Buddhist temple
Sugimoto-dera
杉本寺（すぎもとでら）
Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
An old temple on a hillside in Nikaidō, Kamakura City, with three statues of Jūichimen Kannon as its principal images. It is the first temple of the Bandō Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage, and visitors can go up into its thatched main hall to worship.
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 images: Jūichimen Kannon (three statues)
History and things to know
According to the temple's tradition, it was built in Tenpyō 6 (734) by Fujiwara no Fusasaki and Gyōki at the wish of Empress Kōmyō, and it is said to be the oldest temple in Kamakura. From the legend that during a fire in the Kamakura period the principal images escaped by themselves to the foot of a great cedar on the grounds, they are said to have come to be called “the Kannon at the foot of the cedar” (Sugi no Moto no Kannon).
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)
- 杉本寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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