Jan 31, 2013 - 1 min read

Kamakura's Joei-ji Temple

Also known as "Botamochi" Temple, this is a little gem

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

A little backstreet gem

Doors at the temple gate

Most temples are decorated in a special way during the New Year holidays

A local resident praying during the New Year holidays

A woman in the neighborhood doing her spring cleaning

Close up on the golden emblem adorning the gate door

Many temples have clever little foxes protecting them

Incense burning in the temple grounds

Another photographer enjoying Kamakura

Rickshaw stopped in front of Joei-ji

Joei-ji is one of those small, beautiful backstreet temples that Kamakura is so famous for. Built in 1606, the temple was a training ground for monks for centuries. The affectionate nickname "Botamochi" is actually the name of a Japanese bean and rice sweet. The temple derives its name from a legend involving Nichiren, the founder of the Buddhist sect of the same name and the sweet. A mass and festival takes place each year on September 12th to commemorate the legend. It is just down the street from Myohon-ji, in a quiet little residential area.

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Larry Knipfing

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

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