What other travelers are saying about Sojiji Temple
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.
Sojiji, along with Eiheiji, is one of the two head temples of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. It plays a crucial role in the training of Zen monks and the dissemination of Soto Zen teachings.
Yes, Sojiji offers zazen (seated meditation) sessions for visitors. These sessions provide an opportunity to experience Zen meditation in a traditional setting.
Sojiji hosts several annual events, including the Jodo-e (Buddha's Enlightenment Day) and the Nehan-e (Buddha's Nirvana Day). These events attract many visitors and provide insights into Buddhist practices.
Sojiji is accessible via public transportation. It is a short walk from Tsurumi Station, which is served by the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Keikyu Main Line.
Nearby attractions include the Tsurumi Shrine and the Tsurumi River. The area around Sojiji also offers various shops and restaurants where visitors can enjoy local cuisine.
I was expecting it to feel a bit flat and cramped and urban, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of natural beauty. I could feel that this temple is very much alive as a center of worship and learning. I understand its significance as one of the global headquarters of Sotoshu. I was not expecting to feel so much peace and quiet self reflection just walking around the grounds for 90 minutes. Quite impressive. I hope to return for zazen practice someday. Thank you for being so accessible. Brilliant. And happy 700th birthday 🥳 太祖!
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
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.
Last Temple I saw before coming home to Minnesota (10th trip to Japan). I was convinced to wait a little bit before reviewing this temple because of my negative first impressions. This is the single most overrated place in Japan for a fan of culture or Buddhism. While I was here I saw a Basketball game and did not enjoy the constant sounds of Techno and hard rock music playing throughout the temple grounds (I am not kidding.) At the main entrance to the Temple two people were playing an accordion. There was an American style drum solo that blocked off the main building. Other parts were under construction. Please only go here if you have been to many other Temples already. If you choose this as your first temple you will get the wrong impression. Try and check ahead to see if they will be playing loud music or basketball before visiting. Enjoy the Techno music. (please see Edit this is not a regular occurance)
Edit: It has come to my attention that there was a local event at the time I visited. Most major buildings are indeed open most of the year.
So check ahead and you may have a great time. It just was not my cup of tea on that date.
