Hokokuji Temple (Bamboo Temple)

About

Caption: The famous bamboo grove at Hokokuji Temple in Kamakura, featuring over 2,000 dark green bamboo stalks. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Hokokuji Temple, affectionately known as the "Bamboo Temple" (Take-dera), is a small yet significant Zen Buddhist temple secluded in the hills of eastern Kamakura. 🔗 Founded in 1334 during the turbulent early years of the Muromachi Period (1333-1573), the temple was established by founding priest Tengan Eko to commemorate Ashikaga Ietoki, grandfather of Ashikaga Takauji, who became the first shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate in 1338. 🔗

The temple served as the family temple of both the Ashikaga and Uesugi clans, two of the most influential samurai families of medieval Japan. 🔗 Within the temple grounds lie the ashes of Ashikaga family members, reportedly buried in the large caves at the temple's west side. The 1923 Great Kanto earthquake destroyed most of the temple structures, though most were subsequently rebuilt.

Today, Hokokuji Temple is most famous for its stunning bamboo grove with roughly 2,000 moso bamboo plants, stone lanterns, and a traditional teahouse offering matcha tea overlooking the serene forest. 🔗 The temple is No. 10 on the Kamakura 33 Kannon pilgrimage.

Cultural & Religious Significance

Tengan Eko, the temple's first head priest, was a respected monk who had trained in China. His collection of poems, "Toki-shu," and the wooden seal used in his signature are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, serving as significant references for Gozan literature and Zen culture. 🔗

The bamboo grove itself carries symbolism in Zen Buddhism—bamboo represents flexibility, resilience, and the ability to bend without breaking, qualities valued in both martial and spiritual practices. The straight growth of bamboo also symbolizes integrity and honesty. 🔗

The temple's connection to the Ashikaga shogunate (1338-1573), a pivotal period in Japanese history, enriches its cultural significance. Hokokuji represents both the power of these samurai families and the refined Zen culture they patronized.

Visiting Information

Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily (last entry 3:30 PM for tea service) 🔗

Admission:

• Bamboo garden entrance: ¥300 (adults)
• Garden + matcha tea: ¥900 total (¥300 entry + ¥600 for tea service with dried sweets)
• Tea service available until 3:30 PM 🔗

Getting There:

From Kamakura Station:

• By Bus (10 minutes): Take bus number 鎌23, 鎌24, or 鎌36 toward Jomyoji (浄明寺) bus stop. Fare: ¥220 one way. From the bus stop, the temple is a 5-10 minute walk. 🔗
• On Foot (30-40 minutes): Exit Kamakura Station and head south along Komachi Street, continuing straight for about 1.5 kilometers until reaching the intersection at Jomyoji Temple 🔗
• By Bicycle: Recommended in good weather, passing through Omachi Street, Hachiman Temple, and pleasant back streets

The temple is set against a mountain ridge in the Jomyoji section of Kamakura, near the beginning of the Gion Yama hiking path. 🔗

Current Status: Open and operating normally; matcha tea service available daily with no reservation required 🔗

The Experience

The Bamboo Grove Experience

The temple's highlight is the enchanting bamboo grove located behind the main hall, featuring over 2,000 dark green moso bamboo stalks towering over the surrounding buildings. 🔗 Narrow pathways wind through the lush bamboo forest, creating an immersive natural sanctuary with filtered green light and the gentle rustling of bamboo leaves. 🔗

Visitors frequently compare this grove favorably to Kyoto's famous Arashiyama bamboo forest, noting that Hokokuji is "much more peaceful and much less packed." 🔗 The compact size creates an intimate, contemplative atmosphere ideal for photography and quiet reflection.

Traditional Tea House Experience

The pathways through the bamboo lead to a serene tea house where visitors can sit and enjoy a traditional cup of matcha tea while overlooking the bamboo grove. 🔗 For ¥600 (in addition to the ¥300 garden entry), guests receive a bowl of ceremonially prepared matcha tea with dried sweets (wagashi).

Visitors sit on chairs (not traditional tatami seating) facing directly into the bamboo forest, creating one of the few places in Japan where you can experience a traditional matcha tea set with such a beautiful natural backdrop. 🔗 The tea service operates daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with reception closing at 3:30 PM. No reservation is required. 🔗

Temple Grounds & Caves

Beyond the bamboo grove, visitors can explore the main temple hall and the historic caves on the temple's west side where ashes of the Ashikaga family members are reportedly buried. 🔗 The temple grounds feature traditional architecture, stone lanterns, and carefully maintained gardens that reflect Zen aesthetic principles.

