Sugimoto-dera Temple: Kamakura's Ancient Sanctuary

Sugimoto-dera Temple, nestled in Kamakura, is considered the oldest temple in the area, dating back to the Nara period. Founded in 734 by the priest Gyōki and Fujiwara no Fusasaki, under the wish of Empress Komyo, it enshrines the Eleven-Headed Kannon as its main deity. The temple is the first stop on the Bandō Sanjūsankasho pilgrimage, a route of 33 temples dedicated to Kannon across Eastern Japan. The temple's most iconic feature is its moss-covered stone staircase, flanked by white votive flags. Although access is restricted to protect the fragile steps, the view creates a dreamlike atmosphere. The main hall houses three Eleven-Faced Kannon statues, two of which are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. These statues are typically hidden but are unveiled on the 1st and 18th of each month, accompanied by a Goma fire ritual. Legends add to the temple's allure. One story tells of a Kannon statue that escaped a fire by hiding under a cedar tree, inspiring the name 'Kannon of the Cedar Origin'. Another recounts how arrogant riders were thrown from their horses when passing the temple, leading to the name 'Dismounting Kannon'. The temple grounds are adorned with seasonal flora, including cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and maple trees, making it a beautiful destination year-round.