Buddhist temple
Gyokusen-ji (Shimoda)
玉泉寺（下田）（ぎょくせんじ）
Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture
A Sōtō-shū temple in Kakisaki, Shimoda, whose mountain name (sangō) is Zuiryūzan. Its principal image is Shaka Nyorai, and as the temple where Japan's first American consulate general was placed at the end of the Edo period, it is a national historic site.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal object of worship: Shaka Nyorai
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it was originally a Shingon hermitage, and at the beginning of the Tenshō era (1580s) 一嶺俊栄 came and converted it to the Sōtō-shū. After the Japan–US Treaty of Peace and Amity of Kaei 7 (1854), it was designated a resting place and burial ground for the crews of the Black Ships, and in Ansei 3 (1856) Harris opened the American consulate general here.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 玉泉寺（下田）「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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