Engakuji in Yokohama

For me the best temple we have seen in Kamakura. It is huge and on the edge of the forest. It has a very calming vibe and everything looks amazing well kept. We had a privilege of a local guide that explained to us the amazing symbolism and history behind this place. You can get matcha tea in the centre of the temple which is fine nothing special. The train station is very near only a 5min stroll away. If you like zen places this is the one to see.

Amazing sacred place with special atmosphere

Quiet place and relaxing. As far as I know is one of the most important Zen temple in Japan, so give a chance and visit the place, inside the place there are information in English in front of some buildings.

Beautiful temple with lots of greens. You have to pay 500 yen to get in.

Easily accessible by train nice broad paths and relatively accessible by stroller

I came to Engakuji in February 9, 2022 because I wanted to visit the grave of Ozu Yasujiro, the great Japanese film director.But the very Temple is amazing.

Very scenic, with amazing panoramic view of surrounding hills/mountains. If you are lucky, on a clear day you can see Mount Fuji. This temple is famous for a bell that has a sort of mystical story behind it!

A quintessential Kamakura temple. A collection of structures without an obvious central governing design. Makes for a nice stroll and discovery of varying experiences. Lovely in Autumn as the leaves turn.

Simply amazing13 century Buddhist temple.Amazing atmosphere.A gem in the Kamakura areaA must visit!

A great temple to visit! Really really amazing. I got to experience watching Japanese kyudo. Watching it was really fun and the staff smiled and waved at me and didnt mind me taking pictures and videos. The temple is a beautiful place. And the dragon on the ceiling of the main building on the roof is beautiful.

Beautiful peaceful. Temple with magical ancient atomospher very clean full of nature and ta lot of treeEnkakuji is the Rinzai sects Dai Hon-san (main templelocated in the northern city of Kamakura. The temple was built in the second half of the 13th century at the request of Hōjō Tokimune, the Shoguns regent. It is considered the highest authority of Japan. After successfully repelling the Mongolian invasion Tokimune, a strong supporter of Zen Buddhism, invited Mugaku Sogen, a Zen priest From China to establish this temple During the construction, the scriptures were unearthed Hence the origin of the temples name means Sutra of Perfect Enlightment.The main deity of the temple is the Seated Statue of Shaka Nyora in the temple. It is noteworthy that the temple pond connected to the Edo period garden was restored in 2000.There is also a large bell and a Shari-den, which has been declared a national treasure. This large bell was given to the temple.The year 1301, with a height of 249.5 cm, is the largest bell in the Kanto region. The relics chamber was built in the early 13th century by the shogun to store the fangs.Zen meditation can be performed on Saturday and Sunday mornings free of charge and no reservations are required. Join at any time if you have free time.1 minute walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station or from Kamakura Station, then take the Enoden Bus to get off at Ki stop. Ta-Kamakura (Kita-Kamakuraand walk for 1 minute. The temple is open to visitors from December to February until 4:00 PM.

Engakuji Temple was founded in 1282 to console the spirits of the war-dead in the battles against Mongolia when Tokimune Hojo had ruled the country as Kamakura Shogun. The founder of the temple is a famous Zen Master, Mugaku Sogen. Shariden and the grand temple bell are both designated as national treasure. The Temple site is very big and there are many places to see around. At least 1 hour is needed for sightseeing. We visited there in late November and the colored leaves were very beautiful.The Main Hall is new because it was reconstructed in 1964. You can see the statue of Buddha and white dragon drawn on the ceiling at the same time.Kojirin is on the west side of the Main Hall. Zen meditation sessions are held for the general public. (Now it is online due to COVID.)Building "Hojo" was originally the quarters for the abbot but is now used for various functions such as Buddhist memorial services. There are about 100 statues of the Goddess of Mercy in the courtyard. I recommend to go this temple in autumn!

Engaku-ji is ranked #2 among 5 Zen Temples of Kamakura (Kamakura Gozan). Some zen temples offer Zen meditation sessions to the public, but this is one of the few temples to offer sessions during the COVID 19 -a/o early November 2020- including early morning Zen meditation from 6am daily.

Located near Kita Kamakura station is theFamous Engaku-ji temple , full of natureQuite and serene placeWorth visiting

Very large Temple right next to the Kita-Kamakura station. 300yen for adults to enter, 100yen for children. Very rich culture and history here. It was very impressive and a great workout!

A beautiful temple located right next to KitaKamakura station. Give yourself at least a couple of hours to fully explore the expansive grounds. The flora in spring is impressive.

They love frogs! Check it out and take a great view of the fuji mountain from this temple. is totally a energy spot! Dont miss it. Area have many temples at it surroundings so is better to arrive early and take a long walk around the different temples. Some of them are closed for private use but many are open to public.

So peaceful. Perfect spiritual getaway when you have had enough hype & noise from crowded cities in Tokyo.

Beautiful Buddhist temple. Not crowded at all and not that far from Tokyo. The temple has a Kyoto style. Very clean.

A large and beautiful temple complex with many shrines throughout. There are many peaceful and tranquil scenic views and listening to the chanting was truly relaxing. Observing the practicing of the Japanese long bow was great. The staff was very helpful and although there were tours present, the complex is large enough that it felt open and inviting.

Just in front of Kita-Kamakura station. Quiet but worth to visit. When I vsited here in early December, this temple had beautiful autumn colour leaves.

