Engakuji Temple

About

Caption: The Shariden (Relic Hall) at Engakuji Temple, Kamakura's only National Treasure building. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.

Engakuji Temple (円覚寺, Engaku-ji) stands as one of the most historically significant Zen Buddhist complexes in Japan, ranking second among the Kamakura Gozan, the five great Zen temples of Kamakura. 🔗 The temple was founded in 1282 by regent Hojo Tokimune (1251-1284), who invited the Chinese Zen monk Mugaku Sogen (1226-1286) to establish the temple. The founding served a profound dual purpose: to commemorate those who gave their lives fighting off the Mongol invasions of 1274 and 1281, and to honor warriors of both sides who died in the conflict. 🔗

The temple complex spreads over a large wooded hillside, with buildings arranged in the perpendicular Zen style—major structures aligned in a straight line ascending the slope. 🔗 This austere architectural approach, with weathered wooden structures set amidst towering cedars and pines, creates a harmonious blend of human construction and natural environment characteristic of Zen philosophy.

Cultural & Religious Significance

Engakuji houses two designated National Treasures. The Shariden (reliquary hall) is the only building in Kanagawa Prefecture with National Treasure status. Built originally in 1285 by Hojo Sadatoki and destroyed by fire in 1563, the current structure exemplifies Muromachi period kara-yo (Chinese-style) architecture. 🔗 The hall houses what is believed to be a tooth of Buddha, gifted from Noninji Temple in China. 🔗

The second National Treasure is the Great Bell (Ogane), cast by metalworker Mononobe Kunimitsu in August 1301. At 2.6 meters tall, it ranks as the largest of all temple bells in Kamakura. 🔗 The bell sits on a hill next to a teahouse where visitors can enjoy tea and sweets while contemplating the historic artifact.

Visiting Information

Operating Hours:

• March to November: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (final leaving time 5:00 PM)
• December to February: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (final leaving time 4:30 PM) 🔗

Admission:

• Adults (high school students and above): ¥500
• Children (elementary and junior high school students): ¥200
• Disability certificate holders and one caregiver: Free admission 🔗

Getting There: Engakuji enjoys exceptional accessibility, located just a one-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line. The station is one stop north of Kamakura Station when traveling from Tokyo. Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station (approximately 60 minutes) to Kita-Kamakura Station. Exit the station and the temple entrance is immediately visible. 🔗

Note: There is no parking space inside the temple, so public transportation is strongly recommended. 🔗

The Experience

Sanmon Gate: The temple's impressive two-story main gate greets visitors immediately upon entering. Rebuilt in 1785, the gate features a wooden plaque with calligraphy by Emperor Fushimi reading "Engaku Kosho Zenji." The gate represents "San-Gedatsu-Mon," believed to clear away worldly desires as visitors pass through. 🔗

Butsuden (Main Hall): The main hall sits directly behind the Sanmon, fronted by beautiful ancient juniper trees. The Butsuden enshrines the temple's principal image, the Jewel-Crowned Shakyamuni Buddha. The hall's ceiling features a striking painting of a dragon emerging from clouds by artist Tadashi Moriya. Visitors must remove their shoes to enter the Butsuden. 🔗

Shariden (Relic Hall): Though visible only from a distance most of the year, the Shariden stands as Kamakura's architectural crown jewel. The hall opens to the public for three days including Culture Day (November 3), though expect extremely large crowds during these rare viewing opportunities. 🔗

Ogane (Great Bell): Accessible via a large stone staircase, the 2.6-meter Great Bell commands impressive presence. This National Treasure occupies a hilltop position adjacent to a traditional teahouse. 🔗

Zazen Meditation Sessions: Engakuji offers multiple opportunities for visitors to experience zazen (seated meditation). Sessions are held every morning except New Year's and early October, Saturday afternoons (except August), and most Sundays. Second and fourth Sunday of each month features 9:00 AM sessions with sermon followed by zazen. No reservation required for individual participation; groups of 4-5 or more should contact the administration office in advance. 🔗

Practical Visiting Tips

Seasonal Highlights:

• Autumn (Late November - Mid December): Peak foliage season with spectacular maple colors, especially around the Sanmon gate entrance. Early December typically sees peak color. 🔗
• Spring: Early spring brings plum and cherry blossoms to the grounds
• Winter: Reduced hours and shorter days; winter offers the most tranquil visiting experience with minimal crowds

Best Times for Peaceful Visits:

• Weekday mornings immediately at opening (8:30 AM)
• Winter months (December-February) outside the autumn foliage period
• Early morning zazen sessions

Avoid if Seeking Solitude:

• Weekends year-round (Kamakura is a popular day trip from Tokyo)
• Early December during peak autumn colors
• Culture Day (November 3) and surrounding Shariden viewing period

Photography: Photography is generally permitted in outdoor areas throughout the temple grounds. Interior photography may be restricted inside buildings—check for signage or ask permission. Prime locations include the maple-lined approach to Sanmon gate (spectacular in early December), the Sanmon gate itself, the Great Bell with autumn colors, and views through the wooded grounds. 🔗

Cultural Etiquette:

• Dress modestly and speak quietly throughout the temple grounds
• Remove shoes before entering the Butsuden (main hall)
• Respect ongoing meditation sessions
• Follow photography restrictions inside buildings
• Walk mindfully through the grounds, treating the experience as contemplative rather than purely touristic

Nearby Attractions:

• Tokeiji Temple (5 minutes walk): Historically significant as a "divorce temple" where women could seek refuge
• Jochiji Temple (5 minutes walk): Fourth-ranked of the Kamakura Gozan
• Meigetsu-in (10 minutes walk): "Hydrangea Temple" spectacular in June
• Kencho-ji Temple (15-20 minutes walk): Highest-ranked of the Kamakura Gozan

Important Notes:

• The Shariden can only be viewed from a distance most of the year
• Zazen sessions are conducted entirely in Japanese but welcome beginners
• The temple closes during severe weather events such as typhoons
• This remains an active Rinzai Zen training monastery—maintain respectful behavior

Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/kamakura/engakuji-temple.md