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Kencho-ji Temple, Kamakura

4.5

#5 of 103 in Historic Sites in Kamakura

Historic Site Religious Site

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Take in the serenity and artistry at Kencho-ji Temple, a commanding Zen Buddhist temple known for its carefully designed gardens and grand architecture. Completed in 1253 under the command of Emperor Go-Fukakusa, the temple originally boasted 49 subtemples, most of which were lost to fire during the 14th and 15th centuries. As you explore the extensive complex, note the 13th-century temple bell, Chinese juniper trees in the temple garden, and the finely ornamented roofs and walls. The temple welcomes visitors to participate in 40-minute zazen meditation sessions, providing brief instruction on posture and the tenets of Zen Buddhism beforehand (in Japanese). North of the complex, hiking trails lead farther up the hill to an observatory. Plan to visit Kencho-ji Temple during your Kamakura vacation using our convenient Kamakura route planner.

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Kencho-ji Temple Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

498 reviews

• By Exploration805273

  天園ハイキングコースの経路としても有名です。 拝観料がかかりますが、妥当な値段だと思います。 仏堂も良いですが、半僧坊に登っていくと景色も良いです。  more »

  It is also famous as a route for the Tenzono hiking trail. I think that it is a reasonable price though it costs the admission fee. The Buddhist temple is also good, but the scenery is good when i climb a half monk.
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• By toshiyuki1961

  鎌倉学園の隣に建つ門もそれなりに立派ですが、バス駐車場を抜けることになるので、正面に回りましょう。総門を通り抜けて左手に御朱印所はあります。円覚寺同様に「御朱印帳を朱印所にお出しください。お帰りにお渡しします」とありました。私は御本尊である「南無地蔵尊」の御朱印を頂きましたが、他にも「釈迦牟尼佛 / びんずる尊者 / 千手観音（鎌倉三十三観音霊場　第二十八番）/ 心平地蔵尊（鎌倉二十四地蔵　第九番...  more »

  The gate next to Kamakura Gakuen is also excellent, but it will pass through the bus parking lot, so let's go to the front. There is a red seal in the left hand passing through the general gate. Like Enmeiji Temple, "Please put out the red seal book to the red seal. I'll give it to you on your way home."　I received a red seal of "Minami-plain warehouse", which is the honon, but there are other "Buddha-una-nunsi/ bottle-son-in-the-son/ Sente Kannon(Kamakura 33 33 Kannon Reiba No.28)" / Shin-ii-izo (Kamakura 24jizo No.9) / Kaeda Jizo (Kamakura 24jizo) Number 10] and you can get a variety of red seal. Let's visit not only the Buddha hall but also here from the splendid three gates.
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