Kenchoji Temple

Zachary Bee a month ago

Definitely my favorite temple in Kamakura. The entrance fee was 500 yen and definitely worth it!

Tobias Lass 3 months ago

This temple was much more exciting than I anticipated. The buildings are very rustic with little paint so it doesnt look very glamorous but that gives it a much more spiritual atmosphere. The main building had colorful cloth and a recognizable ceiling painting. You have to take off your shoes to get inside the building behind the golden gate but there's also a nice resting area with a view of the garden. I think its definitely worth to take a walk or bus here from Kamakura or Ofuna and it's much less crowded too.

Anna Krzak 4 months ago

Kenchōji is the No 1 of Kamakura's 5 great Zen temples. It’s the oldest temple in the city. It was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 during the Kencho Era after which it was named. The temple consists of many temple buildings and subtemples, and stretches from the entrance at the bottom into the hills behind. After passing through the Sanmon gate, on the right side you will find Bonsho (temple bell) that is designated a national treasure. The next structure is Buddha Hall with a statue of the Jizo Bodhisattva. Behind Buddha Hall is the Hatto (Dharma Hall) with statue of Kannon and a dragon painted on its ceiling. Hatto is the largest wooden temple building in eastern Japan. Behind the Hojo there is a pretty garden designed by Zen master Muso Kokushi. Further up the hill by a stairways (15-20 min), you will find Hansobo (a shrine for the protection of Kenchoji) with a small terrace to admire the view over the temple grounds and Kamakura city from the above. When we visited (Oct 2023) Mount Fuji observation deck was closed fore renovation. Further up the hill (another 5 min.), there is a 2nd observation deck with even better views over the entire temple grounds and the city of Kamakura. If you enter the temple ground from the hill' side (for example after trekking from the Engakuji Temple as us), you may but the entry tickets at Hansobo. The temple is open from 08:30 to 16:30. Entrance (Oct 2023) was 500 ¥ per person.

James M 5 months ago

Utterly beautiful and fascinating temple. Highly Recommended at anytime of the year. Such amazing examples of architecture and devotion. This solemn, tranquil, peaceful location leaves you feeling calm and rested. Just sit quietly and absorb the centuries of history.

Brian Ash 6 months ago

Beautiful temple to visit if you’re in Kamakura. The best of the top 5 Rinzai Zen temples in Kamakura and the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan. If you are interested in Zen Buddhist or Japanese history, visiting Kenchoji is a must! The grounds around the temple and the temple itself are absolutely beautiful. And you can even join Zazen with the monks when you visit (at certain times).