About
In Ōgigayatsu, Kamakura, deep within a tranquil valley, once stood a temple known as Muryōju-in (also called Muryō-ji). Today, little remains to recall its former presence, but traces of it quietly linger within the grounds of the Kamakura Museum of History and Culture.
This site is known as the family temple of the Adachi clan, influential gokenin (vassals) since the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate. According to records in the Azuma Kagami, on June 3rd, 1265 (Bunei 2), the thirteenth memorial service for the late Akita Jōsuke Yoshikage was held at Muryōju-in. It is said that during the head priest’s sermon, heavy rain fell, causing a temporary building on the mountain to collapse, leaving two people in a half-dead, half-alive state.
An excavation conducted in 2002 (Heisei 14) uncovered traces of a pond and foundation stones from the late Kamakura period, which were suggested to be related to the Adachi clan. There was a central island in the pond, and on the north side, a channel for drawing water was attached. A large number of kawarake (earthenware dishes) were found in the pond, and in front of the pond, remains of a building with foundation stones were also identified. Based on their dating, these are presumed to be remains of a pond from the late Kamakura period, and are considered among the oldest examples of medieval gardens in Kamakura.
This valley is called Muryōji-dani, and it is believed that the Adachi clan’s residence was nearby. In the Edo period, it is said that the residence of Tsunahiro, a descendant of the swordsmith Masamune, was located here, and Muryōji-dani was also known as Tsunahiro-dani. Tsunahiro received land in Muryōji-dani from Hōjō Ujitsuna, was granted the character “tsuna” from Ujitsuna’s name, and his descendants continued to use the name Tsunahiro. Even today, their techniques are inherited as Masamune Kōgei (Masamune Craft).
Furthermore, it is said that Ha Inari, a guardian deity of swordsmiths, was enshrined in this area, and in 1919 (Taishō 8), it was revived as Aizuchi Inari by the Iwasaki family. The shrine building, fox statues, approach, and torii gate were all maintained, and today they have been relocated to Kuzuharaoka Shrine.
Within the grounds of the Kamakura Museum of History and Culture, these historical remains are scattered. Walking through the tranquil garden, the vestiges of the former Muryōju-in emerge, and one can sense the presence of the Adachi clan and the swordsmith Tsunahiro. In this place where layers of history overlap, the past and present quietly intersect.