Spiritual Journey:  The Great Pilgramage of Kamakura.

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( “We are all sentient beings and are therefore at the mercy of nature. Regardless of our ethnic background we have a duty to come to terms with our humanity”).

Dear Traveler,

So now that you are thinking up plans on where to go and what to see in Japan, allow me to take you on a mini journey to one of the greatest ancient cities in Japanese history - Kamakura.

You will not have time to see all of Kamakura City… It’s impossible, but, I could offer up some small tips that could help you along the way, and then maybe a Japanese person could chime in along the way.

Let’s start with the Great JU - SAN BUTSU / 13 Butsu

According to this rough translation:

It is believed that worshiping the 13 Buddha will be a tribute to the deceased, and will be rescued from the judgment of the thirteen kings

[ I interpret this to mean that by visiting the 13 temples to receive the holy seals your soul will receive protection from the 13 kings of the underworld.]

after he died by the merits of good deeds that he had done the supremacy, resulting in good faith in his life. Such a thirteen Buddha faith has flourished, and even today there are many thirteen Buddha sanctuaries around Japan.

I take this to mean that upon completion of collecting the 13 seals, after death you will be granted protection. According to Buddhist mythology, after death your soul will have to cross a river to get to another side of the death/life pendulum. This usually costs you something, in this case it will be merits gained from attaining all of the seals in this golden book - I actually have this book, by the way.

I completed the entire pilgrimage: < = Click on this link to my entire list of the 13 temples.

Or, you can click on the individual links below for more detailed information with photos of each temple.

Jufukuji => Lovely temple.

Hokokuji = > Good time to visit is spring

kaizoji = > Autumn

Kochi-ji => Autumn

Ennoji => All seasons

Jomyoji = > Spring / Autumn

Hongakuji = > All seasons

Gokurakuji => June / rainy season

Myoin => Spring

Raikoji => Spring

Jojuin = > Spring

Jokomyoji => Spring

Kakuji = > all seasons

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@user_not_found Great post once again. But I think you forgot to add the link of the history of Ancient Kamakura period of Japan which can be found here and here. Thanks.

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Hi, @user_not_found

Thank you for sharing this very informative post and the list.

Definitely you know well a part of Japan than me. I’m looking forward to reading your post as a traveler.

Fave fun!

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@MukulR Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. The history of Kamakura is much too exhaustive of an account to add to one post, so the links are much appreciated. Thank you! I will post another list with some additional information of temples in Kamakura. By the way, do you have a list of favorite places?

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@HiroyukiTakisawa you are much too kind. I am just an expat living here, and am still learning of your wonderful culture and heritage. Thank you for being such great host. I look forward to learning more from you. Actually, you inspired me to make this list, so thanks again!

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