Beautiful stone steps among the groves

Founded: 1281

Jochiji, a national historic site, was founded by the wife and child of Hojo Munemasa, who died in 1281, to pray for the repose of his soul. The gate at the top the flight of stone steps leading to the temple is an unusual combination of belfry and gate with a bell in the upper level. The principal objects of devotion are three wooden statues of seated Buddhas, all Kanagawa-designated important cultural properties, which represent the three ages, past, present, and future. Other important cultural properties include a statue of the Jizo Bodhisattva.

Meet Hotei, the God of Happiness

At the rear of the temple grounds, you will come across a statue of Hotei pointing his finger at you. It is said that if you rub his belly, he grants you energy. His gesture conveys the same meaning as the phrase displayed on the sign over the temple’s main gate: “The treasure is close by.”