSolemnity
Hasedera’s Kannon Hall enshrines an Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu affectionately known as Hase Kannon. Although the monumental wooden Kannon stands more than nine meters tall, its presence does not merely overwhelm; it also seems to gently envelop worshippers. The bright temple grounds near the sea combine with the peace of Kannon devotion, creating a Buddhist spot with both Kamakura’s approachable warmth and a sense of solemn grandeur.
Sugimotodera Temple
Buddhist Image Three Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Images Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
神奈川県鎌倉市二階堂903
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
StillnessDepthGentleness
Sugimotodera’s Main Hall enshrines three Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu images as its principal deities. Traditionally regarded as Kamakura’s oldest temple, it preserves a long atmosphere of Kannon devotion among moss-covered stone steps and a thatched Main Hall. Centered on the secret principal images, the hall also enshrines a substitute Kannon, Jizo Bosatsu, Fudo Myoo and other figures. Its simple, approachable interior carries a deep accumulation of prayer, combining the stillness of an old temple with Kannon’s gentleness.
Kakuonji Temple
Buddhist Image Yakushi Triad Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
神奈川県鎌倉市二階堂421
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
StillnessDepthPurity
Kakuonji’s Yakushido Hall enshrines a Yakushi Triad centered on Yakushi Nyorai. The thatched hall also contains the Twelve Heavenly Generals, forming a quiet space of prayer protected within a Kamakura valley. Unlike more openly touristic temples, Kakuonji retains the depth of medieval Kamakura faith almost intact. The purity of Yakushi devotion combines with the stillness of an old mountain temple.
Ennoji Temple
Buddhist Image Enma Daio Category Other
神奈川県鎌倉市山ノ内1543
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
MysteryTense PresenceDepth
Ennoji’s Main Hall houses a group of the Ten Kings centered on a seated Enma Daio. Enma has long been feared as the judge of the dead, but at Ennoji the figure is revered not merely to frighten people but as a Buddhist mirror for reconsidering how one lives. The hall carries the tension of the afterlife and has an unusual depth among Kamakura’s Buddhist sites. It leaves a powerful impression in a way distinct from gentleness or peace.
Kenchoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Jizo Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
神奈川県鎌倉市山ノ内8
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
DignityStillnessRefinement
Kenchoji’s Butsuden enshrines a seated Jizo Bosatsu as its principal image. Within the imposing complex of the highest-ranked of Kamakura’s Five Great Zen Temples, Jizo is worshipped as a quiet presence staying close to human suffering. The memory of land once called Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, overlaps with the refined order of a Zen temple, creating a depth that goes beyond simple peace. The stillness of the well-composed hall conveys the profound character of Jizo devotion.
Engakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Crowned Shaka Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
神奈川県鎌倉市山ノ内409
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
StillnessRefinementDepth
Engakuji’s Butsuden enshrines a crowned Shaka Nyorai as its principal image. The crown gives the figure an appearance somewhat different from more familiar images of Shaka, creating a distinctive nobility within the stillness of a Zen temple. Although the hall stands at the center of one of Kita-Kamakura’s great temples, its atmosphere is calm rather than ornate, inviting visitors to compose the mind. Together with the white dragon painted on the ceiling, the Buddha conveys Engakuji’s refined Zen atmosphere.
Jochiji Temple
Buddhist Image Buddhas of the Three Ages (Amida Nyorai, Shaka Nyorai and Miroku Nyorai) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
神奈川県鎌倉市山ノ内1402
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
StillnessDepthPeacefulness
Jochiji’s Donge-den Hall enshrines the Buddhas of the Three Ages: Amida Nyorai, Shaka Nyorai and Miroku Nyorai. Representing past, present and future, the three Buddhas stand together as if quietly watching over the flow of time. The temple grounds unfold along a secluded valley in Kita-Kamakura and have the calm character of a Zen temple, while the three Buddhas in Donge-den convey profound stillness. Rather than splendor, this is a place of accumulated time and peace.
Komyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
神奈川県鎌倉市材木座6-17-19
Visiting Status Confirmation required
PeacefulnessPurityWarmth
Due to restoration work on the Great Hall, Komyoji’s Founder’s Hall currently enshrines Amida Nyorai together with other Buddhist images. As a head temple of the Jodo school near the sea at Zaimokuza, its open grounds combine a bright coastal atmosphere with the peace of Amida devotion. Normally enshrined in the Great Hall, the principal image currently receives prayers in the Founder’s Hall and quietly carries the temple’s central faith. The brightness of the sea air and aspirations for the Pure Land coexist here.
