{"id":2643,"date":"2025-01-24T18:25:32","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T09:25:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/?page_id=2643"},"modified":"2026-10-28T15:47:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T06:47:33","slug":"kenchoji-kamakura","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/kenchoji-kamakura\/","title":{"rendered":"Kenchoji Temple (\u5efa\u9577\u5bfa)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video preload=\"none\" height=\"720\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1280 \/ 720;\" width=\"1280\" autoplay loop muted poster=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/\u5efa\u9577\u5bfa-\u4e09\u9580\u306e\u8358\u53b3pixta_79362676_L.jpg\" preload=\"none\" src=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/\u5efa\u9577\u5bfa.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discover Kenchoji Temple (\u5efa\u9577\u5bfa)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kenchoji Temple (<a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/kitakamakura\/kenchoji-kamakura\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"171\" title=\"\u5efa\u9577\u5bfa\">\u5efa\u9577\u5bfa<\/a>) was established in the mid-13th century by Tokiyori Hojo, the fifth regent of the Kamakura shogunate. It holds the distinction of being Japan\u2019s first official Zen training monastery. The temple\u2019s founding abbot was Lanxi Daolong, a Zen monk invited from the Southern Song Dynasty in China. As the head temple of the Kenchoji school of the Rinzai sect, it ranks first among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For about three days around Culture Day (November 3) every year, the temple opens its treasures to the public once a year in the <a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/kenchoji-kamakura\/houmotsu-kazeire\/\">Kenchoji Temple Treasure Airing<\/a>, where you can see the National Treasure portrait of Rankei Doryu and more up close in tatami halls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The temple was originally built on the site of a former execution ground called \u201cJigokudani\u201d (Hell Valley), where a Jizo Bodhisattva temple once stood. This history lives on in Kenchoji\u2019s enduring spirit of compassion, reflecting the Zen philosophy that &#8220;all beings can be saved.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1429\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/kenchoji-temple_spot-card_en.jpg\" alt=\"Kenchoji Temple travel information infographic\" class=\"wp-image-17275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/kenchoji-temple_spot-card_en.jpg 1429w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/kenchoji-temple_spot-card_en-768x1376.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/kenchoji-temple_spot-card_en-857x1536.jpg 857w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/kenchoji-temple_spot-card_en-1143x2048.jpg 1143w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1429px) 100vw, 1429px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Illustrations are for visual reference only and may not reflect the actual appearance of the site.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highlights of Architecture, Nature, and Scenery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Upon entering, visitors are greeted by towering 760-year-old Chinese juniper trees (byakushin), said to have been brought from Song China by Lanxi Daolong himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The massive Sanmon Gate (Gate of the Three Liberations) is the largest of its kind in eastern Japan. Passing through symbolizes liberation from earthly desires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The temple&#8217;s national treasure bell, cast in the mid-13th century, is one of the &#8220;Three Great Bells of Kamakura.&#8221; Don\u2019t miss the awe-inspiring ceiling painting of a five-clawed dragon by artist Junsho Koizumi in the Hatto (Dharma Hall).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Hojo Garden is a designated national scenic site, showcasing the spirit of Chinese Zen gardens with its pond-centered layout, manicured lawn, and carefully placed stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultural Significance and Blessings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kenchoji enshrines Hansobo Daigongen, a guardian deity believed to protect against fire and misfortune and to invite good fortune. A path of 12 Tengu statues leads up to the viewpoint, from which visitors can see Kamakura city, Sagami Bay, and even Mt. Fuji on clear days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local Cuisine and Zen Experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The famous Kenchin-jiru soup, a hearty vegetable stew, originated here. Visitors can also take part in free zazen (Zen meditation) sessions on Fridays and Saturdays, or join daily sutra-copying sessions (with a small fee). Both activities offer peaceful, contemplative experiences without the need for prior reservation. The on-site caf\u00e9 Tenshin-an serves authentic Kenchin-jiru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Omikuji, Goshuin, and Temple Customs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Weekly zazen sessions are beginner-friendly and do not require advance booking. Daily sutra-copying sessions are open throughout the day. Goshuin (temple stamps) are available from major temple buildings, including the Karamon Gate and Butsuden (Main Hall).