Buddhist temple
Kōmyō-ji
光明寺（こうみょうじ）
Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
A head temple (daihonzan) of the Jōdo school in Zaimokuza, Kamakura, which enshrines the Amida triad as its principal image in the main hall (Daiden). It is known as the temple where the Jōdo school's Ojūya service began.
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: the Amida triad
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it is said to have been founded in Kangen 1 (1243) by Nen'a Ryōchū, third patriarch of the Jōdo school, who had the devotion of the regent Hōjō Tsunetoki. In the Edo period Tokugawa Ieyasu placed it at the head of the eighteen Kantō danrin, and the Jūya service, which began in Meiō 4, is still held every October.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
The main hall (Daiden) is under repair, and visitors are guided to pay their respects to Amida Nyorai and the other figures in the Kaisandō (temporary main hall) (according to the official guide to the precincts).
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 光明寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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