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Temple · Kamakura, Kanagawa
Kencho-ji
The oldest Zen training monastery in Japan, founded in 1253, the first of the Five Great Temples of Kamakura, with gates, halls, a garden and a trail up to the Hansobo shrine.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Kencho-ji in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Kencho-ji
Kencho-ji was founded in 1253 by Hojo Tokiyori, regent of the shogunate, who invited the Chinese monk Lanxi Daolong to lead it. It is considered the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan and ranks first among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura. It sits in the valley between Kita-Kamakura and the city center, about a 15-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura station.
The temple follows the layout of Chinese Zen monasteries, with buildings in line: the Sanmon gate, a two-story gate; the Buddha hall, with a large Jizo statue; the Dharma hall, featuring a dragon painted on the ceiling; and at the rear, the abbot’s residence with a pond garden attributed to the founding monk. Beside the Buddha hall, ancient juniper trees are said to have been planted by Lanxi Daolong himself.
Kenchin-jiru soup, made with vegetables and tofu, is said to have originated in the monastery’s kitchen and is served in local restaurants. The temple often offers Zen meditation sessions to the public on designated days.
Behind the halls, a staircase of hundreds of steps climbs the slope to the Hansobo shrine, guarded by tengu statues, long-nosed creatures from folklore. At the top, an observation point overlooks Sagami Bay and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. From there the Ten-en trail begins, crossing Kamakura’s hills to Zuisen-ji temple.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 1h30; add 1 hour for the climb to Hansobo shrine.
Best time
Autumn, with leaves peaking in late November to early December, and spring, with cherry blossoms in early April. Clear winter days offer a better chance to see Mount Fuji from the viewpoint.
How to get there
About a 15-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura station and about 20 minutes from Kamakura station. Buses from Kamakura station stop at Kencho-ji.
Tip
Climb to the Hansobo shrine via the steps behind the halls: the viewpoint offers one of the widest panoramas of Kamakura. Try kenchin-jiru at a restaurant on the temple’s street.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kencho-ji
Why is Kencho-ji important?
It is considered the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan, founded in 1253, and is the first of Kamakura’s Five Great Zen Temples.
What is the Hansobo shrine?
A shrine on the hill behind Kencho-ji, guarded by tengu statues, with a viewpoint over the bay and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
How do you get to Kencho-ji?
On foot, about 15 minutes from Kita-Kamakura Station, or by bus from Kamakura Station.
What is kenchin-jiru?
A vegetable and tofu soup whose origin is attributed to Kencho-ji’s cuisine. It is served in restaurants in the area.
How long does a visit to Kencho-ji take?
About 1 to 1.5 hours, or around 2.5 hours including the climb to Hansobo shrine.
Beyond the guide
