Sojiji — Attraction in Yokohama

Last Temple I saw before coming home to Minnesota (10th trip to Japan). I was convinced to wait a little bit before reviewing this temple because of my negative first impressions. This is the single most overrated place in Japan for a fan of culture or Buddhism. While I was here I saw a Basketball game and did not enjoy the constant sounds of Techno and hard rock music playing throughout the temple grounds (I am not kidding.) At the main entrance to the Temple two people were playing an accordion. There was an American style drum solo that blocked off the main building. Other parts were under construction. Please only go here if you have been to many other Temples already. If you choose this as your first temple you will get the wrong impression. Try and check ahead to see if they will be playing loud music or basketball before visiting. Enjoy the Techno music. (please see Edit this is not a regular occurance)

Edit: It has come to my attention that there was a local event at the time I visited. Most major buildings are indeed open most of the year. So check ahead and you may have a great time. It just was not my cup of tea...

I was expecting it to feel a bit flat and cramped and urban, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of natural beauty. I could feel that this temple is very much alive as a center of worship and learning. I understand its significance as one of the global headquarters of Sotoshu. I was not expecting to feel so much peace and quiet self reflection just walking around the grounds for 90 minutes. Quite impressive. I hope to return for zazen practice someday. Thank you for being so accessible. Brilliant. And happy 700th...

横浜にこれほどまでに清々しい空気に包まれた場所があったのか、と思うくらいに、深呼吸をしながら散策したくなる寺院です。休日であっても境内はそれほど人も多くないため、のんびり散策しながら過ごすのにぴったりな場所かもしれません。 移築されたのが1911年と100年あまりしか経過しておらず、建物の多くは鉄筋コンクリート製と比較的新しいのですが、いずれも威風堂々とした佇まいで、見た目では歴史の浅い建造物だとはとても思えません。特に大祖堂はその最たる例で、敷き詰められた広大な畳の前にただ立っているだけでも、凛とした厳かな気持ちになります。 敷地も広く、建物も密集していないため、子供の遊び場にもなっています（お寺ですのであまり度を外した遊びは厳禁ですが…）。家族連れで午後のひと時を楽しむのに最適な場所でもあり、来る者を広く受け入れようとする空気感がとても好きです。

You may be surprised that there are a spot covered in fresh air in Yokohama. If you get tired from the bustle of Yokohama, I recommend you to walk the precinct in the temple. Because there are not many people in the temple even on holiday, unless the festival is held, you can take a leisurely walk while taking a deep breath. Actually, the buildings of this the temple is relatively new, because only about 100 years have elapsed since the temple was relocated. However, as opposed to the new appearance of buildings, they are very strict. "Daiso-do", main hall, is the best example. Just watching a vast Tatami flooring in the hall, you will feel wanting to rule yourself. Although you are not allowed to play with balls or bicycles because it is not a park, I think that it may be okay to play with a toys of bubbles. The temple is one of the best spot to relax...