Engakuji Temple Treasure Airing & National Treasure Shariden Special Opening

What Is the Treasure Airing at Engakuji Temple?

The Treasure Airing (Homotsu Kazeire, 宝物風入) at Engakuji Temple (円覚寺) in Kita-Kamakura (北鎌倉) is an annual event in which the temple shows its cultural treasures to the public just once a year, while airing them out. It is held around Culture Day (November 3). At the same time, there is a special opening of the National Treasure Shariden (舎利殿), the Relic Hall: visitors can step inside the gate of Shozokuin (正続院), which is normally closed, and pray close to the front of the hall.

Dates, Hours and Fees

In 2026, it is held for three days, from Saturday, October 31 to Monday, November 2. Both the treasure display and the Shariden are open from about 9:00 a.m. to about 4:00 p.m. On the last day, the treasure display closes at 3:00 p.m. and the Shariden at 3:30 p.m.

The treasure display costs 200 yen for junior high school students and older and is free for elementary school children and younger. The Shariden special viewing costs 300 yen for high school students and older and 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students. According to visitors’ accounts, these fees are paid separately from the temple admission (adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen). During the period, special goshuin (御朱印), handwritten temple seals (1,000 yen each), are also offered at the Shariden and the stamp office.

Highlights: Engakuji’s Treasures Up Close

The treasures are shown in the Ohojo (大方丈) and Shoin (書院) halls. Large hanging scrolls line the walls of the spacious tatami halls, and letters and documents are laid out on red felt. Most items are displayed without glass cases, so you can see Important Cultural Properties up close. A list of the items on display is handed out at the entrance. Engakuji owns several hundred treasures, including Important Cultural Properties such as a letter by Hojo Tokimune (北条時宗), a painting of the Buddha’s nirvana, and portraits of Mugaku Sogen (無学祖元), also known as Bukko Kokushi (仏光国師), and Muso Kokushi (夢窓国師). Some items may not be shown because of restoration work. Photos are not allowed inside the exhibition rooms.

Highlights: Praying Before the National Treasure Shariden

The Shariden stands inside Shozokuin, the sub-temple dedicated to Engakuji’s founder Mugaku Sogen. It is a Zen-style building that represents Kamakura and is designated a National Treasure. It enshrines a relic said to be a tooth of the Buddha (Butsuge Shari, 仏牙舎利). Usually you can only see its roof from outside the gate, but during the special opening you can step inside the gate and walk up close to the front of the hall to pray. A monk is sometimes on hand in front of the Shariden to explain it.

Crowds and When to Visit

The temple gets busy from about 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a stream of people walking from Kita-Kamakura Station (北鎌倉駅). To take your time, it is best to come early in the morning.

Access: Visiting During Your Stay at Toshi’s Place

Engakuji is about a 1-minute walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station on the Yokosuka Line.

If you stay in Kamakura, you can head to Kita-Kamakura in the morning before the crowds and enjoy the treasures in peace. At Toshi’s Place, fully unstaffed smart hotels with full kitchens and no meals provided, you can explore Kamakura at your own pace.

Summary

The Treasure Airing at Engakuji is a once-a-year chance in autumn Kita-Kamakura to see the temple treasures up close and to pray before the National Treasure Shariden from inside its gate. For the temple’s regular highlights, see Engakuji Temple.

Basic Information

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