Kenchō-ji Temple, Yokohama

Kenchō-ji is Kamakura’s oldest and most important Zen temple, founded in 1253 by the regent Hōjō Tokiyori and the Zen priest Rankei Dōryū. Dedicated to Jizō Bosatsu, the guardian deity of children and travellers, it is one of Kamakura’s Five Great Zen Temples and is considered the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan.

The temple once had a grand seven-hall layout and 49 sub-temples arranged from north to south. Repeated fires caused extensive destruction over the centuries, and today only 10 sub-temples remain. Visitors enter through a series of impressive gates, including the Sōmon, moved here from Hanju Zanmai-in in Kyoto; the Sanmon, built in 1754; and the ornate Karamon, brought from Zōjō-ji along with the Buddha Hall.

Beyond the gates are spacious courtyards, meditation halls, gardens, and temple buildings set against forested hills. Highlights include the Buddha Hall, an Important Cultural Property; the Dharma Hall, built in 1814 and considered the largest wooden Buddhist structure in eastern Japan; the head priest’s living quarters; and the Bonshō temple bell, cast in 1255 and designated a National Treasure.

One of the most rewarding experiences is the climb behind the temple to Hansōbō Shrine and the hillside viewpoint beyond. The path passes rows of tengu statues and leads to panoramic views over Kamakura, Sagami Bay, and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.