Soon after the Kamakura Shogunate ended with the collapse of Hojo regime, there was a bitter battle in 1337 between the Imperial Court forces and the remnants of Hojo clan. Behind the Temple was a fortress, which turned the Temple into a battlefield and more than 300 samurai were killed. Sugimoto-dera is one of the two Tendai sect temples in Kamakura. The other is Hokaiji. From this gate up, the stone steps are preserved and visitors are required to keep off like the one in Myohoji.
Visitors have to use left-hand side steps.
On both sides of the steps, many white banner are fluttering in the wind. The Kanji characters appearing on the banners read Eleven-Headed Kan'non. It was rebuilt in 1677. Visitors are allowed to go inside, but do not forget to take your shoes and hat off. Once inside, burning incense smells and the hall is filled with smoke as well as a number of statues.