Greater Tokyo

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Daihonzan Engaku-ji Temple

Daihonzan Engaku-ji Temple

This ancient temple has many old buildings, including the temple bell and the Shari-den Hall, which are both national treasures. Here you can take a quiet breath in the cool morning air and adjust yourself physically and mentally, and start your day with a refreshed feeling. Monks will guide you through the Shari-den Hall, the only national treasure building in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is not normally open to the public. In addition, at Nyoian, you can enjoy a special sutra reading for guests, participate in Zen meditation, and chat with a Buddhist monk while enjoying matcha green tea and Japanese sweets.Built in 1783, visitors must first pass through this majestic structure to enter the Engaku-ji Temple.The temple's main hall houses a wooden statue of the Shaka Buddha. Painted on the ceiling of the building is a beautiful White Dragon.Just a one-minute walk from Kita-kamakura Station. Visit in late autumn when the leaves are at their most beautiful, and the teahouse is serving delicious hot sweet sake.Breathe in the cool air of the morning to prepare yourself physically and mentally, and start your day feeling refreshed.

Temples & Shrines Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Hokoku-ji Temple

Hokoku-ji Temple

This ancient temple in Kamakura is known for the 1,000 moso bamboo trees on its grounds. Even in the present day, the solemn atmosphere of the temple conveys the tragedy of the Ashikaga clan. It also features a beautiful bamboo grove and garden. The “Sunday Zazen-kai” (Zen meditation), which has a reputation for being strict, is held every Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. and is open to everyone. Please wear comfortable clothes to participate.This is probably the most impressive bamboo grove you will ever see. Be sure to get tickets for the temple's tranquil teahouse experience before entering.A temple in Kamakura with a beautiful garden and bamboo grove. A Sunday Zen meditation session is held at 7:30 in the morning every Sunday and is open to everyone. The session is reputed to be very strict, and be sure to wear comfortable clothing if you would like to participate.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Kenchoji Temple (Main temple of Kenchoji school of Rinzai sect)

Kenchoji Temple (Main temple of Kenchoji school of Rinzai sect)

This ancient temple is ranked first among the Kamakura Gozan. It features many old buildings, with a temple bell designated the national treasure. Our zazen experience, which has explanations available in English, is popular with foreign visitors. Enjoy a different travel experience by taking your time to relax and enjoy the clean air.Kamakura's greatest Zen temple. Enjoy the tranquility of the Zen garden, and view of Mt. Fuji from the observation deck up the hill on clear days in winter.How about starting your day with zazen meditation? The cool air will help you feel refreshed, and a leisurely breakfast and sightseeing trip will make for a different kind of travel experience.

Temples & Shrines Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Daiyūzan Saijo-ji Temple

Daiyūzan Saijo-ji Temple

Founded in 1394 by Soto Zen monk Ryoan Emyo Zenji, this ancient temple is a Soto sect training center renowned as one of the sect's three major prayer temples. Its natural beauty changes with the seasons, with its autumn foliage illuminated at night for seasonal viewing. Prayer services, zazen meditation experiences, and shojin-ryori vegetarian cuisine are available (reservation required). Temple legends feature tengu (mountain bird-like goblins), and the main hall enshrines the world's largest iron geta (wooden clogs).A unique aspect of this temple is its larger than life geta. These wooden sandals are left out for the tengu, winged spirits, that guard the temple grounds. The shoes vary in size, and some are even as tall as humans. Be sure not to miss this popular photography spot!One of the most sacred places in the Kanto region. Zen meditation sessions are held every second and fourth Sunday and Buddhist statue carving lessons every second and fourth Saturday of the month. There are spiritual spot tours around the grounds and other events as well.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Jochi-ji

Jochi-ji

Wife and son, Morotoki, of Shogun Hojo Munemasa built this temple in 1281. In this temple there is a 'Kanro no I (well)' , one of the 10 Kamakura Wells. This temple ground is designated as a historic spot of Japan.The Donge-Den houses the Three Statues of Buddha. The leftmost statue represents the past, the center the present, and the right the future (as seen from the main entrance).Built in 1924, the thatched-roof Shoin offers a beautiful view of the gardens throughout the seasons.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Ofuna Kannon Temple

Ofuna Kannon Temple

The Ōfuna Kannon in the west of Ōfuna Station in Kamakura City is an eye-catching huge white statue of Kannon. Although there were instances where the construction of this statue had to be stopped due to WWII, it was completed in 1960 (Showa 35) and is now a symbol of Kamakura City Ōfuna Ward, gently protecting the many visitors who come to pray.This modern temple is home to the Ofuna Kannon, a 25-meter statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, watching serenely over visitors. At the Yume Kannon Festival held in autumn each year, you can watch performances of music and dance from around Asia.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Izumotaisha Sagamibunshi

Izumotaisha Sagamibunshi

The shrine enshrines Okuninushi no Mikoto, the deity of Izumo Taisha, Shimane Prefecture. It formally became a branch of the Izumo Taisha sect in 1888. It has a unique wooden shrine building that combines Taisha-zukuri and Gongen-zukuri styles and features a long hall called the "Winged Hall". The shrine itself is known as the "Izumo of Kanto" and features the 1,000-year-old zelkova tree, which towers over the grounds rich in nature, and the famous Hadano spring. The Yuzuri no Mizu (Yuzuri Water) drawn from 50m below the forest is also very popular among visitors (it is drinkable, and health inspections are carried out yearly). Seasonal events are often held, and many worshippers come throughout the year, as well as visitors for Goshuin (shrine stamps). (Free parking available for up to 130 cars. Tour buses require reservations.)

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA