Temple Spots in Kamakura Area

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Kamakura

Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Kotoku-in Temple (Kamakura Daibutsu)

4.5

3055 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Hase 4-2-28

A Pure Land Buddhist temple founded by the great priest Honen. The 11.3 meter tall, 121 ton giant copper Buddha statue known as the Kamakura Daibutsu, a National Treasure, is the temple’s principal object of worship and depicts a seated Amitabha. The original daibutsu was made of wood and was destroyed by a typhoon. The copper form of the current statue first began to be cast in 1252. This figure, too, was damaged by typhoons and earthquakes but was repaired each time, leading to its current excellent condition. The interior of the statue can be viewed and from here visitors can see evidence of the repairs that have been made.

Kotoku-in, the Daibutsu (Big Buddha) Temple - the landmark of Kamakura. I took a bus from the train station which is also a bus terminal, in fact several buses go past that area. Had to pay an...
Hasedera Temple

4.5

1733 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Hase 3-11-2

Hasedera Temple is located around five minutes’ walk from Hase Station on the Enoden Line. Besides the Kannon Hall, which houses an impressive statue of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) with eleven heads, the temple complex also includes six other main buildings, including the Amida-do, Taikoku-do, and Benten-do buildings. Hasedera Temple is situated in one of the most scenic parts of Kamakura, and there is an observation platform with spectacular views of Kamakura’s streets and coastline. With beautiful trees and flowers that change with the seasons, the Hasedera Temple has been called “Kamakura’s Western Paradise,” and is affectionately known as the “temple of flowers.”

Really great place to visit in Kamakura its a must see! The temple is beautiful however it also has a fantastic view next to it of the coastline which is great for some photos. There is also a...
Hōkokuji Temple

4.5

706 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Joumyouji 2-7-4

The Hōkokuji Temple (famous in Japan as the “Bamboo Temple”) was founded in 1334 on the orders of Ashikaga Ietoki, the grandfather of Ashikaga Takauji (the first Shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate). Visitors can drink tea in the Kyuko-an teahouse while viewing the bamboo grove. The writing table that the literary giant Kawabata Yasunari used while writing “The Sound of the Mountain” is preserved in the Hon-do (Main Hall). Zazen meditation sessions are held in the Kasho-do hall on Sundays; beginners are welcome.

Beautiful temple and shuttle this visit between the big Buddha and walking street will be perfect for a full day outing. We drove and lucky to get car park. Parking is limited and stroller friendly.
Kenchoji Temple

4.5

537 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 8

A 15 minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station. This celebrated Buddhist temple, the head temple of Rinzai Kenchoji Buddhism, is the first of the “Kamakura Gozan” (Five Mountain Temples of Kamakura) and was also Japan’s first Zen Buddhist temple. The temple was founded by Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, and the monk Lanxi Daolong. The highlight of the temple is its garden, which was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site in 1932. The ancient Chinese junipers growing in front of the temple and the garden pond behind the abbot’s chamber are particularly famous for their beauty. The temple also periodically holds sutra copying and zazen meditation sessions which enable average people to experience Zen training.

The Kenchoji is one of Kamakura’s most important Zen temples and has many great historic sites and nature spots to offer. From the mysterious Butsuden Buddha Hall, a garden designed by a Zen master...
Engakuji Temple

4.5

499 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 409

Located in Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, this is the head temple of Rinzai Engakuji Buddhism. The temple is also considered the second of the “Kamakura Gozan” (Five Mountain Temples of Kamakura). The temple was built by the eighth shogun regent Hojo Tokimune in order to spread Zen Buddhism and impartially memorialize, without distinction between enemy and ally, those who died in the Mongol invasions of Japan. Today, the temple is still used to train Zen priests; ordinary people can also experience weekend zazen meditation sessions and other Zen training here as well. In addition, the Butsunichian and Nyoian temples on the grounds have a café and “amamidokoro” Japanese-style sweets café where customers can enjoy matcha powdered green tea and sweets.

I dont know if it was just a peculiarity of when I visited, but a lot of the buildings were closed off, including (disappointingly) the one that claims to house the finger relics of the Buddha...
Meigetsu-in Temple

4.0

432 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 189

A Rinzai Kencho-ji Temple Buddhist temple located in Kamakura. The temple’s honorific mountain name is Fukugensan. The temple is also known as the Hydrangea Temple and during the rainy season the approach to the temple is covered with French hydrangea blossoms. The temple was once a sub-temple to the Zenko-ji Temple, but this temple was abolished in the early years of the Meiji period and now only the Meigetsu-in remains. A large circular window is built into the head priest’s chamber which gives a spectacular view of the garden. The window represents the cosmos and the mind and the unique view it provides has made it a popular subject for photographs.

