Sojiji Temple Tsurumi
A vast, serene Zen Buddhist temple complex in Yokohama, offering traditional architecture and peaceful grounds for reflection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Sojiji Temple Tsurumi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, serene Zen Buddhist temple complex in Yokohama, offering traditional architecture and peaceful grounds for reflection.
"I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of natural beauty. I could feel that this temple is very much alive."
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
The temple grounds are vast; wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
Capture stunning shots of traditional architecture and serene landscapes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Temple Grounds
Explore numerous buildings and smaller temples within this expansive complex. A true oasis of calm.
Traditional Architecture
Admire beautifully preserved structures that embody the spirit of ancient Japan.
Peaceful Reflection
Find a quiet spot for self-reflection amidst the natural beauty and spiritual ambiance.
Goshuin Collection
Collect your unique temple seal at the souvenir shop, a cherished memento.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
The temple grounds are vast; wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
Capture stunning shots of traditional architecture and serene landscapes.
☕ Cozy Cafe Break
Enjoy a break at the charming cafe with unique monk-themed treats.
📜 Get Your Goshuin
Collect a beautiful temple seal at the souvenir shop.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
The temple grounds are vast; wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
Capture stunning shots of traditional architecture and serene landscapes.
☕ Cozy Cafe Break
Enjoy a break at the charming cafe with unique monk-themed treats.
📜 Get Your Goshuin
Collect a beautiful temple seal at the souvenir shop.
🧘♀️ Zazen Practice
Consider returning for a Zazen meditation session for deeper immersion.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sojiji Temple is praised for its vast, serene grounds and beautifully preserved traditional architecture, offering a peaceful escape from urban life. Visitors appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, photo opportunities, and the chance to collect a goshuin. Some note limited English signage, but the overall experience is described as deeply peaceful and culturally enriching.
"Quiet temple on the suburbs - not too much to see but a vast ground with lots of cool buildings. Doesn't seem too friendly for foreigners, not many signs or descriptions in English, but because of this it is rather quiet and also nice for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and Yokohama. Very good if you are looking to take good photos making you feel like you are in the countryside temples."
Dixon Lai
"Insanely huge temple with many buildings and more smaller temples around the complex. You can get your goshuin at the souvenir shop building which is to the right of it. Also had a cute cafe in a different building with cartoon monk towels and cakendars"
PK W
"Lovely temple, not too crowded, there is a small coffeeshop too. Very friendly staff that were very patient, a plus with my limited Japanese. Locals coming and going all the time, for a prayer and minding the burial grounds. The first temple I visited in Japan, and it has a special meaning for me personally."
Rudy Boeynaems
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sojiji Temple is accessible via Tsurumi Station. From Tokyo, you can take various train lines like the Tokaido Line, Yokosuka Line, or Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Yokohama, then transfer to local lines heading towards Tsurumi Station. The temple is a short walk from the station. +1
Yes, Sojiji Temple is located near Tsurumi Station. Follow signs for the temple, and it's a manageable walk.
Absolutely! Sojiji Temple is a great destination for a day trip from Tokyo, offering a peaceful contrast to the city.
The closest station is Tsurumi Station. Other nearby stations include Yokohama Station, which serves as a major transit hub. +1
Yes, parking is available and free for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main temple grounds is generally free, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the architecture. Specific events or areas might have separate admission fees.
While specific hours can vary, temples in Japan are typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for any seasonal changes or special event timings.
The main temple complex is usually accessible without an entrance fee, encouraging visitors to experience its spiritual ambiance.
Yes, you can obtain your goshuin (temple seal) at the souvenir shop located within the temple complex.
Sojiji Temple, being a significant religious site, may host various events and festivals throughout the year. It's best to check their official website or local listings for current information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Sojiji Temple boasts a vast complex with numerous buildings, smaller temples, and beautifully landscaped grounds. You can admire traditional architecture, find peaceful spots for reflection, and collect a goshuin. +2
Yes, the temple offers many picturesque spots for photography, from its grand architecture to serene natural settings.
Sojiji Temple is generally not as crowded as major tourist attractions in Tokyo, offering a more tranquil experience, especially on weekdays. +1
Information in English might be limited, but the visual beauty of the temple and its surroundings are universally appreciated.
The temple is a center for learning and worship, and some visitors express a desire to return for Zazen practice.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe within the temple complex that offers unique treats, such as cartoon monk towels and cakes.
The cafe offers a selection of unique items, including cartoon monk-themed desserts and beverages.
Some visitors have mentioned enjoying a traditional vegetarian lunch at the temple.
While the temple itself has a cafe, you can find various dining options in the Tsurumi area or back in Yokohama.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks in designated areas or at the cafe to maintain the sanctity of the temple grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The vast grounds, traditional buildings, and serene gardens offer numerous picturesque opportunities. The long corridors and architectural details are particularly striking.
While general photography is usually allowed, it's always respectful to avoid intrusive photography, especially in areas of worship or during ceremonies.
During cherry blossom season, the temple can be a beautiful backdrop for photos.
A camera that can handle both wide shots of the grounds and detailed shots of the architecture would be ideal. Even a smartphone can capture beautiful images.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer people, enhancing the photographic experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good opportunity to introduce children to traditional Japanese architecture and the concept of temples in a less crowded setting than some major tourist spots. Encourage them to observe the details and perhaps even try to sketch them, turning the visit into an interactive learning experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds, which can enhance your photographic opportunities. The temple's tranquil atmosphere also lends itself to capturing contemplative and atmospheric images. Don't forget to capture the details of the architecture and the natural beauty of the surroundings.
🧘♀️ Spiritual Seekers & Zen Enthusiasts
While not always explicitly advertised, the temple is a place where one can immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere. The idea of returning for Zazen practice is something that resonates with many visitors, indicating the temple's potential for deeper spiritual engagement.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Sojiji Temple
Founded in 1321, Sojiji has a rich past, and its current location in Tsurumi, Yokohama, is a testament to its enduring legacy. The temple's architecture, with its numerous halls, pagodas, and serene gardens, provides a glimpse into traditional Japanese Buddhist design. The sheer scale of the grounds can be awe-inspiring, offering a stark contrast to the urban environment it resides within.
For those interested in Zen Buddhism, Sojiji offers a unique opportunity to experience its atmosphere firsthand. While not always explicitly advertised, the possibility of participating in Zazen meditation sessions is something visitors have expressed interest in, highlighting the temple's role as a place for spiritual practice and self-discovery.
Experiencing Sojiji Temple: A Visitor's Perspective
The temple's architecture is a major draw, with its beautifully preserved structures evoking a sense of ancient Japan. Photographers find ample opportunities to capture stunning images of the traditional buildings, serene gardens, and intricate details. The long, polished corridors are often highlighted as particularly photogenic.
Beyond the visual appeal, the spiritual atmosphere is palpable. Many visitors feel a sense of peace and tranquility while walking the grounds, noting that the temple feels very much alive as a center of worship and learning. The availability of a cafe offering unique treats and the opportunity to collect a goshuin add to the overall visitor experience.
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