Kencho-ji

Temple

Prefecture

Kanagawa

Type

Temple

N/A

1 review

¥500

Entry Fee

Train Access

About This Destination

The first Zen training monastery in Japan, founded in 1253, and ranked first among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples.

Kencho-ji is the most prestigious of Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples, founded in 1253 by the Chinese priest Rankei Doryu under the patronage of the regent Hojo Tokiyori. As the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan, it holds a place of immense historical and spiritual significance. Visitors enter through an imposing Sanmon gate and walk along an approach lined with ancient juniper trees—supposedly grown from seeds the founding priest brought from China. The Hatto (Dharma Hall) has a dragon ceiling painting by Koizumi Junsaku, while the serene garden behind the abbot's quarters is attributed to the famous Zen monk Muso Soseki. For the adventurous, a hiking trail from the temple grounds leads over the hills to Zuisen-ji Temple, passing a panoramic lookout point over Kamakura and the ocean.

Location

Prefecture: Kanagawa

Address: Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan

Nearest Station: Kita-Kamakura Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: No dining facilities on the temple grounds, but Kita-Kamakura station area has small restaurants and tea houses serving Kamakura specialties like shirasu rice bowls.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Kencho-ji?

From Kita-Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line), walk 15 minutes south along the main road (R21) — the most popular route. From Kamakura Station, walk 25 minutes north on the same road, or take the Keikyu bus to 'Kenchoji' stop (10 min, ¥220). Tokyo Station to Kita-Kamakura: 53 min via JR Yokosuka Line direct (¥920). Kencho-ji is the first temple along the famous Kamakura Ten Temple Pilgrimage route. The temple is on Route 21, Kanagawa Prefectural Road, with a clearly marked entrance.

What's the entry fee and what should I see?

Adult ¥500, child ¥200. Open 8:30–16:30 daily (no closing days). Founded in 1253, Kencho-ji is Japan's oldest Zen training monastery and ranked #1 of Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples. Don't miss: the massive 15th-century Sanmon main gate (Important Cultural Property); the Buddha Hall (Butsuden) housing a Jizo Bodhisattva; the Hatto (Dharma Hall) with a 'Cloud Dragon' ceiling painting by Koizumi Junsaku; the Karamon Chinese Gate; and the impressive Garden of Hojo (abbot's quarters) attributed to Zen master Muso Soseki. Allow 90 minutes minimum.

Can I do zazen meditation here?

Yes — Kencho-ji holds free zazen meditation sessions twice every Friday and Saturday at 17:00 and 18:00 (about 50 min, no reservation needed; arrive 10 min early). All levels welcome but instruction is in Japanese only — it's recommended to know basic posture beforehand. The session is held in the Hojo. Wear comfortable, modest clothing — no shorts, sleeveless tops, or skirts. Free of charge but normal temple admission still applies during the day. Beginners might prefer English-language sessions at Engaku-ji (Sundays only) instead.

What's the Kamakura Ten Temple route from Kencho-ji?

Start at Kencho-ji (#1) → walk 5 min north to Engaku-ji (#2) → return south past Kencho-ji to climb Tendaishita to Kakuon-ji (#5, 20 min) → continue to Zuisen-ji (#6) via the Daito Path. The full pilgrimage takes 6–8 hours; most visitors do Kita-Kamakura half (Kencho-ji + Engaku-ji + Tokei-ji + Meigetsuin) in 4 hours. The Tengu-no-Mine hill behind Kencho-ji offers a 30-minute hike with city views. Buy the ¥1,500 pilgrimage book at Kencho-ji to collect goshuin stamps.