The Meigetsuin is also known as the Hydrangea Temple since its covered in beautiful blue hydrangea flowers during Japans rainy season in June. Many visitors will come to see the hundreds of...
Jochi-ji Temple

4.0

141 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 1402

Founded in 1281, the Jochi-ji Temple ranks fourth among the “Five Mountains of Kamakura” (i.e. the five most prestigious temples in Kamakura). According to tradition, the temple was built in commemoration of Hojo Munemasa (the third son of Hojo Tokiyori), who died young. At the entrance to the temple precincts is the famous “Well of Sweet Dew,” one of the “Ten Wells of Kamakura.” The San-mon (main gate) has a rare Chinese-style bell-tower; the Jochi-ji Temple is the only temple in Kamakura where this kind of bell-tower can be seen.

Lovely peaceful zen temple nestling in the mountainside above the main road in Kita-Kamakura. Beautiful grounds. A little gem.
Sugimoto Temple

4.0

124 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Nikaidou 903

According to tradition, the Sugimoto Temple was founded in 734 by the bodhisattva Gyoji, making it the oldest Buddhist temple in Kamakura; it is the first temple on the Bando Sanjusan Kannon pilgrimage circuit (of temples dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy). Visitors approach the temple up a flight of moss-covered stone steps, bordered by banners that help to create a solemn and sacred atmosphere, before reaching the Niomon Gate, with statues of two Deva Kings (guardian deities) that are said to have been carved by the famous sculptor Unkei. In the Hon-do hall there are three statues of the goddess Kannon with 11 faces; of these three statues, the one that according to tradition was carved by Ennin and the one that is reputed to have been carved by Genshin have both been designated as National Important Cultural Properties.

After Raiko-ji Temple, I was walking along the foot of hills slightly downward. I found a road running along the bottom of a ravine. I walked along the street and found Sugimoto-Kannon Busstop. I...
Goryo-jinja Shrine

4.0

112 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Sakanoshita 4-9

A five-minute walk from Hase Station, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to the samurai Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa and is thus nicknamed Kamakura Gongoro Shrine. According to legend, Kagemasa continued to defeat his enemies in battle even after losing his left eye mid-fight, and thus this shrine is believed to provide good fortune in achieving victory as well as in educational endeavors. The shrine is also famous for its French hydrangeas, and many visitors like to take photos of the Enoshima Electric Railway running in front of the shrine together with the hydrangeas. During the Masked Parade, a prefecturally designated Intangible Folk Property held in September, participants march past wearing tengu goblin and old man masks to pray for large harvests and easy childbirth.

Small but well formed old shrine tucked away in the back streets of Kamakura and over a small crossing on the Enoden.
Gokuraku-ji Temple

3.5

107 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Gokurakuji 3-6-7

This Buddhist temple was founded in 1259 by the samurai Hojo Shigetoki. The temple was once one of the greatest in Kamakura, but earthquakes, fires, and other tragedies have resulted in only the Kissho-in, the main temple building, still standing today. The temple’s principal object of worship, a figure of Gautama Buddha in the Seiryo-ji Temple style, is a designated Important Cultural Property and is only revealed to the public for three days each year starting on April 7 and overlapping with the Hana Matsuri (celebration of the Buddha’s birthday) on April 8.

It might be small, but its wonderfully empty after youve visited the more popular temples of the area. Very easy to find if you take the Enoden Line to Gokurakuji Station (we actually walked from...
Jomyo-ji Temple

4.0

81 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Joumyouji 3-8-31

Situated along the Kanazawa Kaido Road, this Rinzai Kenchoji Buddhist temple is the fifth of the “Kamakura Gozan” (Five Mountain Temples of Kamakura). The temple was founded by the samurai Ashikaga Yoshikane in 1188. The temple’s principal object of worship, a figure of Gautama Buddha, is enshrined in the main temple. A tea room called the Kisenan also stands on the temple’s quiet grounds, and here you can enjoy a cup of matcha powdered green tea while gazing at a lovely rock garden. Or you can climb the small hill beyond that and enjoy a meal at Ishigama Garden Terrace, a café with a fantastic view.

