Daihonzan Sojiji

Founder's Hall or Daisodo

The Soto Zen School has two head temples. One is the Eiheiji; the other the Sojiji. Keizan Zenji (1227–1325) was head of the temple Morookaji,in modern Ishikawa Prefecture. In 1321, he renamed the temple the Shogaku-zan Sojiji. When this Sojiji burned down during the Meiji period (1867–1912), it was relocated in Yokohama, where it is today.

Main gate, or sanmon

Standing at the seaway entry to the country in a place convenient to various means of transportation, the Sojiji is proud to be an important international Zen training ground. Putting the teachings of Keizan Zenji into practice, it is accessible for employee-training courses and zazen meditation sessions.

Keizan Zenji was deeply involved in education. Carrying on his tradition, the Sojiji has established an institution called the Soji Gakuen. Large numbers of young people study at the Soji Gakuen schools, the humane educational policies of which are based on the Zen spirit and perpetrate the teachings of Keizan Zenji.

Regularly conducted prayers at the Sojiji

Novice monks begging for alms

Movie

"Soto Zen Buddhism, Daihonzan Sojiji"

The Soto Zen School has two head temples. One is the Eiheiji; the other the Sojiji. "Daihonzan Sojiji". Situated near the Tsurumi station in Yokohama, Sojiji is one of the largest temples in the Kanto region. We are pleased to present a short video, that will give you a guided tour of this ancient monastery.

"Map" Daihonzan Sojiji

Location

With a site area of 190,000 square meters, the Sojiji is one of the most spacious temples in the entire Kanto area. It is a seven-minute walk from Tsurumi Station in Yokohama, a 40 minute train ride from Tokyo, and about three and a half hours by train from Osaka.

Address: 2-1-1, Tsurumi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture 230-0063, Japan
Phone: +81(45)581-6021

Access to Sojiji (all times approximate)

By train
17 minutes from Shinagawa Station to Tsurumi Station on the JR Keihin Tohoku Line
10 minutes from Yokohama Station to Tsurumi Station on the JR Keihin Tohoku Line
20 minutes from Shinagawa Station to Tsurumi Station on the Keihin Kyuko Line
5-7 minutes walk from the West Exit of Tsurumi Station
By car
From Yokohama: 4 minutes (2km) from the Namamugi turnoff of the Yokohane Highway
From Tokyo: 5 minutes (2.5km) from the Shioiri turnoff of the Yokohane Highway