Sugimoto-dera Temple
杉本寺
Founded in 734, Sugimoto-dera is Kamakura's oldest temple. Its moss-covered stone steps and main gate give it an overwhelming old-temple charm, and it holds the honor of being the first stop on the Kamakura Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage. The steps, worn smooth by generations of visitors, can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.
Kamakura's oldest temple
Said to have been founded in 734 at the request of the monk Gyoki and Empress Komyo, this is considered Kamakura's oldest temple. It houses three statues of the Eleven-Headed Kannon as its principal images, one of which carries a legend that it fled deep into the hall on its own to escape a fire.
The moss-covered stone steps
The stone steps leading to the main gate are naturally covered in moss from years of rain, wind, and visitors' footsteps, and can be slippery, so caution is needed. Trees grow thick on either side of the steps, and the green of the moss is especially beautiful right after rain. This scene is popular among photographers as one of Kamakura's most atmospheric approaches.
The Kamakura Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage
Sugimoto-dera is the first stop on the Kamakura Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage, an important starting point for pilgrims. The three Eleven-Headed Kannon statues are normally hidden from public view as sacred images, but are unveiled each year on March 18.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
The contrast between the green moss and cherry blossoms is beautiful in spring; the moss looks even more vivid on rainy days.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
The deeply green grounds stay cool even in summer, well suited for a visit — the season when the moss is at its most beautiful.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The combination of autumn leaves and the old stone steps is striking; the peak in November is not to be missed.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The moss shines especially bright after rain or snow. With fewer visitors, you can worship in quiet.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 20-30 minutes
- Crowd levels
- Relatively uncrowded, though pilgrims on the Kamakura Thirty-Three Kannon route do visit
- Best time to visit
- Morning right after rain is when the moss is most beautiful. Be careful, as the stone steps become very slippery when wet.
| Address | 903 Nikaido, Kamakura, Kanagawa |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:00-16:30 |
| Admission | Adults ¥200, elementary school students ¥100 |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 25 min walk from Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line (or by bus))
- 1 min walk from Sugimoto Kannon bus stop (Keikyu Bus)