Kenchô-Ji

kenchoji Kenchô-ji was established by Hôjô Tokiyori (father of Tokimuné, establisher of Engaku-ji) in 1253 as the first temple of Zen sect Buddism in Japan. And it is honoured as the first place of Kamakura-Gozan, or five main Zen temples in Kamakura.
Rankeï-Dôryû, the first chaplain of this temple, had studied Zen Buddhism in China and taught so many priests here, then he and this temple took a great role in enhancing Zen in Japan.
As Hearn wrote, this temple is so similar to Engaku-ji in structure, because both temples were established in the same generation, belongs to the same sect, and were built by the same architect. I myself sometimes made confusion in selecting photos, wondering at which temple I took them.
Access from Tokyo Station
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Take Yokosuka Line (JR underground lanes) to go to Kita-Kamakura station. Engaku-ji is just in front of there.
  1. Walk along the road beside the rail and turn left when you faced to the street across the rail. And walk about 5 more minutes along the street.
  2. Go across the rail at the station, and take the bus for Kamakura station. It takes about 3 minutes to Kenchô-ji IF THE TRAFFIC IS NOT CROWDED.
The entrance fee is 300 Yen.
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