Great place for a walk. Lots to see and lots to explore. Awesome sceneries with natural at its best.

Lovely place, especially in the morning just after it opens.

Big temple, very quiet and impressive. A nice stroll

The history and architecture of this place is astounding. Its serene, peaceful and an absolute must on the visit list!

Nice temple with many beautiful buildings

This one of the famous temples in Kamakura area. Long history and amazing structure. The staff guided us very well. It is very well maintained temple. If you have a chance try zazen. I believe it will be fantastic scenery in autumn.

Very nice and quiet place even on Sunday

Engakuji Temple: Just 50m from Kita Kamakura stn

Coming from the Kita-Kamakura Station, this temple complex might be your first in this town. Entering the temple through a huge wooden gate, the temple features a great mixture of very varying architecture in a great landscape, with a nice pond in the upper area. You can easily spent hours here.

This is an amazing temple to visit for half a day. Very specious and many things to see. Very beautiful and well kept, gardens, temples and surrouding environment.

Really beautiful set of temples, much less busy than the ones at actual Kamakura station, and more beautiful in my opinion. Highly recommend

Such a nice peaceful place. If you like the philosophy of Zen Buddhism you’ll find it very much in sync with your mind.

Engakuji was breathtaking, come see it for yourself.

The best temple of the area, do not miss it

A large area with many religious sites to see. Free、English-speaking guides may offer to help. The scenery is beautiful and tranquil and a perfect place for sight seeing.

Spring blossoms are just emerging (first week March 2019), so it will be beautiful to photograph here over the next few weeks. Grounds are extensive and tranquil, even on a Saturday it was relaxing and not too hectic.

Its a gorgeous area. Definately worth a visit when you are in Kamakura. Plus Cheap entry. There are many Different temples there so its a quite long walk from the beginning to the end but near to the top you can take a break and sit down with a Cup of green Tea before you enjoy the small but very green Garden at the top. Can strongly recommend the visit.

Peaceful, not crowded, ancient (since 1238). Make sure you get the kamakura-enoshima pass for 700 yen.

This temple is the best one Ive visited in Kamakura area. The only thing which is really annoying is that fake entrance fee. Inside of the temple area are 2 more extra paid areas. This is somehow a kind of scam.Besides that this a very very beautiful space. There was a little art exhibition on the left hill with super friendly people and a very relaxing atmosphere.5 stars but 1 off due to the fake entrance fee.

I was lucky to visit during their annual “Homotsu Kazeire (宝物風入)” — an exhibition of their treasures which happens around early November just after 文化の日。During this time visitors are also allowed to visit the Shariden in the back of the temple, which is a national treasure. Visitors may also participate in “shakyo” for 1000 yen in which one hand copies the Avalokitesvara Sutra for Long Life in Ten Statements (Kan-non Sutrain Japanese calligraphy.

Actually this temple is not in my plan when I do list the place in Kamamura. But I found that I took the time at Engakuji temple for 2-3 hours! If you want to touch the peaceful and traditional temple, I will recommended this place.

Quiet and peaceful place in summer with many traditional buildings to visit and enter. I can only imagine how beautiful this place could be in autumn and during the cherry blossoms season in April... Worth the 300yen entrance fee as the place is vedy well preserved. Spent an hour there walking around.

Very nice temple and garden.

Beautiful Temple and gardens. A little reminiscent of Kyoto. Very close to Kita Kamakura Station. Just follow the tracks in the direction the train was going in (if you came from Tokyoand about 100 meters on your left on the left side of the tracks you will find the entrance. Usually open hours 8-4.

One of the big 5 temples in Kamakura. Big budha statue and lovely cat are waiting. Dont miss to check the calligraphy and the picture of Dragon above the budha.

Temple complex known for its very colourful entrance gate in Autumn. Some people apparently take their marriage pictures here. A lot of things to see and all have signs in Japanese and English. Entrance fee 500 yen. Close to the entrance is a free Wi-Fi point. Train station very close.

Great temple to visit, consisting of multiple buildings, some accessible via small hiking trails. When you find a spot away from the crowds (avoid weekends!), you will find serenity.A few practical tips:- Wear suitable shoes for walking to take full advantage of this site. There are gorgeous views to be found by veering slightly off the main paths. At the same time, some of the buildings do require you to take off your shoes.- Some of the toilets here are traditional style but in the main temple building, youll find western style toilets.- You can get snacks and drinks in the teahouse, overlooking a great view, but there is a steep climb! There are also charms and souvenirs here.

for travelers to Kamakura this temple is kind of remote，but it is the best place to visit in Kamakura. Very quiet with great history.

I visited Enkakuji as part of a Kamakura tour with Tokyo Way. The temple is located in Kita-Kamakura, which is about an hour train ride from the center of Tokyo. I found it to be a beautiful Zen Buddhist temple with a really long and interesting history. Its not as grand and spectacular as some of the temples in Kyoto, but theres a hall where a monk will teach you how to do zazen mediation and there are cafes run by monks in the temple grounds where you can have some delicious tea. This gives Engakuji more to do then just look at the buildings. It also doesnt seem to be as popular with tourists as other more famous temples, so there arent crazy large crowds. If youre in the Tokyo area and looking to experience some Japanese history or if you are a serious practitioner of Zen Buddhism and/or zazen meditation, Id recommend a trip out to Engakuji.