Kenchoji is Kamakura’s oldest Zen temple and is recognized as the top temple of the city’s Five Great Zen Temples. It was originally founded by regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 as a Zen training temple, and its first head priest was a Chinese Zen priest named Rankei Doryu.
One of Kenchoji’s defining characteristics is its expansive temple grounds. After the gates and main area, the complex extends deep into the wooded hills. The temple’s main buildings feature traditional Chinese architecture and are arranged in a line, which is characteristic of Chinese Zen Buddhist temples.
Kenchoji’s entrance is marked by Somon, a relatively small, yet beautiful, wooden gate that leads to the main gate, Sanmon. This massive wooden structure is meant to relieve you of all your attachments. Just past Sanmon and to the right is the temple’s bell tower, and to the left is a revered juniper tree. This 13-meter-tall tree is estimated to be about 760 years old and allegedly sprouted from seeds brought from China during the temple’s construction.
After the gates, the temple buildings stand in a line down the complex. First is Butsuden (Buddha Hall), which enshrines the principal statue of the temple, Jizo Bodhisattva. Directly behind Butsuden is Hatto, the largest wooden temple building in Eastern Japan. When Kenchoji was strictly a training temple, monks would gather in Hatto to listen to priests’ lectures. Inside Hatto is a statue of Senju Kannon and a stunning ceiling painting of a dragon among the clouds. Past Hatto is Hojo; this building was initially the head priest’s residence, but today is popular for its picturesque Zen garden.
Sanmon, the bell tower, Butsuden, and Hatto are all designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
After the main temple grounds, a path goes further into the forested hillside to Hansobo. This small shrine is dedicated to Hansobo Daigongen, the guardian deity of the temple, and has a small observation deck. A little further past the shrine is a second observation deck where you can observe Mount Fuji on clear days. From this point, there is a one-hour hiking trail that leads to Zuisenji Temple.
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Kenchoji is about a 15-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station and approximately a 25-minute walk from Kamakura Station.
It was Saturday afternoon and I was at Kencho-ji Temple in Kita-Kamakura. A few minutes before two o’clock a bell rang to signal that the Zen service was about to begin.
An avatar God protecting Kencho-ji Temple is called Hanzobo. People believe Hanzobo has protective powers against fire, and the ability to bring good luck
建長寺の鎮守、半僧坊権現は、火除けと招福のご利益があることで知られる。拝殿の前に立つ烏天狗は、剣術と神通力に秀で、自在に飛翔することができる半僧坊の随身である。
Hanzobo Shrine is much small and simpler than Kencho-ji, but can boast of a spectacular view, as well as some very beautiful statues. It is also a stop on a hiking course
Kencho-ji Temple was established as the first Zen-only training monastery in Japan starting in the late 1200s. In those days, there were many high level Buddhist priests
鎌倉建長寺は、1253（建長5）年に創建された禅の専修道場である。鎌倉に武家政権が誕生して50年、政権の安定とともに、鎌倉の都市機能は次第に整いつつあった。この頃、南宋（1127-1279）との民間貿易により、九州博多を拠点として、陶磁器や絹織物、書籍、文具、香料などが日本に輸入され、その貿易船に便乗して、多くの渡来僧や商人たちが来日した。
วัดเคนโจ-จิมีพิธีกรรมตามปกติทุกๆวันที่ 23 โดยจะเปิดให้สาธารณชนสามารถเข้าไปสังเกตการณ์ได้ ถ้าคุณต้องการสังเกตนิกายเซนอย่างใกล้ชิด ให้มาถึงก่อนบ่ายสองโมงของวันที่ 23
วัดเคนโชจิแต่เดิมถูกสร้างขึ้นให้เป็นสถานปฏิบัติธรรมแบบเซนบริสุทธิ์ในญี่ปุ่นเมื่อช่วงปลายศตวรรษที่ 1200 ในช่วงนั้น มีนักบวชชาวพุทธขั้นสูงจากประเทศจีนที่ก้าวหน้ากว่าเข้ามาฝึกปฏิบัติธรรมในประเทศญี่ปุ่น
建長寺に比べ、この神社は小さく簡素だが、ここからの絶景、そして美しい仏像は誇るに余りある。またここはハイキングコースの出発点/終点にもなっている。
O Templo Kencho-ji foi fundado como sendo o primeiro mosteiro de treino unicamente Zen no Japão no final do século XIII.
Located towards the back of Kamakura`s famous Kenchoji Temple is the peaceful hillside shrine of Hanzobo where you can meet many friendly Guardian Deities
Experience an alternative side to one of Kamakura`s most popular attractions, Kencho-ji Temple
Découvrez autrement le Kencho-ji, l'un des cinq grands temples de Kamakura.
