KanagawaLeisure

At Kenchoji, the top-ranked temple of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura, experience Zen serenity

About this spot

Established in 1253 and recognized as the first genuine Zen temple in Japan, this renowned temple ranks first among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura. There is much to see, from the imposing Sanmon gate and lecture hall to the gardens extending from the abbot's quarters, and a sense of Zen calm permeates the entire grounds. The temple is also connected to the Tenryoji Hiking Course on its back side, making it a luxurious location where you can experience both nature and history at once. As the evening approaches and you walk the grounds at a more leisurely pace, the contrast with the festive atmosphere about to begin makes the experience even more memorable.

Season & hours

Name: ぼんぼり祭

Date & time: 8/6 (Thu)–8/9 (Sun) 18:00–21:00

Venue: 鎌倉市・鶴岡八幡宮

鎌倉幕府ゆかりの古社・鶴岡八幡宮で、毎年8月6日から9日までの4日間行われる「ぼんぼり祭」。境内から参道の段葛にかけて、著名な文化人や芸術家が思い思いに絵付けした雪洞(ぼんぼり)が数多く立ち並び、日没とともにひとつずつ灯がともされます。柔らかな灯りに照らされた社殿や大石段は昼間とはまったく違う幻想的な表情を見せ、9月中旬の例大祭に向けた夏の締めくくりにふさわしい風情です。浴衣姿で夜の境内を歩けば、鎌倉の夏の思い出にぴったりの1枚が撮れるはずです。

Tips

夜間は境内や参道が大変混雑するため、ベビーカーは人の少ない時間帯や端の通路を選ぶと安心です。舞殿や本殿周辺は特に人が集まるので、はぐれないよう待ち合わせ場所を決めておきましょう。閉門時間や雪洞の点灯時間は年により変わることがあるため、当日の掲示で確認を。帰りは鎌倉駅方面が混み合うため、時間に余裕を持って移動しましょう。

Source: yoritomo-japan.com

Tips

About a 20-minute walk from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, and also within walking distance from Kita-Kamakura Station. The grounds are extensive, so plan for plenty of viewing time. Please note that the closing time in the evening may be earlier on some days.