A quiet Kamakura temple offering a fascinating glimpse into the Buddhist afterlife

4.0
旅行時期：2026/08（1ヶ月以内）

by Cyberさん（男性）

鎌倉クチコミ：9件

鎌倉の市街地から離れた場所にあり、非常によく目立つサインが掲げられていないこともあり、休日でもそれ程多くの参拝客がいる、という印象は見られない（紅葉の季節など、鎌倉全体に多くの観光客や参拝客が訪れる時期であれば別かもしれないが）。境内もそれ程広くなく、周遊するだけであれば30分程度で充分であるが、人の入りがそれ程多くないからか比較的ゆったりと境内を散策できる。
それでも、この寺院は知る人ぞ知る寺院の一つ、と言える。運慶作と伝わる閻魔大王像は勿論のこと、本堂内に鎮座する、冥界で死者の生前の罪を裁く十王の像を鑑賞できる。この寺院ほど、死後の世界に向き合った（あるいは参拝者に向き合うように説く）寺院は無いかもしれない。ほとんどの像が厳めしい表情をしているため、小さな子供は怯えたり泣き出してしまうかもしれないが、その分、しっかり善行を積むことを教える、いい機会を与えてくれる寺院のようにも思う。
山門前の階段はやや急である上、歩道も狭いので、出入りには通行人に充分注意したい。駐車場もあるが、駐車スペースはそれ程大きくはないので、大人数での参拝にはあまり向かない。

Located away from central Kamakura and without particularly prominent signage, this temple does not seem to attract large numbers of visitors even on weekends. This may, of course, be different during particularly busy seasons such as autumn foliage, when Kamakura as a whole draws much larger crowds. The temple grounds themselves are fairly compact, and about 30 minutes should be sufficient if you simply want to walk around and see the main sights. However, the relatively small number of visitors also means that you can usually explore the grounds at a relaxed pace.
Despite its modest size and somewhat secluded location, this could be described as one of Kamakura's lesser-known gems. One of its highlights is the imposing statue of Enma Daio, the King of Hell, traditionally attributed to the renowned sculptor Unkei. Inside the main hall, you can also see statues of the Ten Kings, who, according to Buddhist tradition, judge the deeds of the deceased in the afterlife. Few temples seem to confront the subject of death and the afterlife - or encourage visitors to reflect upon them - as directly as this one.
Most of the statues have stern and intimidating expressions, so very young children may find them frightening or even be brought to tears. At the same time, the experience could provide an interesting opportunity to teach children about the traditional moral idea of living virtuously and doing good deeds.
There are a few practical points to keep in mind when visiting. The steps in front of the temple gate are fairly steep, and the adjacent sidewalk is narrow, so take care when entering or leaving, particularly when other pedestrians are passing. There is a parking area, but the number of spaces is limited, making the temple less suitable for groups arriving in several vehicles.