Red lanterns with temple roof in the background (Photo: Larry Knipfing)

Kamakura's Hongaku-ji Temple

Old Bell, New Year's Festival Lanterns...and Ghosts?

Larry Knipfing   - 1 min read

Just a few minutes on foot from Kamakura Station, Hongaku-ji is definitely worth a quick visit either on the way to or coming back from Myohon-ji Temple. It's a large Nichiren temple that features an impressive old bell, lotus in pots in the summer, and a festival on New Year's Eve that includes eating and drinking under tents. The red lanterns that line the path, fence and gate during the year-end are beautiful to see at night. Locals say there are ghosts about, but although I have been there alone on many a dark, cold night, I have never seen any.

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Larry Knipfing

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...