Kencho-ji

Utterly beautiful and fascinating temple. Highly Recommended at anytime of the year. Such amazing examples of architecture and devotion. This solemn, tranquil, peaceful location leaves you feeling calm and rested. Just sit quietly and absorb the centuries of history.

This temple was much more exciting than I anticipated. The buildings are very rustic with little paint so it doesnt look very glamorous but that gives it a much more spiritual atmosphere. The main building had colorful cloth and a recognizable ceiling painting. You have to take off your shoes to get inside the building behind the golden gate but there's also a nice resting area with a view of the garden. I think its definitely worth to take a walk or bus here from Kamakura or Ofuna and it's much less crowded too.

Kenchōji is the No 1 of Kamakura's 5 great Zen temples. It’s the oldest temple in the city. It was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 during the Kencho Era after which it was named.
The temple consists of many temple buildings and subtemples, and stretches from the entrance at the bottom into the hills behind.
After passing through the Sanmon gate, on the right side you will find Bonsho (temple bell) that is designated a national treasure.
The next structure is Buddha Hall with a statue of the Jizo Bodhisattva.
Behind Buddha Hall is the Hatto (Dharma Hall) with statue of Kannon and a dragon painted on its ceiling. Hatto is the largest wooden temple building in eastern Japan.
Behind the Hojo there is a pretty garden designed by Zen master Muso Kokushi.
Further up the hill by a stairways (15-20 min), you will find Hansobo (a shrine for the protection of Kenchoji) with a small terrace to admire the view over the temple grounds and Kamakura city from the above. When we visited (Oct 2023) Mount Fuji observation deck was closed fore renovation.
Further up the hill (another 5 min.), there is a 2nd observation deck with even better views over the entire temple grounds and the city of Kamakura.
If you enter the temple ground from the hill' side (for example after trekking from the Engakuji Temple as us), you may but the entry tickets at Hansobo.
The temple is open from 08:30 to 16:30. Entrance (Oct 2023) was 500 ¥ per person.

Definitely my favorite temple in Kamakura. The entrance fee was 500 yen and definitely worth it!

Beautiful temple in Kamakura, if you have time it's a good place to relax

A very large temple. You have to pay 500 yen to get in. It has a beautiful Japanese garden, and you can go to hike the hill behind the temple to see the whole landscape of Kamakura city.

The best temple I have visited around Tokyo so far. Very not crowded. I was actually almost alone there which I really didn’t get as it is so wonderful.

One of my favourite temples in the Kamakura area. Easy walk from the quiet and small Kita-kamakura station but the main road is usually packed with traffic so allow time to get there and be careful if you are walking with small children. The grounds are spacious and you can get an excellent view of Mt Fuji from the back of the temple. Well worth allowing at least 2 hours if you want to enjoy the full grounds. Recommend going first thing in the morning to enjoy the tranquility - opens at 8:30am which is later than some other temples in the same area.

This is one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura and it features absolutely massive wooden structures that are beautifully preserved and a testament to Japanese architecture. It’s about 50 mins walk from Hasedera and if you plan it right (which I did not) you can visit the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū as well. Maybe because it’s a little out the way, it was nearly empty when we were there, which just made it all the more peaceful. I imagine it’s great to visit on a sunny day.

A very nice Zen temple near Kita-Kamakura station. Enjoyed the serenity of this place. The trails behind the temple was not long and good for hiking.

Kenjoji Temple was the first of the five major Zen temples Kamakura and the first Zen temple in Japan.
Kenjoji Temple is the main school of the Kenjoji School of Rinzai Buddhism. The temple was founded in 1253 by Governor Tokiyori Hojo at the time. He invited Rankedo Ryu, the Chinese high priest from Nan Song, to open up Japan's first true Zen temple. Sanmon Gate (Sangedatumon Gate)
This giant, 20-meter-tall gate was built in 1775 and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This gate is called San Mong. (Abbreviated from Sange Datsumon) along the three gates ("san" in Japanese) that open to enlightenment. This gate is built to wish the visitors the spiritual attainment of this temple. This door has no door yet. This reflects the mercy of the Lord Buddha who never rejected those seeking help. Buddha Hall
The Honzon (sacred object) of Kenjo-ji Temple is the Jizobosatsu Buddha, which is enshrined in the Hall of the Buddha. This statue was moved from Zojoji Temple in Chiba. Tokyo in 1647. This hall was originally the mausoleum of the second shogun's wife from the Edo period (1603-1868). The decoration was designed for that shogun's wife. With an interior that is painted in glossy black And the ceiling decorated with beautiful paintings Besides Heon Song There are still many Buddha images enshrined. Both the Garanjin Buddha image, which has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Like the Shinpegiso and Sentai Jizo Buddha statues, the building itself is also an important cultural asset in Japan.

