2026 Full-Day Course: A Garden Stroll at Kenchoji Temple (建長寺)

Spend a day slowly savoring the grand halls and quiet gardens of a Zen temple at Kenchoji Temple (建長寺) in Kamakura. Visiting hours are 8:30-16:30, and admission is 500 yen for adults (high school age and up) and 200 yen for children (elementary and junior high school), cash only. The halls lined up in a straight row from the Somon Gate (総門) through the Sanmon Gate (山門), the Butsuden Hall (仏殿), and the Hatto Hall (法堂) make for a breathtaking sight, and the voices of visitors fade the further in you go, wrapping you in the quiet typical of a Zen temple. In the morning, visit Engakuji Temple (円覚寺) from Kita-Kamakura Station (北鎌倉駅), then walk along Kamakura Kaido (鎌倉街道) to Kenchoji Temple. This classic walking course lets you enjoy a tour of Kita-Kamakura's temples all in a single day. A parking lot is also available, so it's easy to visit by car.