Kenchoji in Odawara

Take your time to get submerged in this historical scene. Give yourself bit more time to take the hiking route and you will be rewarded with spectacular views.

visited on February 20, 2011amazing and awesome and awe-inspiring and wonderful and peaceful and serene and ornamental and ornate and gigantic and vast and expansive .. cannot say good things better and/or more profusely

A very nice Zen temple near Kita-Kamakura station. Enjoyed the serenity of this place. The trails behind the temple was not long and good for hiking.

Its very large so you need long time to see everything. 500 JPY/one.

A very large temple. You have to pay 500 yen to get in. It has a beautiful Japanese garden, and you can go to hike the hill behind the temple to see the whole landscape of Kamakura city.

A beautiful temple, as it is a Rinzai temple, the architecture is slightly different from other temples in Japan. Take a time to walk and climb the stairs to enjoy the rest of the temples and the view from the sea. Also there is a trekking road that connects with other temples.

Beautiful temple and grounds. Kenchoji Temple is one of several in Kamakura on the way to Hasedera Temple and Kotoku-In. Its worth a visit of maybe 30 to 45 minutes. Just keep in mind that you would have to spend several days in the area if you want to visit all the smaller temples in Kamakura. If you are going for a day trip, I really recommend focusing on the Hasedera Temple and Kotoku-In.

You want to see a huge temple with many other small places to find and enjoy the peace? Then go there! Kenchoji has everything you need. A hill where you can oversee Kamakura (on a not so misty day). A small shrine somewhere between the trees. Sakura trees guarding the whole temple complex. And also a stone garden to sit down and relax a little.(My daytrip to Kamakura in Spring20Tsurumi station - Kamakura station - Chokozan Myohon temple - Hokokuji Bamboo Forest - Jomyoji - Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gú - Kenchoji - Meigetsuin - Tokeiji - Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine - Kamakura beach - Kamakura station - Tsurumi station around 10 km walk)

500 yen entry, a bit expensive, should be 300 in line with the other templs around. The temples are much older and antique which I like, and there is an optional looong uphill walk at the end to a view of the ocean and Fuji-San if its not cloudy.

Kenjoji Temple was the first of the five major Zen temples Kamakura and the first Zen temple in Japan.Kenjoji Temple is the main school of the Kenjoji School of Rinzai Buddhism. The temple was founded in 1253 by Governor Tokiyori Hojo at the time. He invited Rankedo Ryu, the Chinese high priest from Nan Song, to open up Japans first true Zen temple. Sanmon Gate (Sangedatumon Gate)This giant, 20-meter-tall gate was built in 1775 and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This gate is called San Mong. (Abbreviated from Sange Datsumonalong the three gates ("san" in Japanesethat open to enlightenment. This gate is built to wish the visitors the spiritual attainment of this temple. This door has no door yet. This reflects the mercy of the Lord Buddha who never rejected those seeking help. Buddha HallThe Honzon (sacred objectof Kenjo-ji Temple is the Jizobosatsu Buddha, which is enshrined in the Hall of the Buddha. This statue was moved from Zojoji Temple in Chiba. Tokyo in 1647. This hall was originally the mausoleum of the second shoguns wife from the Edo period (1603-1868). The decoration was designed for that shoguns wife. With an interior that is painted in glossy black And the ceiling decorated with beautiful paintings Besides Heon Song There are still many Buddha images enshrined. Both the Garanjin Buddha image, which has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Like the Shinpegiso and Sentai Jizo Buddha statues, the building itself is also an important cultural asset in Japan.Hanzobo ShrineThe area of ​​Kenjoji Temple covers the whole valley. And at the very back is Hanzobo. A shrine with the power of guardian spirits in the form of a mysterious Tengu demon Standing about 250 steps above the stone steps, the shrine originally stood at Hokoji Temple in Shizuoka Prefecture. At the order of the current abbot of Kenchoji Temple in 1890, the entrance is lined with statues of Tenugu that welcome visitors.Hanzobo Shrine also has a beautiful view of Kamakura Temple and the sea. You can also see Mount Fuji if the weather is clear. The path up to the shrine leads to a hiking trail.

Top ranked Zen Temple in Kamakura (Yes there are reankingsand worth the trip.

went in the rain and were almost alone. what an amazing temple and grounds. One of my favorites in Kamakura

Kencho-ji is one of the 5 big zen temples in Kamakura. Its quite big and very well taken care of. The area is very calm and its very nice to walk around.In addition to the main temple area, there are several small temples behind, surrounded by gardens.

One of my favourite temples in the Kamakura area. Easy walk from the quiet and small Kita-kamakura station but the main road is usually packed with traffic so allow time to get there and be careful if you are walking with small children. The grounds are spacious and you can get an excellent view of Mt Fuji from the back of the temple. Well worth allowing at least 2 hours if you want to enjoy the full grounds. Recommend going first thing in the morning to enjoy the tranquility - opens at 8:30am which is later than some other temples in the same area.

Kenchoji Temple - although i planned to see many more Temples & Shrines that day in kamakura, Kenchoji Temple is so huge that one can easily visit that place for few days, the buildings architectures are superb & impressive that leave you with a big awe, The hikes that continues to the hills were closed due to the latest Typhoon on Set 2019. Totally worth a visit.

Very beautiful place, also there is a hiking route behind it, that is definitely worth to go.

Very beautiful to visit. I want to go again.

Of all the shrines we visited on the day this was unfortunately my least favourite.However, in true Japanese fashion, it was beautiful and well maintained with an amazing array of stalls at its base.

Love it! Great place to walk around!

Nice location, helpful staff. Worth seeing if in the area.

