Tendai Buddhist Temple · Tsurumi, Yokohama
Welcome to Hongakuji
A place for prayer, remembrance, and Buddhist practice
Hongakuji is a small Tendai Buddhist temple rooted in the local community of Shishigaya, Tsurumi, Yokohama. Since its founding in 1683, the temple has continued as a place of prayer and remembrance in this neighborhood.
Those who wish to pray, remember and honor someone who has died, quietly pay their respects before the Buddha, or sincerely take part in Buddhist practice are welcome. We ask visitors to respect the prayers and practices of Hongakuji and the Tendai tradition.
Prayer & Goma Prayer
Prayer is an important part of life at Hongakuji. We offer prayer services for personal wishes, concerns, important moments in life, and gratitude.
In the Main Hall, prayers are offered before Dainichi Nyorai (Mahāvairocana Buddha). In the Kannon Hall, Goma prayer — a Buddhist fire ritual of prayer — is performed before Nyoirin Kannon (Cintāmaṇicakra Avalokiteśvara).
Goma at Hongakuji is a prayer practice, not a performance. You do not need to know the formal Japanese name for the prayer you need. If there is something you sincerely wish to pray for, please contact us and tell us about it.
Memorial services
Hongakuji also conducts Buddhist memorial services for those who have died. A service can be performed even when family or friends are unable to attend. When people are able to attend, we also value the act of remembering the person and offering their own prayers before the Buddha.
If you would like to request a memorial service but are unsure what to ask for, please contact us.
Buddhist practice at Hongakuji
Hongakuji holds small-group sessions in zazen (seated meditation) and shakyo (sutra copying). These are opportunities to take part in Buddhist practice at the temple.
If language makes it difficult for you to take part, please contact us in advance. We will see what we can reasonably do to help you participate.
Buddhist images and tradition
Hongakuji belongs to the Tendai Buddhist tradition. The principal image in the Main Hall is Dainichi Nyorai (Mahāvairocana Buddha). The Kannon Hall enshrines Nyoirin Kannon (Cintāmaṇicakra Avalokiteśvara).
The temple’s Japanese pages contain more detailed information about its Buddhist images, history, Kannon Hall, cemetery, annual observances, and daily prayers. You may use your browser’s translation function to read them.
Planning your first visit
Hongakuji is a small, active Buddhist temple in a quiet, long-established residential neighborhood. If you are planning to visit Hongakuji for the first time, especially if you are coming specifically to see or pray at the temple, please contact us in advance.
This helps us welcome you while respecting the everyday life of our neighbors and the temple’s schedule of prayers and memorial services.
Address
2-6-32 Shishigaya, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0073, Japan
Telephone 045-575-7855
Photography
If you wish to take photographs on the temple grounds or inside temple buildings, please ask us before taking photos. You may also ask on the day of your visit.
Commercial filming, location shoots, or other uses of Hongakuji as a filming location require prior consultation and may not be accepted.
A note about language
This English page is a guide to the temple and its approach to visitors. The Japanese pages are the primary source for current dates, detailed services, applications, and notices. If you need help understanding how to take part in a prayer, memorial service, zazen, or shakyo, please contact us before your visit.
Contact Hongakuji
Hongakuji Temple · Tendai Buddhist temple · Tsurumi, Yokohama, Japan
2-6-32 Shishigaya, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0073, Japan
Telephone: 045-575-7855