Featured Hotels Near Jokyo-ji Temple

Stay at Shangri-La Hotel, Yokohama, just a 15-minute drive from Jōgyō-ji Temple, offering breathtaking city views and seamless access to local culture. The hotel features a serene Japanese garden and tea ceremony room, blending traditional aesthetics with modern luxury. Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Kanagawa cultural experience, it’s also close to the Minato Mirai 21 district. Nighttime highlights include the Yokohama Harbor Light Show, creating a magical fusion of history and urban vibrancy.

For a more intimate stay, consider Matsufukin, a boutique ryokan nestled near the temple. Housed in a renovated Edo-era building, it offers tatami-matted rooms and daily handmade kaiseki meals. Guests enjoy a tranquil Zen-inspired atmosphere, perfect for spiritual retreats and deep cultural immersion.

Take the JR Yokohama Line from Yokohama Station to Jōgyō-ji Station, just a 10-minute ride—no transfers needed. This route is frequent and efficient, ideal for first-time visitors. Alternatively, take the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line to Kankō Station, then transfer to Bus 107 heading to "Jōgyō-ji-mae" stop (25 minutes total). For those unfamiliar with transit, use Google Maps navigation or rent an e-bike along the scenic streets. Enjoy a relaxed pace while exploring Yokohama’s green corridors and historic neighborhoods en route.

Participate in morning Zen meditation sessions led by senior monks, including zazen, sutra chanting, and tea ceremonies—deepening your understanding of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism. During spring, attend the Cherry Blossom Blessing Festival, when hundreds of Yoshino cherry trees bloom, illuminated at night to create a dreamlike ambiance. Join the evening prayer and wish-making rituals. Nearby, visit Ichi no Tani Wagashi, a century-old confectionery shop serving handmade matcha mochi and red bean rice balls paired with house-made sencha—perfect for tasting Edo-era sweets and traditional flavors.

Yes, the Yokohama City Natural Park north of Jōgyō-ji Temple is ideal for families. It features a children’s playground, hands-on farming activities, and nature trails with guided eco-tours and butterfly discovery walks. The on-site café serves healthy light meals and fresh juices, perfect for parents taking a break. Nearby, the Jōgyō-ji Cultural Museum offers free admission and displays historical artifacts, including ancient scrolls and sacred emblems. Interactive touchscreens make learning fun for kids, turning religious history into an engaging adventure.

Founded during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (16th century), Jōgyō-ji was once a key center of the Jōdo Shinshū Hongwanji branch. The current main hall dates back to the Edo era, built using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery, with black tile roofs reflecting its solemn elegance. Notable features include the three-storied pagoda and bell tower, both retaining original carvings of Buddhist deities and Sanskrit mantras. The temple houses national treasure-level emaki paintings and Muromachi-era calligraphy scrolls. Its Omamori shop offers special talismans for health and academic success, highly popular among visitors. During Obon Festival, a grand fire ritual draws thousands, offering insight into Japan’s enduring folk traditions.

Night visits offer Moonlight Meditation Sessions, held monthly during full moons, when paper lanterns and stone lamps illuminate the garden, creating a peaceful, meditative atmosphere. Walk the cobblestone paths listening to distant bells and chanting, embracing stillness and reflection. Some nights feature improvised haiku workshops, where poets guide guests in writing short poems inspired by nature—completed verses displayed on a dedicated poetry wall. Outside, the Sunset Terrace provides panoramic views of Yokohama’s glittering skyline. Sip warm matcha as dusk fades, making it a serene finale to your day.