A large and beautiful temple. It has many scenic and picturesque views and allows for some nice solitude and relaxation.The bus from the Kita-Kamakura is very convenient and probably the easiest way to get there but the walk is also nice.

Kencho ji is a one of the great 5 zen temples in Kamakura,Kanagawa. There are 49 sub temples around the main temples. The buildings are very classic and all made of wood. You can also see some big old trees in the complex. The buddha statue is one of interesting attractions. I personally liked the hansobo sub temple on the top of the hill from where a number of trekking trails are starting.

Very big temple. You need to walk here for a while from the station.

Nice place for a visit. The building is very old, which is lovely.The gardens were not as eye-catching as the other temples, and there are many places you cant enter.Theres a room where you can buy practice sheets and try some calligraphy!

Beautiful old temple and monastery set in lovely grounds. We had a lovely walk around before walking down to Kamakura. Opportunity to also see locals dressed in traditional clothing.

Really nice temple with a beautiful hike

The first temple I saw in Japan that invited for zazen, at least posted in romanji. Real quiet place compared to the Daibutsu bus loads. Its a bit to the north of the town. Please visit for some rest and quiet. Also, walk two hundred steps up for a great view.

Kenchoji Temple: Just a km from kita-kamakura stn.

Fascinating! I especially loved the gardens and the dragon on the ceiling!

Two immense shrines, very neat and cleaned. Bathroom is a bit nasty just like anywhere else.

Kenchoji is awesome. The buildings are very impressive, the history of the place is important, there is a short hiking trail that leads to an excellent view of Kamakura. Its an easy walk from Kita Kamakura station (北鎌倉駅or a longer walk from Kamakura (鎌倉駅), and admission is a reasonable 500 yen. You can spend an afternoon visiting temples if you visit Kenchoji, Engakuju, and maybe Meigetsuin. You can also avoid the huge crowds of Kamakura!

June for blue beautiful flowers

Don’t miss the garden of the biggest temple..you need to take your shoes off, get in the temple and get out from the back. Sit there a couple of minutes and enjoy..

Awesome grouping of temples in the area. Relaxing spot behind the zazen hall, and apparently zazen meditation in said hall is open to the public around 5:30pm.

Lovely shrine. We visited it early in the morning and it was lovely to appreaciate it in a peaceful atmosphere. It makes you feel peace and calm.

An incredible place near a beautiful town. First of all, going to Kenchoji from Tokyo is so much fun. And Kenchoji is full of amazingly beautiful temples that you fall in love quickly. It’s like a small neighbourhood with many temples and beautifully designed buildings, doors and stairs. If you walk all the way up to the summit, you can see a unique view of Tokyo and Pacific Ocean. If you go to this place, you can also stop by one of the restaurants/cafes in the town to enjoy delicious Japanese food.

The biggest temple in Kamakura. Huge park, many buildings. First, youll go through two massive wooden gates, the second one big enough to host storytelling event under it. Then a kind of small garden with amazingly old pine trees. After that, a superb wooden praying hall, with a big Buddha statue inside. Next is another praying hall, where zen meditation classes take place. On the right, you can find a traditional closing gate decorated with refined details of metal works. Behind the building, you can sit on the bench to admire a zen garden with a pond.If you continue deeper inside the park, youll find the insect kingdom, some modern art place made as a tribute to the small life forms. Further on, theres a hill, colored fuschia by flower bushes and guarded by numerous statues of tengu and karasu tengu. On the left side, some very uncommon symbol is engraved in the rock of the hill. From the top, you get a fantastic view over the valley. And then, you can leave the place from there as it is the starting point of several short hikes, leading here and there in Kamakura. Along the way, you can see old graves, most often caves with some small altars inside.

Amazing temple. Do this one (and the big Budhaif you have time just for one. Go far to the end of the area and visit the small temples, they are beautiful and not very visited so there is silence.

Excellent and the best temple in this area. Consist of many national treasures and relics. Also built in 1210, close to the other temples in this area.

A famous Zen temple in Kamakura.You need to climb up to get to this temple and if you climb up even further,you will find a small observation deck from which Mount Fuji can be seen on days with good visibility.

Beautiful temple grounds that are well manicured. English speaking monks. Frequent rituals which are enlightening to watch

Well worth the entrance price. The temple grounds are large and there is even a hiking trail.They even have seats to allow you to rest while viewing the great garden and pong behind the temple.

Nice hiking trail at the back of this complex.

In my point of view, one of the most buddhist zen temple and architecture. It is a complex of many pagodas. The staff was nice and there are some explanations in english for all of them. Unlike the other spots of Kamakura, this place was not crowded at all even during the high season. I definitely, recommended to anyone to go there even if you have to walk around 30 minutes from the station.

Beautiful, interesting & serene. Main gate is impressive & Sakura trees have just started blooming. All who pass through this gate should be able to rid self of any harmful addiction or habits. Zen garden, connected to hiking path, cultural treasures like giant statue & structures. Manicured garden surround each structure. Quite large facility- good value visit for 300 yen entry fee (100 yen for kids up to HS age). Possible to do Shu-in at main entrance office.

Largest of the Zen temples in Kamakura. Outside the main building is an impressive gilded gate.

Super nice and quiet. Well worth the entrance fee. Good to escape the crowds at kamakura because not a lot of people seem to know about this place to be honest.

For me the best part is the temple in he far back, with Tengu guardians and a view on Mount Fuji, downtown Kamakura and the sea.

Beautiful temple, not too difficult to find after getting off the train to spend a day in kamakura.

Worth a visit considering Tenen hiking trail behind it.From up top you get a nice view of tokyo and mount Fuji.