This Temple dates back to the 12th century. A short bus ride from the JR line this area is literally a thousand years away. Off the tourist path to say the least. A block from the bus stop and up a...
Zuisenji Temple

4.0

81 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Nikaidou 710

The Zuisenji Temple was founded in 1327 by Muso Kokuji (Muso Soseki), a monk famous as a garden designer who created the gardens at the Tenryu-ji Temple and Saiho-ji Temple in Kyoto. From the Tennyo-do cave (a large cave cut out of the side of the hill), with the Nikaido Momijiga-yatsu (Valley of the Maple Trees) providing a magnificent backdrop, visitors can view the peaceful Iwaba garden, one of the earliest examples of the Sho-in style of garden (a type of garden intended to be viewed from a particular spot adjacent to the garden). The Zuisenji Temple Garden has been designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Place of Scenic Beauty; the garden is especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves are changing color.

There are many beautiful temples in Kamakura, but this one is slightly off the beaten track accessible via an uphill walk on the outskirts of town. It is worth the walk. The temple is surrounded by...
Myohon-ji Temple

4.0

63 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Omachi 1-15-1

This Buddhist temple, one of the oldest Nichiren temples in Japan, is located an eight-minute walk from Kamakura Station. The temple is located on the site of the family residence of the warrior Hiki Yoshikazu. This residence was destroyed by Hojo Tokimasa after he assassinated Yoshikazu in a bid to retain his power. In order to console the souls of his family line, Yoshikazu’s youngest child later gave the site to the great priest Nichiren, who then opened the Myohon-ji Temple on the land. After climbing a flight of stone steps, visitors are created by a vividly colored vermillion lacquered gate. Sutra copying may be conducted in the temple’s writing hall at any time, and even beginners can easily take on the challenge of copying the Lotus Sutra. The temple also offers natural beauty to enjoy year round, such as the cherry blossoms and fresh verdure in the spring and the fall colors of the temple’s maples and gingkos in late autumn.

This is one of the best places I have visited in Japan and I have been to a variety of different temples/shrines in Japan. You have to go and see it for yourself it is quite amazing. It looks like it...
Jufuku-ji Temple

3.5

90 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Ogigayatsu 1-17-7

A Rinzai Kencho-ji Temple Buddhist temple located in the Ogigayatsu neighborhood of Kamakura City. The temple’s honorific mountain name is Kikokusan, while its official temple title is Jufuku Kongo Zen. It is also the third of the “Kamakura Gozan” (Five Mountain Temples of Kamakura). The temple was founded in 1200 by the priest Myoan Eisai after being invited by Hojo Masako, the wife of the shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo. There are gorinto (five ring towers) on the grounds said to be the graves of Hojo Masako and her son Minamoto no Sanetomo.

Compared to the main temples in Kamakura, this one is hidden in a small alley which is not easy to find. The temple os not big or something that may impress visitors and there are no statues around...
Enno-ji Temple

4.0

52 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 1543

Rinzai Kencho-ji Temple Buddhist temple located in Yamanouchi, Kamakura City. The temple enshrines figures of Enma, judge of the dead, and the ten rulers of the afterlife. Also known as the “Shinkyo Enma-do” and the “Juo-do” in reference to these statues, the temple’s principal object of worship, a wooden seated figure of Enma, is believed to have been created in the Kamakura period by the renowned Buddhist sculptor Unkei. This figure, sometimes called the “Laughing Enma” due to its facial expression, is also called the “Man-Eating Enma” because, according to legend, it once mistakenly ate a child. Two fragrant olive trees grow in front of the main temple, and in October they come into beautiful bloom.

Small temple set in the mountainside on the main road from Kamakura in Kita-Kamakura. Houses a selection of wooden carved statues depicting the ten judges for the underworld. The central figure is...
Kaizoji Temple

4.5

54 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Ogigayatsu 4-18-8

Located in Ogigayatsu, Kamakura City, this is a temple belonging to the Rinzai Buddhist School’s Kenchoji sect. Its honorific mountain name is Senkokuzan. It was built in 1253 by Fujiwara no Nakayoshi who had received an order from Prince Munetaka, and was destroyed by fire when the Kamakura shogunate lost power. It is said that the temple was restored in 1394 by Uesugi Ujisada under the command of Ashikaga Ujimitsu, inviting the priest Shinsho Kugai to take occupancy. It is well-known as a temple with flowers blooming in profusion amidst each season, including flowering crab apple, hydrangea, Chinese bellflower, Chinese trumpet vine, Japanese maple and Japanese clover. Located in a cavern behind the Yakushido is the Soko-nuke-no-ido, one of the Kamakura Jissei (the ten wells of Kamakura) with 16 round holes from which water is flowing.

