Soji-ji

Inside the spacious grounds of Soji-ji Temple are a number of buildings related to the Buddhist temple. The palace of the main hall, called Daisodo (Founder's Hall), has a spacious room with 1,000 mats; Sanmon Gate, built with reinforced concrete, is the largest such structure in Japan. School buildings ranging from kindergarten to college give the temple a modern air — but its history dates back as far as the 13th century, when Dogen founded the Soto school of Zen Buddhism based on what he had learned from Chinese Buddhist temples. Soji-ji Temple, which currently shares the distinction of Daihonzan (head temple) with Eihei-ji Temple in Fukui, was built in 1312 by Keizan Zenshi on Ishikawa's Noto Peninsula. In 1907, the temple was reconstructed in Yokohama after the original edifice burned down. Here, on higher ground, you can enjoy the panoramic views of both Tokyo Bay and Boso Pensula to the east that attract a huge number of visitors. Soji-ji Temple is also known as an international training ground for those wishing to learn about and practice Zen meditation. An eight-minute walk from the West Exit of Tsurumi Station on the Keihin Tohoku Line.