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get There from Toshi&#8217;s Place (\u30c8\u30b7\u30ba\u30d7\u30ec\u30a4\u30b9)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kenchoji Temple is about a 15-minute walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station. From Toshi&#8217;s Place, it&#8217;s an easy and pleasant stroll, especially during the quiet hours of early morning or late afternoon. Opening hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Note that the Butsuden is undergoing restoration until autumn 2027, which may limit access to certain areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Time to Visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Morning:<\/strong> The temple path and gardens are serene and bathed in gentle light\u2014ideal for an early walk before breakfast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Late Afternoon:<\/strong> After the day-trippers leave, the temple becomes a tranquil space for reflection and spiritual practice\u2014perfect for those staying nearby.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seasonal Views:<\/strong> Cherry blossoms in spring, peonies in early summer, and vivid autumn foliage provide colorful highlights. During peony season, even normally restricted paths are opened to the public.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nearby Highlights Within Walking Distance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hansobo Shrine:<\/strong> A scenic overlook and spiritual guardian spot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Short <a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/#hiking\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"92\" title=\"\u30cf\u30a4\u30ad\u30f3\u30b0(ENG)\">Hiking<\/a> Trails:<\/strong> Behind the temple, peaceful woodland paths offer a nature-rich Kamakura experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mushi-zuka (Insect Memorial):<\/strong> A modern art piece designed by architect Kengo Kuma, conceived by Takeshi Yoro. Held every June 4th, a ceremony honors insects in a unique cultural tradition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ideal For\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Zen Seekers:<\/strong> Experience the calm of early mornings and peaceful evenings with zazen and sutra-copying.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>History &amp; Architecture Buffs:<\/strong> Admire the Rinzai Zen architecture, national treasure bell, dragon painting, and ornate gates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Modern Art Enthusiasts:<\/strong> Be surprised and inspired by unique installations like the Mushi-zuka memorial.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrap-Up: Zen in Motion with Freedom and Depth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kenchoji Temple, the top-ranked of Kamakura\u2019s Five Great Zen Temples, offers deep spiritual and historical immersion. Early morning walks, quiet twilight visits, and open-access meditation or sutra-copying experiences create a meaningful addition to any journey. Make the most of your free hours by slowing down and savoring the temple\u2019s calm gardens and centuries of tradition.ith clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Basic Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Item<\/th><th>Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Kenchoji (Kofukusan Kencho Kokoku Zenji) (\u5de8\u798f\u5c71\u5efa\u9577\u8208\u56fd\u7985\u5bfa)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Address<\/td><td>8 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City (\u938c\u5009\u5e02), Kanagawa (\u795e\u5948\u5ddd\u770c) 247-8525, Japan<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Highlights<\/td><td>National Treasure: Bonsho bell \/ Important Cultural Properties: Sanmon Gate, Buddha Hall, Dharma Hall, Chinese-style gate \/ Nationally designated scenic garden \/ Highest-ranking temple of the Kamakura Gozan \/ Zen-style temple layout \/ 750-year-old juniper tree<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Things to Do<\/td><td>Zazen meditation (Fridays and Saturdays) \/ Sutra copying (daily from 9:00 until last entry at 15:00) \/ Worship \/ Explore the grounds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hours<\/td><td>8:30\u201316:30<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Visit Duration (Estimate)<\/td><td>Approx. 30 min (Quick: 15 min \/ Thorough: 45 min)<br>\u203bDuring peak seasons (cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, etc.) and on weekends and holidays, it may be very crowded.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Admission<\/td><td>Adults (high school students and older): 500 yen \/ Children (elementary and junior high): 200 yen \/ Cash only \/ Free admission for visitors with disability or welfare ID and one caregiver<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Closed<\/td><td>Open daily<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Notes<\/td><td>Use of tripods and monopods is prohibited \/ Smoking is not allowed on the grounds \/ Photography or videography for commercial use requires prior permission<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Restrooms<\/td><td>Accessible restroom available<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Official Website<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kenchoji.