Shomoyo-ji Yokohama

The grounds of the Shomyoji Temple are of the Jodo (Pure Land) style garden. There is a large pond, called a Ajiike Pond, in the middle with two bridges - one arched and one flat - over the pond. This garden was originally styled by Shoitsue, a monk of the Kamakura period who specialized in garden design. It was restored in 1978, following maps and drawings and is today one of the few 12th century design gardens in Japan.

The JAW group I belong to visited this garden during Cherry Blossom season. The grounds are beautiful and lucky for me the temple is only about a 20 minute train ride from Yokosuka. With more area to explore than we had time for, I made yet another mental note to add this place to my ever growing list of places to return to ...

Till next time, sayonara.