Buddhist temple
Kōshō-ji
光照寺（こうしょうじ）
Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
A Ji-shū temple in Yamanouchi, Kita-Kamakura; its formal name is 西台山英月院光照寺. Affectionately known by its popular name, Shakunage-dera, it has Amida Nyorai as its principal image.
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 image: Amida Nyorai
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it was built where the party of Ippen Shōnin spent a night along the road after being refused entry into Kamakura, and it is a sacred site associated with the persecution of Ippen Shōnin. According to the official guide, it is said to have sheltered Christians from around Kamakura as its parishioners in the Edo period, and a donated candlestand and a cross (kurusu) crest are said to remain.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
This is Kōshō-ji in Yamanouchi (Kita-Kamakura), Kamakura. Temples of the same name exist in many places, so please check the location.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 光照寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
This site is independent of the shrines, temples, and other websites mentioned. No partnership or endorsement is implied.