Kenchoji Temple
First among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples
This temple ranks first among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples and is the head temple of the Rinzai Kenchoji Sect of Buddhism. Rankei Doryu, a Buddhist monk from China, spread Zen teaching from this temple. The shogunate had a strong connection to this temple. The principal image is a statue of a seated Jizo Bosatsu (Kshitigarbha). The stately large triple gate, the Buddha hall and the lecture hall are aligned in a straight line starting at the entrance to the temple precinct. There is a huge Chinese juniper tree grown from a seed sown by Doryu. Kenchinjiru soup made with vegetables and tofu is believed to have originated in this temple. A Zen meditation session, open to all, is held every Friday and Saturday.
Address
Tel
Admission fee/Admission fee Donation
Children: 200 yen (elementary and junior high school students)
*If you have a disability certificate or special education certificate, you and one accompanying person can enter for free.
*Please pay the fee even if you are hiking in the mountains.
Admission hours
Flower information
[Summer] Conandron ramondioides
[Autumn] Japanese bush clover, autumn leaves
Directions
・From JR Kita-Kamakura Station, walk towards Kamakura Station for about 15 minutes
・From the East Exit of JR Kamakura Station, walk towards Kita-Kamakura for about 30 minutes
・From bus stop No. 2 at the East Exit of JR Kamakura Station, take the bus bound for Kenchoji/Ofuna Station and get off at "Kenchoji"
There is a parking lot for Kenchoji Temple in front of the main gate of the temple grounds.
Number of spaces: 20 cars, 5 buses (reservations not accepted)
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Fee: 600 yen for cars, 2000 yen for buses
*Pay for the first hour, then pay in 30 minutes increments. Pay when you leave.
Other
【Zazen】
Zazen Meeting
Location: Hojo (subject to change)
Date: Every Friday and Saturday (may be closed)
Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
Participation Fee: Free (admission fee required)
*No reservations required
*Latecomers cannot participate (please be seated 15 minutes before the start)
*Groups (5 or more people) not allowed
《Minazuki/Rosetsuki Zazen Meeting》
A two-day Zazen meeting held twice a year at a Zen temple
Dates: In principle, the first Saturday to Sunday of June and December, 2 days and 1 night
Details: Announced on the temple grounds and official website approximately 1 month in advance
《Group Zazen Training Session》
Date: Weekdays, 2 hours (9:00am-4:00pm)
Number of participants: 20 or more
Details: Kenchoji Temple Head Temple, Educational Affairs Department
【Copying Sutras】
You can copy the Heart Sutra (about 60 minutes) or the Enmei Jukku Kannon Sutra (about 20 minutes).
Location: Hojo (subject to change)
Dates: Every day (may be closed)
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm (entry time)
Participation Fee: Copying Sutra Donation 1,000 yen per roll (admission fee required)
*No reservation required
*You can take the copied sutra home with you.
【Sermon】
《Kenchoji Saturday Sermon》
Sermon by a Kenchoji sect missionary.
Location: Sanmonshita
Date: Every Saturday
Time: 11:00am/1:00pm (approximately 15 minutes each)
Participation fee: Free (admission fee required)
*No reservation required
《Kenchoji Temple Sermon Special》
Monks who are Kenchoji Temple missionaries and monks who have connections to them gather together and give sermons one after another (each session has a different theme).
Location: Hojo, lecture hall, etc.
Date: Held 2-3 times a year (mainly in June and November)
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
*No reservation required (admission fee required)
*Information will be provided on the flyer or official website.
【Goeika】
An easy-to-understand explanation of Buddhist teachings, consisting of hymns and songs.
《Kamakura-ryu Eika-ko Kyofuku Branch》
Dates: See official website
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Dress: Casual
What to bring: Ritual implements available for loan
Participation fee: Free
*If you are attending for the first time, please contact the Department of Education at the Kenchoji Temple Head Temple.
◆Others
・Wheelchairs are accessible up to Karamon Gate
・Barrier-free toilets are available within the grounds
・Wheelchairs available for rental (limited number)
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