Kenchoji Temple

About

Caption: The monumental Sanmon Gate of Kenchoji Temple, built in 1775 and designated an Important Cultural Property. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Kenchoji Temple (建長寺, Kenchō-ji) is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple that holds the distinction of being Japan's first dedicated Zen training monastery, established in 1253. 🔗 It ranks first among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples (Kamakura Gozan), a prestigious ranking system for Zen temples introduced during the Ashikaga rule.

The temple was founded on the orders of Emperor Go-Fukakusa and completed in the fifth year of the Kenchō era, from which it derives its name. Regent Hōjō Tokiyori commissioned the temple and invited Chinese monk Lanxi Daolong (Rankei Doryū) of the Song dynasty to serve as its founding abbot. 🔗 This established Kenchoji as the head temple of the Rinzai Kenchoji Sect of Buddhism.

The temple complex exemplifies classical Zen monastic architecture arranged along a central axis. Beyond the main temple buildings, a trail leads into the forested hillside to Hansobo shrine, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and Mount Fuji on clear days. 🔗

Cultural & Religious Significance

Kenchoji Temple represents a pivotal moment in Japanese religious history as the nation's first dedicated Zen training center (dojo). Established in 1253, it predates other major Zen institutions and helped establish the architectural and spiritual traditions that define Rinzai Zen Buddhism in Japan. 🔗

The Sanmon Gate stands approximately 20 meters tall, built in 1775 as an Important Cultural Property. According to legend, a shape-shifting tanuki (raccoon dog) transformed into a monk to help raise funds for the gate's construction, earning it the nickname "Tanuki-mon." 🔗

The temple's renowned Bonsho (temple bell) is designated a National Treasure and celebrated as the most beautiful temple bell in the Kanto region. 🔗

The Hatto (Dharma Hall) is the largest wooden temple building in eastern Japan, containing a statue of Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon) and featuring a magnificent ceiling painting of a dragon soaring among clouds. 🔗

Behind the Hojo (Abbot's Quarters), visitors can contemplate a splendid Zen garden structured around the pond Sanpeki Ike, created by renowned Zen master Muso Kokushi (1275-1351). 🔗

Visiting Information

Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM daily 🔗

Admission:

• Adults: ¥500
• Elementary and junior high school students: ¥200
• Free admission for visitors with disability or special education certificates (includes one accompanying person)
• Cash only - credit cards not accepted 🔗

Zazen Meditation Sessions:

• Schedule: Every Friday and Saturday, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
• Arrival: Must arrive 15 minutes early (by 3:15 PM)
• Cost: Free (temple entrance fee required)
• Reservations: Not required
• Important: Latecomers cannot participate; groups of 5 or more not allowed
• Location: Hojo Hall (subject to change)
• English-language zazen programs available; special zazen retreats held twice yearly in June and December 🔗

Getting There: From Tokyo: Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station directly to Kita-Kamakura Station (approximately 1 hour). Kenchoji is a 15-20 minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station. The temple can also be reached with a 15-minute walk from Engakuji Temple. 🔗

Parking: Available (limited)

Current Status: Open with ongoing Butsuden restoration until autumn 2027 🔗

The Experience

Main Temple Buildings:

• Sanmon Gate: The towering 20-meter entrance gate with no doors to symbolize that the temple remains open to all seeking Zen teachings
• Bonsho (Temple Bell): National Treasure, the most beautiful temple bell in the Kanto region
• Butsuden (Buddha Hall): Houses the principal statue of Jizo Bodhisattva (currently undergoing restoration until autumn 2027)
• Hatto (Dharma Hall): Largest wooden temple building in eastern Japan with stunning ceiling dragon painting
• Hojo and Zen Garden: Magnificent Zen garden designed by master Muso Kokushi centered on Sanpeki Ike pond
• Ancient Juniper Tree: Majestic 760-year-old Chinese juniper reportedly planted by founding abbot Rankei Doryu in 1253

Hiking Trail Experience: A 15-20 minute uphill walk through forested paths leads to Hansobo Shrine, featuring Tengu statues lining the approach stairs. On clear days, enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and Mount Fuji. 🔗

