Se promener dans les sanctuaires et temples historiques de Yokohama

Nos coups de cœur

L'un des aspects les plus charmants de Yokohama est son mélange d'ancien et de nouveau. En explorant certains des temples et sanctuaires les plus anciens de la ville, dont beaucoup sont nichés dans des oasis urbaines, vous pourrez apprécier encore plus les contrastes.

Gumyoji : le plus vieux temple de Yokohama

Le plus ancien temple de Yokohama est un témoignage de l'attachement à la préservation de pièces importantes de l'histoire culturelle du Japon. Il existe des preuves que la salle principale de Gumyoji a été achevée le 10 mars 1044. Bien que la salle ait été reconstruite en 1766, la statue du temple de Kannon aux onze visages aurait été sculptée à la même époque que la fondation du temple. C'est une statue en bois finement sculptée qui mesure plus de 180 centimètres de hauteur et est à la fois un trésor national du Japon et un bien culturel national important. Bien que les terrains de Gumyoji soient relativement petits, ils regorgent de sites uniques et de nombreuses sculptures fascinantes. Prenez le temps de regarder les détails, qui se dévoileront lentement mais sûrement à vous.

Gumyoji-> Iseyama Kotai Jingu

Prenez la Ligne Keikyu de Gumyoji station à Hinodecho station. (Environ 10 minutes)

Iseyama Kotai Jingu: Guardian of Yokohama City

Known as the Ise Jingu of the Kanto region, Iseyama Kotai Jingu is an important shrine both within the Shinto religion and Yokohama. It is so centrally located it overlooks the Minato Mirai area, but its hilltop location makes it feel hidden away from the rest of the world. The shrine moved here in 1870 on the cusp of great change in Japan and as Yokohama opened its port to the world. People from all over the country gathered here for work creating a vibrant, but divided atmosphere. When Iseyama Kotai Jingu relocated they held a huge festival and this is said to have been the catalyst for the citizens of Yokohama to feel united. The festival was so significant that May 15 — the annual festival day — was a public holiday in the city for a long time. Now, Iseyama Kotai Jingu’s picturesque surroundings are popular for weddings and in spring, when cherry blossoms line the steps up to the main hall.

Iseyama Kotai Jingu -> Sojiji

Take the Keikyu Line from Hinodecho Station to Kagetsu-Sojiji Station. (Approx. 19 mins)

Sojiji: Internationally Zen

Sojiji is one of two head temples in the Soto Zen Buddhism school, the other being Eiheiji in Fukui Prefecture. The temple was established in 1321 and moved to its current location in 1911. Most of the buildings on the vast, 500,000-meter-squared temple grounds are from this later period.
Sojiji is an internationally recognized as a temple of Zen practice, and lots of visitors from all over the world come here to take part in zazen sessions, take guided English tours and stroll the Zen garden.* The temple has close ties with the local community — it manages educational institutions and holds multiple community events annually. The most popular event is the Mitama Festival Bon Odori held in July, which brings thousands of people from near and far. For those interested in shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist dishes), check Sojiji’s official website.

Sojiji -> Saihouji

Take the Keikyu Line from Kagetsu-Sojiji Station to Yokohama Station. (Approx. 20 mins)
Change at Yokohama Station for the Blue Subway Line and disembark at Nippa Station. (Approx. 15 mins)

Saihouji: Flowers in All Seasons

Saihouji offers an escape from the busyness of the city without leaving Yokohama. Founded in Kamakura about 800 years ago, the temple moved to Yokohama around 500 years ago. This tranquil space opens with a long approach and a thatched roof gate. The main hall, built around 300 years ago, also has a thatched roof — a rare sight. Saihouji is most famous for its abundance of flowers and its vibrant blossoms attract visitors all year round. In spring there are cherry blossoms and magnolias, while summer brings azaleas, irises, hydrangeas and more. Autumn offers another color explosion with spider lilies in an array of red, yellow and pink. Winter boasts camellias and yellow plum blossoms known as robai.

Remarque: les heures d'ouverture et les services peuvent différer en raison de l'impact de Covid-19