Shrine on a Hill: Kamakura Hansobo

Towering above Kencho-ji Temple - a shrine with a view

Larry Knipfing May 17, 2013 - 1 min read

<p>Guardian Nio under the sakura in spring</p>

<p>Great view down to large and famous Kencho-ji Temple</p>

<p>A small, simple shrine with an arrow pointing towards the hiking course</p>

<p>Sakura abounds here in the spring</p>

<p>Gravestone close up; covered in moss</p>

<p>A view from a bit closer and to the left</p>

For a long time in Japan's history, it was very common to find temples and shrines together in the same location. Hansobo was like that, when the shrine used to be part of Kita-kamakura's large and famous Kencho-ji Temple. This shrine is much small and simpler, but can boast of a spectacular view, as well as some very beautiful statues. It is also a stop on a hiking course that you can start or finish here. It is beautiful all year, but particularly so in spring (sakura) and autumn (maple).

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Find out more about Kenchoji Temple.

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...