Kencho-ji Temple
建長寺
The foremost of Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples, founded by the Southern Song monk Lanxi Daolong; the gate, main hall and the view of Mount Fuji from Hanjōbō make a classic route.
Kenchō-ji was founded in 1253 by Regent Hōjō Tokiyori, who invited the Southern Song Zen monk Lanxi Daolong to serve as its founder. It was Japan's first formal Rinzai Zen training monastery and ranks first among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples. The Sōmon gate, Sanmon gate, Buddha Hall and Dharma Hall are laid out along the central axis and still preserve the layout of a Song-dynasty Zen temple. The old juniper trees in the grounds are said to have been planted by Daolong, and the Kamakura specialty “Kenchō soup” also originated here. From behind the abbot's quarters, about 250 stone steps climb to Hanjōbō, where on clear days you can see Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay in the distance. Admission is about ¥500. It is about 15 minutes' walk from Kita-Kamakura Station, or about 10 minutes' walk from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
Opening hours
08:30–16:30
Nearby sights
- Meigetsu-in
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
- Kamakura Museum of National Treasures
- Jochi-ji Temple
- Engaku-ji Temple
- Tokei-ji Temple
- Komachi-dori
- Kamakura-gu Shrine