Beyond Hansobo, Katsujyoken Observation Platform offers panoramic vistas of the entire Kenchoji complex, Sagami Bay, Izu Peninsula, and Mount Fuji (weather permitting). The autumn maple foliage from this vantage point is particularly spectacular. 🔗

The trail continues as part of the Ten'en Hiking Course, a moderate 4.9-mile route connecting multiple temples in Kita-Kamakura with 843 feet of elevation gain (2.5-3 hours total). 🔗

Zen Practice Participation: Weekly Friday and Saturday zazen sessions (3:30-4:30 PM) welcome beginners without advance booking. This offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic Zen meditation in Japan's first Zen training monastery. Arrive by 3:15 PM; latecomers cannot participate. Daily sutra-copying sessions (shakyo) also available. 🔗

Practical Visiting Tips

Seasonal Considerations:

• Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms, comfortable temperatures for hiking, moderate crowds
• Early Summer (June): Peony season with normally restricted paths opened to public, special zazen retreat offerings
• Summer (July-August): Hiking trails can be challenging due to heat and humidity; early morning visits recommended
• Autumn (September-November): Peak season for maple leaf viewing (koyo), most spectacular views from observation platforms
• Winter (December-February): Quiet contemplative atmosphere, special zazen retreat offerings in December, clear days offer best Mount Fuji views

Cultural Etiquette:

• Remove shoes when entering temple buildings (shelves provided at entrances)
• Dress conservatively covering knees and shoulders
• Remove hats before entering temple grounds
• Avoid loud talking or behavior that disturbs other visitors and practitioners
• This is an active training monastery—maintain respectful quiet
• Photography generally permitted on temple grounds but often forbidden inside buildings

Best Photo Spots:

1. Sanmon Gate from outside and looking through to temple grounds
2. Bonsho Bell National Treasure with architectural details
3. Hatto Dragon Ceiling (check photography permissions)
4. Zen Garden pond and landscape composition from Hojo
5. Ancient Juniper 760-year-old tree with temple buildings
6. Katsujyoken Platform panoramic views of temple complex, bay, and Mount Fuji
7. Tengu Statues along Hansobo approach

Crowd Avoidance:

• Visit at 8:30 AM opening for peaceful morning atmosphere
• Late afternoon after 3:00 PM sees fewer tourists (except on zazen session days)
• Weekdays significantly quieter than weekends
• Avoid peak autumn foliage weekends (mid-November)
• Hiking trail to Hansobo tends to be less crowded than main grounds

Money-Saving Options:

• ¥500 admission is reasonable for the extensive grounds and buildings
• Zazen participation is free with temple entry
• Sutra copying available at no additional charge
• Free wheelchair rental (limited availability)
• Free admission for disability certificate holders plus one companion

Practical Tips:

• Bring cash - no credit cards accepted
• Wear comfortable walking shoes - extensive grounds plus hiking options
• Allow extra time if planning to hike to Hansobo and observation platform
• Accessible restrooms available on grounds
• Wheelchair users should contact temple in advance for assistance arrangements
• Combine with nearby temples for efficient Kita-Kamakura exploration

Nearby Attractions:

• Engakuji Temple (15 minutes walk): Number two of Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples
• Tokeiji Temple (short walk): Branch temple of Engakuji, historically a "divorce temple"
• Jochiji Temple (from Tokeiji): Number four of the Five Great Zen Temples
• Meigetsu-in (short walk): "Hydrangea Temple" famous for June blooms
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (15 minutes walk): Kamakura's most important Shinto shrine

Important Notes:

• The Butsuden (Buddha Hall) is undergoing restoration until autumn 2027
• Zazen sessions may occasionally be closed - confirm if this is a priority
• This remains an active Zen training monastery - maintain appropriate respect and quiet
• Hiking to Hansobo requires moderate fitness; summer heat makes it more challenging
• Mount Fuji views depend entirely on weather conditions (clear winter mornings best)
• Cash only - no credit cards accepted
• Wheelchair accessibility limited beyond main grounds

Accessibility:

• Wheelchair accessible up to Karamon Gate
• Barrier-free toilets available on grounds
• Limited number of wheelchairs available for rental
• Paved pathways provide access through main sections
• Upper sections and smaller temples require navigating stairs or uneven terrain
• Assistance recommended - contact temple in advance

Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/kamakura/kenchoji-temple.md