Hanzobo Shrine
The area of ​​Kenjoji Temple covers the whole valley. And at the very back is Hanzobo. A shrine with the power of guardian spirits in the form of a mysterious Tengu demon Standing about 250 steps above the stone steps, the shrine originally stood at Hokoji Temple in Shizuoka Prefecture. At the order of the current abbot of Kenchoji Temple in 1890, the entrance is lined with statues of Tenugu that welcome visitors.
Hanzobo Shrine also has a beautiful view of Kamakura Temple and the sea. You can also see Mount Fuji if the weather is clear. The path up to the shrine leads to a hiking trail.

Take your time to get submerged in this historical scene. Give yourself bit more time to take the hiking route and you will be rewarded with spectacular views.

Kencho-ji temple in Kamakura, especially in early July, offers a captivating experience. The lush green surroundings and vibrant hydrangea blossoms create a picturesque setting. The tranquil atmosphere and centuries-old structures, like the Zen meditation hall, provide a glimpse into Japan's profound spiritual heritage. A delightful visit for nature and culture lovers. Also, Juniper trees hold a special significance at Kencho-ji temple in Kamakura. These ancient trees, known as "shimpaku" in Japanese, are prized for their unique shape and symbolism in Japanese Zen gardens. Their twisted and contorted branches symbolize resilience and endurance, reflecting the challenges faced in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. These magnificent junipers add a sense of mystique and serenity to the temple grounds, further enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Beautiful old temple and monastery set in lovely grounds. We had a lovely walk around before walking down to Kamakura. Opportunity to also see locals dressed in traditional clothing.

In my point of view, one of the most buddhist zen temple and architecture. It is a complex of many pagodas. The staff was nice and there are some explanations in english for all of them. Unlike the other spots of Kamakura, this place was not crowded at all even during the high season. I definitely, recommended to anyone to go there even if you have to walk around 30 minutes from the station.

An incredible place near a beautiful town. First of all, going to Kenchoji from Tokyo is so much fun. And Kenchoji is full of amazingly beautiful temples that you fall in love quickly. It’s like a small neighbourhood with many temples and beautifully designed buildings, doors and stairs. If you walk all the way up to the summit, you can see a unique view of Tokyo and Pacific Ocean. If you go to this place, you can also stop by one of the restaurants/cafes in the town to enjoy delicious Japanese food.

Beautiful, interesting & serene. Main gate is impressive & Sakura trees have just started blooming. All who pass through this gate should be able to rid self of any harmful addiction or habits. Zen garden, connected to hiking path, cultural treasures like giant statue & structures. Manicured garden surround each structure. Quite large facility- good value visit for 300 yen entry fee (100 yen for kids up to HS age). Possible to do Shu-in at main entrance office.

Worth the walk to approach from the back side and see it from above!

You want to see a huge temple with many other small places to find and enjoy the peace? Then go there! Kenchoji has everything you need. A hill where you can oversee Kamakura (on a not so misty day). A small shrine somewhere between the trees. Sakura trees guarding the whole temple complex. And also a stone garden to sit down and relax a little.

(My daytrip to Kamakura in Spring'20
Tsurumi station - Kamakura station - Chokozan Myohon temple - Hokokuji Bamboo Forest - Jomyoji - Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gú - Kenchoji - Meigetsuin - Tokeiji - Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine - Kamakura beach - Kamakura station - Tsurumi station 'around 10 km walk)

Amazing temple. Do this one (and the big Budha) if you have time just for one. Go far to the end of the area and visit the small temples, they are beautiful and not very visited so there is silence.