Sōji-ji Temple
Major Zen Buddhist temple with extensive temple grounds
One of Soto Zen's head temples near Yokohama, known for wooden halls, gardens and liturgy; visitors attend tours, meditation sessions and examine traditional temple architecture.
Sōji-ji at a Glance#
About Sōji-ji#
Sōji-ji is a major Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple complex located in Kanagawa Prefecture, serving as one of the principal head temples of the Sōtō school.
The complex includes large halls, training quarters and temple gardens; it functions both as a religious training centre and a place open to visitors for ceremonies and occasional zazen sessions.
The temple has medieval origins within the Sōtō tradition and the present Tsurumi complex reflects reconstructions and expansions that occurred in modern times.
It is situated in Tsurumi, part of Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture, and is accessible from the city for those interested in Zen architecture and practice.
- Religious role: One of the two head temples of the Sōtō Zen school, the other being Eihei-ji. It regularly hosts ceremonies and formal training events.
How to Get to Sōji-ji#
Sōji‑ji is in Tsurumi, Yokohama. From Yokohama Station, take local trains or buses to Tsurumi Station and a short bus or taxi ride to the temple complex. It is accessible by public transport from central Tokyo in under an hour.
Tips for Visiting Sōji-ji#
- Visit the temple grounds early in the morning to avoid crowds and to hear temple bells and chanting.
- Observe dress codes and temple etiquette - modest clothing and quiet behavior are expected.
- Explore the surrounding trails and cemeteries for a fuller sense of the temple's place in local history.
Best Time to Visit Sōji-ji#
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions; early mornings throughout the year reduce crowds and heat.
Weather & Climate near Sōji-ji#
Sōji-ji's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1608 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 1° - 10° | 2° | 54 mm | some cloud | 77% | 4.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| February | Good | 2° - 10° | 3° | 68 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 6° | 120 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 135 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.0h |
| May | Very Good | 14° - 23° | 19° | 148 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.9h |
| June | Good | 18° - 25° | 22° | 201 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.4h |
| July | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 161 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.5 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.1h |
| August | Very Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 168 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.3h |
| September | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 213 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 14° - 22° | 18° | 189 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 4.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.4 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.2h |
| December | Good | 4° - 13° | 5° | 50 mm | some cloud | 79% | 4.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
