What other travelers are saying about Kenchoji Temple
I came here because the famous 吳清源's had several major wins here as part of his 十番勝負. ¥600 入場料(Entrance fee). BUT, there's more history to this place than that. It was built as a premier Zen research & training center for monastics, and research still goes on today.
The Butsuden hall houses a seated Jizo Bodhisattva statue, while the Hatto hall features a cloud dragon ceiling painting. Both are designated Important Cultural Properties. The Hansobo shrine sits partway up the mountain, accessible via a path with tengu statues. The grounds include Zen gardens and forested walking trails with seasonal cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo to Kita-Kamakura Station (50-60 minutes). The temple is a 15-minute walk from the station. It's located on Kamakura's main temple walking route near Engakuji Temple.
Yes. Monks continue to train and practice at the temple. Visitors may see monks during their routines or hear ceremonial bells, though certain areas may be restricted during religious activities.
The temple offers public Zen meditation sessions (zazen), typically on weekends. Sessions are conducted in Japanese and require advance reservation. Check the temple's official website or contact them directly for schedules.
Kenchō-ji is an extraordinary place of peace and power. Surrounded by an incredible natural setting, its majestic halls and gardens radiate deep spirituality, creating a profound sense of harmony, silence, and inner reflection.
There's an entrance fee of 500¥, the complex is big enough that you can spend a good hour plus just walking around. Further in you an hike up for an amazing vantage point
Beautiful temples with a magnificent Japanese garden. The site is quite spread with many different temples. We can also hike for 15 minutes and have a view of the city of kamakura and the sea. Also, this temple is not as crowded as the others located in the city centre.
Relaxing and quiet temple close to Kamakura, you nit to get off the train at the previous station. It have a resting quiet area in the temple just sitting looking at a little Japanese garden well maintained. Recommended visit.