The temple is great and worth a visit. I especially liked the employees working there. They put a lot of effort and seem to enjoy their work. Fantastic to watch.
Kakuonji Temple

4.5

52 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Nikaidou 421

Located in Nikaido, Kamakura City, this is a temple belonging to the Shingon Buddhist School’s Sennyuji sect. Its honorific mountain name is Jubuzan. The temple originated from the Okura Yakushido built in 1218 by Yoshitoki Hojo, the second regent to the Kamakura shogunate. According to temple legend it was converted in 1296 into a Buddhist temple with Chikai Shine as its founding priest by the ninth regent Sadatoki Hojo, who had prayed that the third Mongol invasion would be repulsed. The lush green temples grounds have been designated as a national historic site, and the atmosphere of the Kamakura period is conveyed to the present. It is prohibited to move about freely on the premises and visitors may only see the temple under the guidance of a priest at designated times. Photography is prohibited during the visit.

Very calm place in a quiet neighborhood. There are some other temples around as well. If youre looking for peace and silence, this is it
Hokai-ji Temple

3.5

46 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Komachi 3-5-22

This Buddhist temple was founded by Ashikaga Takauji on the orders of Emperor Go-Daigo in order to appease the souls of the Hojo clan, which was dissolved in 1333. Built on the site of a Hojo clan estate, the temple later developed into a center of education and cultivation. Even today, the detached Korin-an hermitage is open for use for sutra copying. The hermitage is equipped with the necessary materials, and visitors can readily come here to engage in sutra copying themselves. During the equinoctial week of Buddhist services, the grounds are covered with white bush clover, resulting in the temple’s nickname, the “Bush Clover Temple.”

I took a bus from Sugimoto-Kannon Busstop and got off at Daigakumae Busstop. I had visited the start of the Kamakura Shogunate and was heading to the end of it. Hokai-ji Temple was founded by...
Kosoku-ji Temple

4.0

39 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Hase 3-9-7

A Nichiren Buddhist temple located near the Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura’s Hase neighborhood. After Nichiren’s exile to Sado was ended, Yadoya Mitsunori, who had been set to watch Nichiren’s top disciple, Nichiro, turned his own home into a temple, which was then recognized as a Nichiren temple by Nichiro. “Kosoku” is another way to read the name “Mitsunori,” thus giving rise to the temple’s name. In the back of the grounds visitors can find Yadoya’s grave and the dungeon where Nichiro was confined. The grounds are filled with plants, including a Hall crabapple tree over 200 years old, French hydrangeas, cherry trees, wisteria, and Japanese irises, and the temple is considered one of the best temples for flower viewing in all Kamakura.

花海棠が見たくて4月10日に訪れました入場料は100円、8時から17時です鉢植えも含めて境内には花木がたくさんありましたかなりこじんまりしていますが、花の寺と呼ばれるのも頷けますねまあ100円なりの庭園という感じですお目当ての花海棠は落葉気味でしたが、なんとか鑑賞できました花以外にも雉小屋や周回できる池もあり、詰め込みすぎですなお、寺の前の細い道にあるコインパーキング（3台）を...
Hongaku-ji Temple

3.5

37 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Komachi 1-12-12

A five-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Kamakura Station. Ashikaga Mochiuji built then donated to the priest Nisshutsu this temple on the site of the Ebisu-do where Nichiren stayed at after returning from his exile to Sado before moving on to the Minobusan Kunon-ji Temple. Because the temple houses some of the ashes of Nichiren from the Kuon-ji Temple, it is also known as the Kuon-ji of the East. The graveyard on the temple’s grounds contains a stone monument said to be the grave of the renowned swordsmith Okazaki Goro Masamune.

鎌倉は鎌倉時代に日蓮上人が幕府の置かれていた鎌倉で辻説法していたエリアです。元々は源頼朝が幕府の裏鬼門に建てた天台宗のお寺でしたが、佐渡に流されて帰還した日蓮上人が此方に逗留して辻説法に出ていたとの事で日蓮宗に。

Kanagawa Kamakura

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour Temple Temple

Kanagawa Areas

Kanagawa prefecture acts as an extension of the Tokyo metropolis that spills over into coastal towns, most notably Yokohama city, heavily populated and known for its Chinatown and seaside attractions. Just the right distance for a day trip out of Tokyo, Kanagawa is home to some of Tokyo’s most accessible beaches, including around Kamakura, best known for its Big Buddha. Visitors can also travel a little farther afield for a weekend at Hakone onsen town.