Engakuji Temple in Kita-Kamakura is the head temple of the Rinzai school Buddhism Engaku-ji temple sect. It was used as the environment for many literary works such as the book "Mon (The Gate)" by Soseki Natsume and the "Senbazuru (Thousand Cranes)" by Yasunari Kawabata, which won the Literature Nobel Prize. Seasonal flowers are blooming and attracting many visitors in four seasons, including early spring plum blossoms, spring cherry blossoms, rainy season hydrangeas, and autumn leaves.
About Engakuji Temple
Engakuji Temple was built in 1287 (Kōan 5). To console the souls of the fallen soldiers who served during Mongol invasions of Japan, Hojo Tokimune (eighth regent of the Kamakura shogunate) invited Mugaku Sogen from Song Dynasty of China to be the head priest of the temple.
There are many historically valuable cultural assets in the area such as Shari-den (reliquary hall) and the Ogane (Great Bell), which are Japan's National Treasures, Mugaku Sogen's wooden statue, and Amidasanzon's copper statue. They are usually closed to the public, but will be open to the public around 3 November each year during the Homotsu Kazeire (Treasures Exhibition) for 3 days (may not be fully open to the public depending on the time ; for details please refer to the official website http://www.engakuji.or.jp). Please allocate more time to visit the temple as it has a large area with many attractions. All areas in the precinct are designated as Japan's national historic sites.
Highlights of Engakuji Temple
In 1785, the Zen priest Daiyu Kokushi reconstructed the dramatic Sanmon Gate (or Main Gate), a multilayered yatsuashimon. With the green Cedar groves, it produces a solemn atmosphere. These locations emerged from here in classical masterpieces like "Mon (The Gate)" by Soseki Natsume and "Senbazuru (Thousand Cranes)" by Yasunari Kawabata.
Furthermore, Shari-den, constructed during the Muromachi period, is the only building in Kamakura designated as the National Treasure of Japan. It is a typical shingled (Irimoya-zukuri style) single-storey building in the Zen style of China. Because the precinct has a training hall, it is closed to the public.
In addition, Ogane (Great Bell) located at the top of stone steps east of the precinct is also designated as a Japan's National Treasure. It has a height of about 259.5cm, which is the largest in Kanto region. It is said that Hojo Sadatoki, son of Hojo Tokimune, donated the bell to pray for peace and security of the nation.
Seasonal flowers in Engakuji Temple
Autumn leaves are wonderful here, as Ginkgo and maple trees can be seen everywhere in the spacious precinct. Those around Myokochi Pond, at the back of Sanmon, and in front of Kojirin are particularly recommended. Rows of ginkgo trees along the path leading to Zokutoan (sub-temple) are also beautiful.
In addition, kerria, which blooms on the slope heading to Obaiin from mid to late April, and hydrangeas, which blooms from mid to late June, are also a must-see as they make a spectacular view.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Engakuji Temple
- Street Address: 409 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062
- Access: About a 1 minute walk from Kitakamakura station ( JR Yokosuka Line); About 10 minutes by Enoden bus bound for Ofuna Station or Kamiooka Station or Hongodai Station from JR Kamakura station. Get off at Kita-Kamakura Station and walk for about 1 minute.
- Ticket: 300 yen
- Opening hours: March~November: 08:00~16:30, December~February: 08:00~16:00
- Closing days: None
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