ศาลเจ้าฮันโซะโบะแห่งนี้มีขนาดเล็กกว่าวัดเค็นโชะ-จิมาก แต่มีวิวที่งดงามมาก รวมทั้งรูปปั้นต่างๆ ที่น่าชมมากมาย และยังเป็นจุดเริ่มต้นหรือปลายทางของเส้นทางเดินป่า
Trải nghiệm một khía cạnh khác là một trong những nơi nổi tiếng tuyệt vời nhất của Kamakura, đền Kencho-ji
Nằm về phía sau đền Kenchoji nổi tiếng của Kamakura là đền thờ yên bình bên sườn đồi của Hanzobo, nơi bạn có thể gặp nhiều vị thần Guardian thân thiện
켄초지 사원을 보호하는 아바타 신은 한조보라고 불린다. 사람들은 한조보가 화재로부터 보호하는 힘과 행운을 가져오는 능력을 가지고 있다고 믿는다
한조보신당은 겐초지보다 훨씬 작고 단순하지만 화려한 경치뿐 아니라 몇몇 아름다운 조각상을 자랑할 수 있다. 그것은 또한 하이킹 코스에서 출발/종점이다.
This autumn, Kamakura’s historic Kenchoji Temple will host ZEN NIGHT WALK KAMAKURA, a nighttime event blending Zen tradition with cutting-edge sound and light art.
Taisen-kaku is a 100-year-old inn just seconds away from Hase Kanon Temple. The service they provide will leave you with a memorable experience of your time in Kamakura.
Kishi-ke is traditional, yet modern, Japanese-style inn that aims to connect guests with the present and help them achieve inner harmony through its peaceful design and cultural experiences.
Fujisawa is located close to such popular tourist destinations as Enoshima and makura. A traveler can get everything necessary for a comfortable rest in a room.
At the creative French restaurant, Nature et Sens, diners are treated to an experience for the senses. Seasonal ingredients and Kamakura produce take centerstage in these fantastically beautiful dishes. Enjoy a glass of wine with your meal from their wide selection for the ultimate experience.
Maison Cacao is much more than your average chocolate shop. They have blended Colombian cacao and Japanese ingenuity to create a silky, melt-in-your-mouth delicious chocolate treats. The Arama-nama chocolate is especially indulgent.
Taste Aratama's famous fried pork cutlet and fall in love with the fresh flavors. Tonkatsu isn't all that's on the menu. Be sure to try Aratama's other dishes like mozzarella menchi katsu and cream croquette.
Fugenzan Meigetsu-in is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Kenchō-ji school in Kita-Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan. Famous for its hydrangeas, it's also known as The Temple of Hydrangeas. The main object of worship is goddess Shō Kannon. Wikipedia
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is arguably the most important shrine in Kamakura and is located roughly in the center of the city. The shrine was originally founded in 1063 by Minamoto Yoriyoshi, the head of Japan’s Minamoto Clan, and was later moved in 1180 to its current location by Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate. This relocation marked the start of samurai society and Kamakura as a spiritual and social center of Japan. This rich history and culture is still present in Kamakura today. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the guardian deity of samurai and the Minamoto Clan. Hachiman is worshiped for good fortune in warfare. The long pathway to the shrine runs through Kamakura City and is marked by multiple red torii gates, showing an interconnectedness between spirituality and urban life. Upon entering the shrine grounds, you will see two ponds on either side of you. The pond on the left represents the Minamoto clan, and the one on the right represents the Taira Clan (Minamoto’s rival). The Taira pond purposefully has four islands in it, which symbolizes the bad blood between the clans as four can be pronounced the same as “death” in Japanese. Beside the Minamoto pond is a beautiful peony garden that is open in winter and spring when the flowers are in full bloom. Past the ponds you will come across the mai-den, which is located at the base of the stairs to the main hall. This vibrant red building is used as a stage for music and dance performances throughout the year’s festivities. Atop the wide staircase is the main hall. This traditionally designed structure features a red facade with gold-and-green detailing and is a commanding sight due to its massive size. Beside the main hall is a treasure hall that displays historical artifacts such as swords and masks. The grounds are also home to numerous smaller buildings and shrines, most notably Wakamiya and Maruyama Inari Shrine, which, along with the main hall, are nationally important cultural properties. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu hosts numerous events throughout the year. One of the shrine’s most popular festivals occurs from September 14th to 16th and features yabusame horseback archery. The shrine is also one of Japan’s most popular spots for hatsumode, which is the first shrine visit of the year.
Tokeiji, a Rinzai-sect temple of Zen Buddhism, is a branch temple of nearby Engakuji, which is a short 5-minute walk away. This important temple/nunnery was founded in 1285 by the wife of regent Hojo Tokimune as a sanctuary for women who were abused by their husbands. In a time when women could not legally divorce, Tokeiji offered them a three-year training program in return for an official divorce. The temple’s right to issue divorces was revoked in the early 1870s and its time as a nunnery ended in 1902. Up until 1902, men were strictly forbidden from entering the premises. Today, all visitors are welcome, and the temple is known for its beautiful flower gardens from summertime hydrangeas to wintertime plum blossoms. The relatively small complex features multiple structures, including an entrance gate, a bell tower, tea houses, a treasure house, and a main hall. The treasure house holds Buddhist artifacts, as well as lacquer work from past nuns; and the main hall enshrines a seated statue of Shaka Nyorai, the principal image of the temple. Join the temple for early morning zazen meditation, which is held every Sunday.
