Kenchoji Temple

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Kenchoji Temple

With 770 years of history, Kenchoji is the highest-ranked of the Kamakura Gozan, the five great Zen temples of Kamakura, and one of the earliest Zen temples in Japan.

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Head Editor : Kenchoji Temple

Kenchoji is Japan’s first Zen training monastery, founded in the Kencho era (1253) by the 5th regent of the Kamakura shogunate, Hojo Tokiyori, with the invitation of the high priest Rankei Doryu from the Song Dynasty. It’s home to some 400+ sub temples, flourishing as the head temple of the Rinzai school Kenchoji branch and the first among the Kamakura Gozan. The temple’s name is officially coined as Kofukuzan Kencho Kokokoku Zenji, while its mountain name Kofuku comes from Kofukuro, and the temple name derives from the era name.

Step inside to find the grounds laid out in a straight line of sites you’d expect from a Zen temple, including the main gate, sanmon gate, Buddha hall, and lecture hall. Among its treasures is a national treasure portrait of Rankei Doryu, and numerous cultural assets, including a bell constructed under Hojo Tokiyori's orders, praised as the most beautiful in the Kanto region. The sprawling temple grounds are hugged by a wash of gorgeous nature no matter what time of year your visit, topped off by stunning views from the observation deck at the innermost temple quarters, Hanso, out over the temple precincts, the town in front, Sagami Bay, and even Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

After your visit head over to Tenshin-an just outside the temple gate for a bowl of Kenchin Soup, a dish said to have gotten its start as “Kenchoji’s Soup”.

Highlights

  • A Chinese Zen-style temple receiving the faith of Hojo Tokiyori and Tokimune.
  • A kashiwa oak planted by Rankei Doryu, surviving since the temple's founding.
  • The national treasure bell, claimed as the most beautiful in Kanto, is a must-see.
  • Extending your visit to Hanso offers unimaginable scenic views.
  • The temple-originated vegetarian dish "Kenchin soup" is a must-try local treat.

Photos

  • The sanmon gate, through which passing is said to liberate one from all worldly attachments. An Important Cultural Property of Japan.

    The sanmon gate, through which passing is said to liberate one from all worldly attachments. An Important Cultural Property of Japan.

  • The bell in the bell tower beside the sanmon gate, boasting the greatest beauty in Kanto.

    The bell in the bell tower beside the sanmon gate, boasting the greatest beauty in Kanto.

  • The Buddha hall housing the main deity, Jizo Bosatsu. An Important Cultural Property of Japan.

    The Buddha hall housing the main deity, Jizo Bosatsu. An Important Cultural Property of Japan.

  • The lecture hall (hattou), where monk trainees once listened to the head priest's sermons. An Important Cultural Property of Japan.

    The lecture hall (hattou), where monk trainees once listened to the head priest's sermons. An Important Cultural Property of Japan.

  • The cloud dragon painting on the ceiling inside the lecture hall.

    The cloud dragon painting on the ceiling inside the lecture hall.

  • A kashiwa oak planted by Rankei Doryu, surviving since the temple's founding.

    A kashiwa oak planted by Rankei Doryu, surviving since the temple's founding.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)

A

English, Chinese and Korean are available.

Q

Is there a Goshuin stamp available?

A

Goshuin stamps for the main deity Jizo Bosatsu, Shaka Nyorai, Kannon Pilgrimage No. 28 (Senju Kannon), Jizo Pilgrimage Nos. 9 & 10, Bishamonten/Zenzai Doji, and Hanso Goshuin (Hanso Daigongen, Jizo Pilgrimage No. 11) are available at Hanso.

Q

Is parking available?

A

Large-sized vehicles 2,000yen, Standard-sized vehicles 600yen/1hour

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Q

Is there a Zazen session?

A

Every Friday and Saturday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, free of charge (entrance fee required).

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
建長寺
Postal Code
247-0062
Address
8 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa
Telephone
0467-22-0981
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
8:30am - 4:30pm
Admission
Admission fee 500yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 200yen
Access
5 minutes by Enoden bus towards Kamakura from JR Yokosuka Line Kita-Kamakura Station, get off at "Kenchoji" bus stop, 15 minutes on foot.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)