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">https:\/\/www.kenchoji.com<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Google Map<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<iframe\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps?q=\u3012247-8525 \u795e\u5948\u5ddd\u770c\u938c\u5009\u5e02\u5c71\u30ce\u51858&#038;output=embed\"\n  width=\"100%\"\n  height=\"400\"\n  style=\"border:0;\"\n  allowfullscreen=\"\"\n  loading=\"lazy\"\n  referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\">\n<\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Audio Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\u3010Audio Guide\u3011Discover the Charm of Kencho-ji Temple in Kamakura | Kamakura Travel Guide\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aniAuY40lwg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-elfsight-tripadvisor-reviews\" data-widget-id=\"eed49d22-f322-4152-a754-15393fc84af9\"><div class=\"elfsight-app-eed49d22-f322-4152-a754-15393fc84af9\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"crp-list-container\"><h3 class=\"crp-list-title\">Nearby Highlights<\/h3><ul class=\"crp-list\"><li class=\"crp-list-item crp-list-item-image-above crp-list-item-has-image\"><div class=\"crp-list-item-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/ennoji-kamakura\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" style=\"max-width: 150px; height: auto;\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/\u5186\u5fdc\u5bfa\u95bb\u9b54\u5927\u738b\u5750\u50cf\u52a0\u5de5\u6e08\u307fpixta_107979984_L.png\" class=\"attachment-150x150 size-150x150\" alt=\"\u5186\u5fdc\u5bfa\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/\u5186\u5fdc\u5bfa\u95bb\u9b54\u5927\u738b\u5750\u50cf\u52a0\u5de5\u6e08\u307fpixta_107979984_L.png 1536w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/\u5186\u5fdc\u5bfa\u95bb\u9b54\u5927\u738b\u5750\u50cf\u52a0\u5de5\u6e08\u307fpixta_107979984_L-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"crp-list-item-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/ennoji-kamakura\/\" target=\"_blank\">Ennoji Temple (\u5186\u5fdc\u5bfa)<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"crp-list-item crp-list-item-image-above crp-list-item-has-image\"><div class=\"crp-list-item-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/chojuji-kamakura\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" style=\"max-width: 150px; height: auto;\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/chojuji-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-150x150 size-150x150\" alt=\"\u9577\u5bff\u5bfa\" \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"crp-list-item-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/chojuji-kamakura\/\" target=\"_blank\">Chojuji Temple (\u9577\u5bff\u5bfa)<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"crp-list-item crp-list-item-image-above crp-list-item-has-image\"><div class=\"crp-list-item-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/meigetsuin-kamakura\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" style=\"max-width: 150px; height: auto;\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/\u660e\u6708\u9662-\u30a2\u30b8\u30b5\u30a4-pixta_68221415_M.jpg\" class=\"attachment-150x150 size-150x150\" alt=\"\u660e\u6708\u9662\u306e\u3042\u3058\u3055\u3044\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/\u660e\u6708\u9662-\u30a2\u30b8\u30b5\u30a4-pixta_68221415_M.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/\u660e\u6708\u9662-\u30a2\u30b8\u30b5\u30a4-pixta_68221415_M-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/\u660e\u6708\u9662-\u30a2\u30b8\u30b5\u30a4-pixta_68221415_M-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"crp-list-item-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kitakamakura\/meigetsuin-kamakura\/\" target=\"_blank\">Meigetsu-in (\u660e\u6708\u9662)<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"crp-list-item crp-list-item-image-above crp-list-item-has-image\"><div class=\"crp-list-item-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/en\/kamakura-station-east\/kanagawa-prefectural-modern-art-museum-kamakura-annex-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" style=\"max-width: 150px; 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It holds the distinction of being Japan\u2019s first official Zen training monastery. The temple\u2019s founding abbot was Lanxi Daolong, a Zen monk invited from the Southern Song Dynasty in China. As the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2622,"parent":465,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page__spot-detail.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"kamakura_cuisine":[],"class_list":["post-2643","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 5.0.4 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Kenchoji, ranked first among Kamakura&#039;s Five Great Zen Temples, is Japan&#039;s oldest Zen training center. 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