Jojuin Temple
Buddhist Image Fudo Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
神奈川県鎌倉市極楽寺1-1-5
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
PowerDignityTense Presence
Jojuin’s Main Hall enshrines Fudo Myoo as its principal image. Standing above Gokurakuji-zaka, the temple combines bright views toward the Kamakura sea with Fudo’s stern gaze. The Wisdom King’s power to cut through delusion and calamity is intensified by the quiet tension of reaching the temple after climbing the slope, making this small temple a memorable Buddhist spot. Its disciplined atmosphere of prayer contrasts with the gentler character of Kannon devotion.
Eishoji Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Triad Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
神奈川県鎌倉市扇ガ谷1-16-3
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
GentlenessPeacefulnessStillness
Eishoji’s Butsuden enshrines an Amida Triad centered on Amida Nyorai. Known as Kamakura’s only nunnery, Eishoji has a gentle, composed atmosphere somewhat different from temples associated with the warrior class. The Amida Triad quietly receives prayers for the Pure Land, and together with the impression of the bamboo grove and seasonal flowers throughout the grounds creates a peaceful Buddhist spot.
Hongwanji (Nishi Hongwanji)
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
京都府京都市下京区堀川通花屋町下る本願寺門前町
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
PeacefulnessDignityStillness
Nishi Hongwanji’s Amida Hall enshrines Amida Nyorai as its principal image. One of the temple’s two great halls alongside the Goeido, it forms a central space of Amida devotion at the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha school. The broad outer sanctuary and richly gilded inner sanctuary have received the prayers of generations of followers, conveying quiet peace together with the dignity of a major temple.
Myoshinji Temple
Buddhist Image Shaka Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
京都府京都市右京区花園妙心寺町1
Visiting Status Worship possible from outside / interior normally closed
DignityRefinementStillness
The Butsuden stands at the center of Myoshinji’s vast Zen temple complex as a refined and orderly hall. It enshrines Shaka Nyorai, and daily morning services and ceremonies connected with Shakyamuni are held here. Praying toward the normally closed interior offers a sense of Zen devotion beneath the stillness and the serene presence of Shaka.
Konkai Komyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
京都府京都市左京区黒谷町121
Visiting Status Regular worship available / interior viewing should be confirmed
PeacefulnessDepthWarmth
Konkai Komyoji’s Amida Hall enshrines Amida Nyorai as its principal image. The hall is among the temple’s older surviving buildings and was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori. The Amida is also known by names such as “Otome no Nyorai” and “Nomi-osame Nyorai,” and within this major temple associated with Honen it conveys quiet peace, depth and an approachable warmth.
Tanukidani-san Fudoin Temple
Buddhist Image Fudo Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
京都府京都市左京区一乗寺松原町6
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
PowerDignityTense Presence
The Main Hall of Tanukidani-san Fudoin, built into the mountainside above Ichijoji, enshrines Fudo Myoo as its principal image. A cliff-supported hall was constructed around the stone Fudo image set within a cave, and the temple is popular for prayers against misfortune, for traffic safety and for protection from cancer. The climb to the temple itself heightens the powerful and taut atmosphere of Fudo devotion.
Sanzen-in Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Triad Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
京都府京都市左京区大原来迎院町540
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
PeacefulnessStillnessGentleness
Ojo Gokuraku-in stands within Sanzen-in in Ohara and embodies devotion to the Pure Land. The hall enshrines the National Treasure Amida Triad, preserving prayers for rebirth in the Pure Land amid a tranquil garden. Surrounded by moss and towering cedars, this is a Buddhist spot where visitors can feel Amida’s gentle salvation and profound peace.
Shorin-in Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
京都府京都市左京区大原勝林院町187
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
PeacefulnessStillnessDepth
An old temple in Ohara known as a sacred center of Tendai shomyo Buddhist chanting. The Main Hall enshrines a seated Amida Nyorai known as the “Amida of Proof,” preserving the faith associated with the historic Ohara Debate. Here, the resonance of chanting and prayers for the Pure Land evoke both Amida’s salvation and the stillness of Ohara carried through many generations.
Hokoji Temple
Buddhist Image Rushana Buddha Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
京都府京都市東山区茶屋町527-2
Visiting Status Temple grounds freely accessible / Main Hall normally closed
DignityDepthMystery
A temple associated with the Great Buddha of Kyoto commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. A vast Great Buddha Hall once stood here, creating one of the capital’s most monumental Buddhist spaces. The present Main Hall enshrines Rushana Buddha, while the famous bell bearing the inscription “Kokka Anko” preserves memories of the glory and downfall of the Toyotomi family. The weight of history and the dignity of the Buddha quietly overlap at this site.
Hokongo-in Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
京都府京都市右京区花園扇野町49
Visiting Status Regular viewing available
PeacefulnessPurityRefinement
Hokongo-in’s Butsuden houses a National Treasure seated Amida Nyorai. The serene, joroku-sized image preserves the atmosphere of late-Heian Pure Land faith. Viewed together with the temple’s nationally designated special scenic garden, the statue conveys Amida’s quiet peace and a pure atmosphere reminiscent of the Pure Land.