Walk through the halls of the highest-ranked temple and enjoy a lunch of kenchinjiru at the gate
About this spot
Japan's first full-fledged Zen meditation hall, Kenchoji (建長寺) stands as the foremost among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples. The sight of temple buildings aligned in a straight progression from the Three-Gate entrance through the main hall and lecture hall is breathtaking. Ancient cypress trees said to have been planted by the founding master bear witness to its long history. The temple is also renowned as the birthplace of kenchinjiru (vegetable soup). The dramatic cloud-dragon painting spread across the ceiling of the lecture hall commands awe from below.
Tips
Enjoy the signature kenchinjiru at a restaurant outside the temple gates. If you venture to the inner Hansobo shrine, you'll enjoy sweeping views of Kamakura and the sea, but the stone stairs are long—consider your stamina.
Best time to visit
Allow 1 hour 30 minutes; gate-side restaurants are crowded at lunch time
Access & map
〒247-8525 Kanagawa Prefecture, Kamakura City, Yamanouchi 8
Model course featuring this spot
Kita-Kamakura: The Path of Hydrangeas and Zen
Kanagawa
Explore features & model courses
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