This is the scene of the Namamugi Incident in 1862, where British merchants were slashed when they interrupted the procession of Shimazu Hisamitsu, the feudal lord of Satsuma. As revenge, the British bombarded Kagoshima, resulting in the Anglo-Satsuma War. However, as a result of the war, ties between Satsuma and Britain were strengthened, encouraging modernization. These Anglo-Satsuma ties became the centre of the Meiji Restoration.

Sojiji is the headquarters of the Soto sect. The steel-reinforced concrete gates at the entrance is Japan’s largest. The Nio (two Deva kings) that is modeled on Kitano Umi (Sumo wrestler) is standing inside.

The entrance is located almost 300 m from JR Tsurumi station. On the both sides there are plenty of trees and wide road to the temple together with traditional entrance gates greeting many visitors.

The Sojiji Temple is the head temple of the Soto school (of Zen Buddhism). Every summer, the Mitama Matsuri Bon Odori Festival is held. It is now established as a local summer tradition, and many participants enjoy dancing the Bon dance to the cheers of the energetic monks. Please come and join our Bon Odori Festival!Held over three consecutive days from July 18 to 20, this huge summer festival is a Tsurumi summer tradition. Featuring a Bon Odori dance with the temple priests, a fireworks display with 200 fireworks launched over the three days and many stalls lining the approach to the temple, this lively festival attracts crowds of people of all ages and genders.

Soji-ji is the main temple of the Soto sect and one of the largest temples in the Kanto region. Originally located in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, it was relocated to Tsurumi in 1911, and contains vast grounds featuring architectural complexes, including the Daseido. Visitors may explore the grounds freely, with the halls of the temple also open to visitors under the supervision of monks. *A 1-hour round-trip course. ※ The experience contains a Zen meditation session in English and vegetarian food tasting. Places for viewing the auditorium on the temple grounds may be restricted due to infectious disease control measures.A temple located in Tsurumigaoka, a scenic place with views of the sacred Mt. Fuji. Open-to-all Zen meditation sessions are held every month on designated days and instruction is available in English on certain days.