Eishoji Temple
英勝寺
Kamakura's only convent, founded during the Edo period by the Mito Tokugawa family. As a temple with deep ties to the Tokugawa clan, it carries a distinguished air, and its grounds are colored through the seasons by bamboo groves, peonies, bush clover, and cluster amaryllis. Located right next to Jufuku-ji Temple, its quiet grounds are considered something of a hidden gem.
Kamakura's only convent
Eishoji was founded in 1636 by Eishoin, daughter of Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito Tokugawa family. Ever since, it has kept the flame of Buddhist practice alive as a convent connected to the Mito Tokugawa family, and remains Kamakura's only convent, where nuns continue their training today.
Flowers of the grounds
Cherry blossoms, peonies, and wisteria bloom in spring; hydrangeas and lush bamboo greenery in summer; bush clover and cluster amaryllis in autumn — the grounds offer flowers through every season. The spring peonies are especially beautiful and are opened to the public each year around April and May.
The shrine hall and Buddha hall
The grounds retain a Buddha hall, shrine hall, and bell tower that reflect Edo-period architectural style. Given its close ties to the Tokugawa family, the buildings carry a distinguished, dignified air.
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Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Peonies reach their peak from April to May, filling the grounds with color; the cherry blossom season is also beautiful.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
The green of the bamboo grove brings a refreshing coolness, alongside hydrangeas in bloom.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Bush clover peaks in September; cluster amaryllis paints the grounds red in October.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
A calm, quiet season for visiting; pairing it with Jufuku-ji Temple nearby makes for a pleasant walk.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 20-30 minutes
- Crowd levels
- Relatively uncrowded, though visitor numbers rise during peony season
- Best time to visit
- Best timed to the flowering seasons — spring peonies or autumn bush clover
| Address | 1-16-3 Ogigayatsu, Kamakura, Kanagawa |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00-16:00 |
| Admission | Adults ¥200 |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 8 min walk from Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line / Enoshima Electric Railway)