Kenchoji Temple in Kita-Kamakura is the number one of the five major Zen shrines of Kamakura. It is a famous temple called Zen Buddhism's origin in Japan. Its main structures such as Sanmon, Butsuden and Hatto are lined up in a Chinese temple design that is characteristic. We will provide in this paper an overview and data on Kenchoji Temple's highlights and seasonal flowers.
About Kenchoji Temple
The head temple "Kencho-Ji Temple" of the Rinzai sect Kencho-Ji group is the no.1 of the five major Zen shrines of Kamakura. Originally there was a location of execution called "Jigokugayatsu" (Hell Valley) and the temple was constructed called "Shinpeiji Temple." Then the temple was deserted, leaving only the Jizo-do.
Kenchoji temple is therefore a valuable Zen temple devoted to the Bodhisattva Jizo. Rankei Doryu, a Chinese Zen master invited from the Song dynasty, established Kencho-Ji Temple. With over 1,000 monks practice there at one moment, he opened the first pure Zen training center in Japan.
Buildings like Somon, Sanmon, Butsuden and Hatto were lined up at the moment of establishment. Symmetrically constructed were Kuri(kitchen), Sodo(Monks ' Hall), Yokushitsu(bath) and Tosu(toilet). However, most of the wooden structures at the moment of Kenchoji Temple building were lost owing to frequent fires and earthquakes.
Most of today's houses are rebuilt in the early modern age. Today, at the moment, it still maintains Zen Buddhism's atmosphere. The entire temple is designated as one of Japan's domestic historic locations and is considered a destination for tourists.
Highlights of Kenchoji Temple
The highlight is the spectacular Sanmon gate rebuilt in 1775. It is a solid copper roofing two-storey gate with a rustic structure that embodies the world of Zen without a wall or door. There are statues such as Gohyaku Rakan statues on the upper deck (not open to the public).
In addition, the Hatto of Kenchoji Temple is the biggest in the Kanto area. It is known as the only one in Kamakura and is designated as one of Japan's important cultural properties. In the hall, Sahasrabhuja statue is enshrined. A huge drawing, the Unryu-zu (painting of dragon and clouds), of about 10 meters long and about 12 meters wide is drawn over the ceiling of the Hatto.
In addition, near the end of the temple's garden, over a hill stands the Hansobo. The 250-step stair leading to the shrine is enshrined with a dozen statues representing Tengu. The very top of the hill can be reached by going up the steep stairs. From there, you can overlook Yuigahama and Mount Fuji.
Seasonal flowers at Kenchoji Temple
Along the path leading to the Sanmon Gate from the Somon Gate, there is a row of cherry blossom trees of Somei Yoshino. They bloom from the end of March to the beginning of April. Their flamboyant colours make the usual solemn atmosphere disappear. To add, the path to Hansobo also has cherry blossom trees. Besides the cherry blossoms in spring, summer lotus, autumn leaves and late autumn sasanqua camellia here are also famous.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Kenchoji Temple
- Street Address: 8 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8525
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Yokosuka line "Kita-Kamakura" station; About 5 minutes by Enoden bus bound for "Kamakura-eki" from JR Yokosuka line "Kita-Kamakura" station. Get off at "Kenchoji" bus stop.
- About 30 minutes on foot from JR Yokosuka Line "Kamakura" station; About 10 minutes by Enoden buses bound for "Ofuna". Get off at "Kenchoji" bus stop.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wifi spots on site SSID: Kamakura_Free_Wi-Fi_2 KENCHOJI_FREE_WI-FI
- Language: Pamphlet in English; Information board in English, Chinese and Korean
- Ticket: 500 yen (high school students or above: 500 yen; elementary and middle school students: 200 yen)
- Credit cards: Cannot be used
- Opening hours: 08:30~16:30
- Closing days: None
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