Engaku-ji Temple
円覚寺
The second-largest of Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples, beside Kita-Kamakura Station, with a Song-style relic hall and a bell that are both National Treasures; founded by the Southern Song monk Mugaku Sogen.
Engaku-ji was founded in 1282 by Regent Hōjō Tokimune, who invited the Southern Song Zen monk Mugaku Sogen to serve as its founder, in memory of soldiers from both sides who died resisting the Yuan (Mongol) invasions. It ranks second among the Five Great Zen Temples. The Shariden (relic hall) is Japan's most representative Song-style Zen building and a National Treasure. Its interior is usually closed, but it can be viewed from outside. On the hill, the bell cast in 1301 is the largest temple bell in the Kantō region and is also a National Treasure. A tea house beside it lets you sip tea while enjoying the view. The temple also includes Kigen-in, where Natsume Sōseki once practised Zen. Admission is about ¥500. The temple is just a short walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station, making it a good starting point for a one-day Kamakura itinerary.
Opening hours
8:00 am–4:30 pm (Dec–Feb until 4:00 pm)
Nearby sights
- Tokei-ji Temple
- Jochi-ji Temple
- Meigetsu-in
- Kencho-ji Temple
- Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
- Sasuke Inari Shrine
- Kamakura Museum of National Treasures