Hokoku-ji

Temple

Part of Kamakura

Prefecture

Kanagawa

Type

Temple

N/A

0 reviews

¥300

Entry Fee

Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

The 'Bamboo Temple.' 2,000+ moso bamboo stalks behind the main hall. Small tea house inside the grove serves matcha. Go early, as it's crowded by 10am.

Hokoku-ji, affectionately known as the Bamboo Temple, is a Rinzai Zen temple founded in 1334 by the priest Tengan Eko. While the temple itself is modest in scale compared to Kamakura's larger complexes, its bamboo grove of over 2,000 towering moso bamboo stalks creates an otherworldly atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world. Sunlight filtering through the dense canopy of swaying green stalks produces an ever-changing play of light and shadow along the winding paths. Within the grove, a small tea house called Kyukoan serves freshly prepared matcha with a dry sweet, offering a meditative pause as you listen to the wind rustling through the bamboo overhead. The temple also features a carefully raked Zen rock garden and stone-lined pathways that complement the natural beauty of the bamboo. Hokoku-ji is best visited early in the morning before crowds arrive, when the grove is at its most peaceful and atmospheric.

Location

Prefecture: Kanagawa

Address: Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan

Nearest Station: Kamakura Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: The Kyukoan tea house within the bamboo grove serves matcha green tea with traditional Japanese dry sweets in a serene setting.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Hokoku-ji (the Bamboo Temple)?

From JR Kamakura Station east exit, take Keikyu bus #23, #24, or #36 to 'Jomyoji' stop (10 min, ¥220), then walk 3 minutes east. Alternatively walk 30 minutes through Komachi-dori and Wakamiya-Ohji avenue. By car: 10 min from Yokoyokosuka Expressway Asahina IC; small paid parking lot (¥600/2hr, often full on weekends). The temple is in Jomyoji, the quiet eastern Kamakura zone, significantly less crowded than the central temples even in peak season.

What's the entry fee and what's the bamboo grove like?

Adult ¥300 for the bamboo grove (additional ¥600 for matcha tea ceremony, includes a wagashi sweet). Open 9:00–16:00 daily (closed Dec 29–Jan 3). The grove contains about 2,000 moso bamboo stalks reaching 20 meters high, and wooden walkways guide visitors through. The Kyukoan tea house at the grove's center serves matcha within the bamboo while filtered light and rustling leaves create a meditative atmosphere. Photography is allowed but tripods are prohibited. The visit takes 30–45 minutes; with tea ceremony, plan 90 minutes total.

When is the best time to visit?

Weekday mornings (9:00–10:30) are quietest, especially in summer when bamboo provides natural shade. Photographers prefer overcast days for soft, even lighting. Late afternoon (15:00–16:00) brings dramatic backlighting through the bamboo. Avoid weekends and the autumn month of November when wait times for the tea ceremony can hit 60+ minutes. Year-round destination but spring rains (June) and summer (July–August) offer the lushest green; winter visits are quiet but bamboo retains its color. Combine with nearby Sugimoto-dera (8 min walk) and Jomyo-ji (5 min walk).

Is there parking and is it accessible?

Small temple parking lot (10 spaces, ¥600/2hr) often full by 10:00 on weekends; try Jomyoji Park parking (¥500/day, 5-min walk) as overflow. Wheelchair accessible up to the main hall, but the bamboo grove's gravel paths and small bridges are difficult, with limited access for wheelchairs and prams. Stroller-friendly through the main viewing platform area. Restrooms available at the entrance (Western-style). Tea ceremony seating is on tatami floor (low, requires sitting on cushions); accommodations possible if requested in advance via the temple office.