Culture
Engaku-ji Temple in Kamakura
Josef DiermairEngakuji is known for its Zen. But here in this series of photos, I focus more on the lovely gardens and flowers.
Engakuji is the second most important temple out of Kamakura’s Five Great Zen Temples and was founded by regent Hojo Tokimune in 1282 to commemorate both the Japanese and Mongolian soldiers who lost their lives when Mongolia attempted to invade Japan in 1281 (the Battle of Koan).
In 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake destroyed many, but not all, of the original buildings. Therefore, some of the structures today are relatively modern reconstructions.
This principal temple is the head branch school of the Rinzai-sect of Zen Buddhism and some areas of the complex are not open to the public. Even so, the historical structures, ubiquitous nature, and educational atmosphere make for a soul-rejuvenating visit. Engakuji’s bell tower and Shariden Hall are designated as national treasures.
For a truly immersive experience, join the temple’s morning zen meditations or enjoy traditional Japanese food and drinks at its tea house, which sells vegetable curry, dumplings, azuki bean sweets, matcha, and amazake (sweet sake).
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Sanmon is the main gate to the temple and is meant to expel worldly desires from visitors. The commanding wooden structure was rebuilt in 1785 and enshrines the Eleven-Faced Kannon, Twelve Heavenly Generals, and Sixteen Lakan on its upper floor.
Just past Sanmon is the shrine’s main building, Butsuden, which houses Engakuji’s principal image of Buddha—a wooden statue of Shaka Buddha. Butsuden was reconstructed in 1964 after the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Shariden, located toward the back of the temple complex, is designated as a national treasure and enshrines a tooth of Buddha. The hall features architectural mastery in its curved roofs and wooden facade.
The picturesque scenery of nature and temple buildings, plus the collection of Japanese maple trees, make Engakuji a popular spot to enjoy the changing foliage. The leaves are usually at their most vibrant in early December.
Engakuji Temple is a 1 minute walk from Kita-Kamakura station.
Engakuji is known for its Zen. But here in this series of photos, I focus more on the lovely gardens and flowers.
The precincts of Kamakura's Engaku-ji are brilliantly colored by fall foliage in late November to early December
Engaku-ji Temple was established in 1282 for the repose of both Chinese and Japanese soldiers’ souls. The war between the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) of old China and the
This complex of temples has a long pavement leading into the inner grounds. Zen temples usually place their buildings in a line, and Engau-ji is no exception.
Popular throughout anytime of the year, Kamakura’s Enkakuji Temple is a great place to visit during the rainy season where the colorful sights are guaranteed to brighten up your spirits, even on the dampest of days
One of Kamakura's most loved Zen Buddhist temples, Engakuji has a lot to offer in terms of history and nature.
Taisen-kaku is a 100-year-old inn just seconds away from Hase Kanon Temple. The service they provide will leave you with a memorable experience of your time in Kamakura.
Kishi-ke is traditional, yet modern, Japanese-style inn that aims to connect guests with the present and help them achieve inner harmony through its peaceful design and cultural experiences.
Fujisawa is located close to such popular tourist destinations as Enoshima and makura. A traveler can get everything necessary for a comfortable rest in a room.
At the creative French restaurant, Nature et Sens, diners are treated to an experience for the senses. Seasonal ingredients and Kamakura produce take centerstage in these fantastically beautiful dishes. Enjoy a glass of wine with your meal from their wide selection for the ultimate experience.
Discover the taste that Kamakura locals are in love with. New German's fluffy custard-filled sponge cakes are a dessert that is sure to impress. The caramel custard flavor is especially popular with visitors.
Taste Aratama's famous fried pork cutlet and fall in love with the fresh flavors. Tonkatsu isn't all that's on the menu. Be sure to try Aratama's other dishes like mozzarella menchi katsu and cream croquette.
Tokeiji, a Rinzai-sect temple of Zen Buddhism, is a branch temple of nearby Engakuji, which is a short 5-minute walk away. This important temple/nunnery was founded in 1285 by the wife of regent Hojo Tokimune as a sanctuary for women who were abused by their husbands. In a time when women could not legally divorce, Tokeiji offered them a three-year training program in return for an official divorce. The temple’s right to issue divorces was revoked in the early 1870s and its time as a nunnery ended in 1902. Up until 1902, men were strictly forbidden from entering the premises. Today, all visitors are welcome, and the temple is known for its beautiful flower gardens from summertime hydrangeas to wintertime plum blossoms. The relatively small complex features multiple structures, including an entrance gate, a bell tower, tea houses, a treasure house, and a main hall. The treasure house holds Buddhist artifacts, as well as lacquer work from past nuns; and the main hall enshrines a seated statue of Shaka Nyorai, the principal image of the temple. Join the temple for early morning zazen meditation, which is held every Sunday.
Fugenzan Meigetsu-in is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Kenchō-ji school in Kita-Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan. Famous for its hydrangeas, it's also known as The Temple of Hydrangeas. The main object of worship is goddess Shō Kannon. Wikipedia
Kenchoji is Kamakura’s oldest Zen temple and is recognized as the top temple of the city’s Five Great Zen Temples. It was originally founded by regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 as a Zen training temple, and its first head priest was a Chinese Zen priest named Rankei Doryu. One of Kenchoji’s defining characteristics is its expansive temple grounds. After the gates and main area, the complex extends deep into the wooded hills. The temple’s main buildings feature traditional Chinese architecture and are arranged in a line, which is characteristic of Chinese Zen Buddhist temples. Kenchoji’s entrance is marked by Somon, a relatively small, yet beautiful, wooden gate that leads to the main gate, Sanmon. This massive wooden structure is meant to relieve you of all your attachments. Just past Sanmon and to the right is the temple’s bell tower, and to the left is a revered juniper tree. This 13-meter-tall tree is estimated to be about 760 years old and allegedly sprouted from seeds brought from China during the temple’s construction. After the gates, the temple buildings stand in a line down the complex. First is Butsuden (Buddha Hall), which enshrines the principal statue of the temple, Jizo Bodhisattva. Directly behind Butsuden is Hatto, the largest wooden temple building in Eastern Japan. When Kenchoji was strictly a training temple, monks would gather in Hatto to listen to priests’ lectures. Inside Hatto is a statue of Senju Kannon and a stunning ceiling painting of a dragon among the clouds. Past Hatto is Hojo; this building was initially the head priest’s residence, but today is popular for its picturesque Zen garden. Sanmon, the bell tower, Butsuden, and Hatto are all designated as National Important Cultural Properties. After the main temple grounds, a path goes further into the forested hillside to Hansobo. This small shrine is dedicated to Hansobo Daigongen, the guardian deity of the temple, and has a small observation deck. A little further past the shrine is a second observation deck where you can observe Mount Fuji on clear days. From this point, there is a one-hour hiking trail that leads to Zuisenji Temple.