Sunday Morning Zazen Meditation

Hokokuji Temple hosts a Zazenkai (Zen meditation gathering) every Sunday morning from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Kajodo hall. 🔗 This historic meditation practice began in 1959 and welcomes beginners, who receive polite guidance in Japanese.

Participants should arrive by 7:30 AM for an 8:00 AM start and change into hakama (traditional clothing) prepared by the temple. 🔗 No advance reservation is required; participation is by donation. Note that guidance is provided in Japanese only. 🔗

Practical Visiting Tips

Seasonal Considerations:

• Spring (March-May): Comfortable temperatures with fresh green bamboo leaves creating vibrant filtered light
• Summer (June-August): Bamboo grove provides welcome shade and cooling effects, though humidity can be high
• Fall (September-November): Optimal visiting season with pleasant weather and fewer crowds; bamboo remains green year-round
• Winter (December-February): Less crowded with crisp, clear days; the evergreen bamboo maintains its lush appearance

Photography Conditions: The bamboo grove offers excellent photography opportunities throughout the day. Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and fewer crowds. The golden hour can create magical atmospheres with light filtering through the bamboo. 🔗

Best Photo Spots:

• Bamboo pathways with natural leading lines
• Tea house perspective capturing matcha bowl and bamboo forest
• Stone lanterns among the bamboo stalks
• Looking upward for vertical compositions of towering bamboo against filtered sky

Crowd Management: The temple area can get crowded on weekends, making weekday mornings the optimal time for a peaceful visit. 🔗 Even during busy periods, Hokokuji remains significantly less crowded than famous bamboo groves in Kyoto. 🔗

Best Times:

• Visit on weekday mornings, especially Tuesday-Thursday
• Arrive right at 9:00 AM opening for the quietest experience
• Avoid weekends and Japanese national holidays
• The tea house rarely gets overcrowded due to natural capacity limits

Money-Saving Options: At ¥300 for garden entry (approximately $2 USD), Hokokuji is already quite affordable. The additional ¥600 for the matcha tea experience (totaling ¥900 or ~$6 USD) is highly recommended by visitors as exceptional value for the authentic cultural experience and serene setting. 🔗

The ¥220 bus fare can be saved by walking 30-40 minutes from Kamakura Station, which also allows exploration of pleasant neighborhoods and streets. 🔗

Local Etiquette:

• Silence and contemplation: Maintain a peaceful atmosphere; speak in hushed tones
• Tea ceremony respect: When receiving matcha, bow slightly in thanks; hold the bowl with both hands; rotate it clockwise before drinking
• Photography courtesy: Be mindful of other visitors seeking quiet contemplation
• Temple grounds: Follow marked pathways; do not touch or damage bamboo stalks
• Zazen participation: If attending Sunday meditation, arrive on time and maintain silence throughout

Weather Preparation:

• Rain: Pathways can become slippery; wear appropriate footwear. The bamboo grove is particularly atmospheric in light rain
• Summer: Bring water and prepare for humidity, though the bamboo provides natural cooling
• Winter: Dress warmly in layers; the tea house provides a heated respite
• Sun protection: Limited direct sunlight in the grove, but sun protection recommended for walking to/from the temple

Nearby Attractions:

• Jomyoji Temple: Located just 5 minutes walk north, offering beautiful gardens and a quieter atmosphere
• Gion Yama Hiking Trail: Famous hiking path begins near Hokokuji Temple
• Zuisenji Temple: Another eastern Kamakura temple with beautiful seasonal gardens
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: Kamakura's most important Shinto shrine, 20-25 minutes walk northwest

Integration with Itinerary: Hokokuji Temple fits naturally into eastern Kamakura temple explorations, particularly when combined with Jomyoji Temple for a half-day cultural immersion. The temple's location near the Gion Yama hiking trail makes it an ideal starting or ending point for nature walks. The Sunday morning zazen sessions offer early-rising visitors a unique opportunity to experience Zen meditation before exploring other Kamakura attractions. 🔗

Important Notes:

• Tea service reception closes at 3:30 PM; plan to arrive with sufficient time
• Cash only - bring sufficient yen
• No food available at the temple beyond the tea service
• Confirm return bus times to avoid long waits at Jomyoji bus stop
• Zazen guidance is provided in Japanese only
• While smaller than Kyoto's Arashiyama bamboo forest, Hokokuji offers a more intimate, peaceful experience with the added benefit of the traditional tea house

Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/kamakura/hokokuji-bamboo-temple.md