Kencho-ji Temple
Kencho-ji Temple
4.5
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Founded in 1253 by a Chinese priest, this temple, notable for its bell (a national treasure) and Zen garden, was the first Zen temple in the city and is ranked number one of the city's five most powerful temples.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
540 reviews
Excellent
255
Very good
237
Average
44
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Martina1888
Inverness, UK513 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
A quiet and peaceful Zen temple complex. The highlights are certainly the dragon painted on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall and the Jizo statue in the Buddha Hall.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken M
5 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
The day was Hanamatsuri of Buddha’s birthday, went to my favorite temple Kenchoji. Monks gave me amacha tea to celebrate Buddha. It was a great experience and grateful day.
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carloscharmy
Bangkok, Thailand703 contributions
Jul 2023
Kencho-ji temple in Kamakura, especially in early July, offers a captivating experience. The lush green surroundings and vibrant hydrangea blossoms create a picturesque setting. The tranquil atmosphere and centuries-old structures, like the Zen meditation hall, provide a glimpse into Japan's profound spiritual heritage. A delightful visit for nature and culture lovers. Also, Juniper trees hold a special significance at Kencho-ji temple in Kamakura. These ancient trees, known as "shimpaku" in Japanese, are prized for their unique shape and symbolism in Japanese Zen gardens. Their twisted and contorted branches symbolize resilience and endurance, reflecting the challenges faced in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. These magnificent junipers add a sense of mystique and serenity to the temple grounds, further enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BROs IN JAPAN
Japan182 contributions
Jun 2021
The Kenchoji is one of Kamakura’s most important Zen temples and has many great historic sites and nature spots to offer. From the mysterious Butsuden Buddha Hall, a garden designed by a Zen master, to a small mountain shrine protecting the temple itself, visitors can spend a few peaceful hours at this temple.
Written 1 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Komator
Barcelona, Spain870 contributions
Aug 2019
Kencho-ji is one of the 5 big zen temples in Kamakura. It's quite big and very well taken care of. The area is very calm and it's very nice to walk around.
In addition to the main temple area, there are several small temples behind, surrounded by gardens.
In addition to the main temple area, there are several small temples behind, surrounded by gardens.
Written 26 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simon_and_emma69
Workington, UK65 contributions
Feb 2020
Very beautiful temple that is still a working monastery as well. there is an easy to follow guided map and plenty of information to explain the various buildings and points of interest. We spend longer here that we expected, just soaking in the relaxing atmosphere. Definitely worth a stroll out of town for.
Written 16 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yshargal
Haifa, Israel421 contributions
Nov 2019
One of the main temples of Kamakura. Set in beautiful gardens with the backdrop of the mountains. Recommend.
I visited it together with the nearby Tsuruagoka Hachiman-gu.
The Kencho-Ji is the farthest from the Kamakura train station.
I took bus no2 to the Kencho-Ji. Then I walked a few minutes to the Hachiman-gu. From there I walked about 10 minutes to the train station.
I visited it together with the nearby Tsuruagoka Hachiman-gu.
The Kencho-Ji is the farthest from the Kamakura train station.
I took bus no2 to the Kencho-Ji. Then I walked a few minutes to the Hachiman-gu. From there I walked about 10 minutes to the train station.
Written 24 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ady a
Bucharest, Romania288 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
In our one day trip from Tokyo to visit some of the many temples and shrines in Kamakura after the Daibutsu statue and Hasedera temple we have chosen Kencho-ji temple and we don't regret. The old wood buildings are majestic and help you travel in ancient Japanese history. The detailed gardening of the trees that guard the alleys and the serenity of the cemetery inside the complex are wonderful.
Written 3 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerry J
Hallandale Beach, FL624 contributions
Sep 2018
This was not one of the temples we wanted to visit, but had checked it out on-line. Just OK. Nothing special.
Written 29 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EarlyRetirementAbroa
Princeton, NJ3,059 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
Beautiful Zen temple with precious wall and ceiling paintings, zen garden, peaceful vibes …enjoyable visit; I would love to spend more time around the monastery walking and admiring the flowers and trees (this is a disadvantage of being a part of the group tour)
Written 14 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Corinne D
Nice, France6 contributions
est-il possible de visiter ce temple en fauteuil roulant ? quel est le meilleur accès depuis kamakura ?
Fabien M
Rochefort, Switzerland789 contributions
Bonjour Corinne.
Alors sans autre! Vous pouvez jeter un oeil sur Google Maps en affichant la vue par satellite, en 3D et vous verrez que le bus n'est pas très loin et qu'il y a un parking probablement avec des places pour les personnes handicapées.
Après si vous arrivez à la gare, prenez le bus: 5 minutes, 4 arrêts, 180 Yens.
Belle visite :-)
Christophe D
Brussels, Belgium122 contributions
How long should the visit of this temple take on a day tour to Kamakura by train from Tokyo?
tomizuta1953
Funabashi, Japan1,212 contributions
It really depends on what else you want to see or do in Kamakura. If the question is asking for the minimum, I would allow an hour from the temple back and forth from Kitakamakura or Kamakura Stations and minimum one hour at Kenchouji to view the main attractions. My webpage (Rediscovering Japan/Kamakura) may be helpful to give you an image of a day tour to Kamakura, leaving Tokyo at 9am and returning around 5pm.
Christophe D
Brussels, Belgium122 contributions
How long should the visit of this temple take on a day tour to Kamakura by train from Tokyo?
T_Panot
Bangkok, Thailand9 contributions
Is there any bus from Kita-kamakura station to go to Kenchoji Temple? And from Kenchoji temple, is ther any bus to go to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu?
yinghua3
Tokyo, Japan35 contributions
You can use Enoden-bus, Kita-Kamakura to Kenchoji, also Kenchoji to Hachimangu.There is one bus in 15,or 20 minutes.
Same as Andrew1234,I will recommend you to walk the Route 21.Although There are some gentle slopes,The road is paved by asphalt.So it's easy to walk.Have a nice trip!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kencho-ji Temple
- Hotels near Kencho-ji Temple:
- (0.87 km) Gen Hotel Kamakaura
- (0.99 km) Shangrila Tsuruoka
- (1.34 km) Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura
- (1.33 km) Hotel Kamakura Mori
- (1.23 km) Villa Sacra
- Restaurants near Kencho-ji Temple:
- (0.15 km) Tenshinan
- (0.19 km) Kamakura Gozan Bekkan
- (0.28 km) Mikazukido Kasen
- (0.29 km) Binya Coffee Kamakura Main Store
- (0.32 km) Chayakado
- Attractions near Kencho-ji Temple:
- (0.05 km) Kencho-ji Temple Karamon
- (0.08 km) Myoko-in Temple
- (0.19 km) Enno-ji Temple
- (0.17 km) Ryuho-in Temple
- (0.23 km) Dairokuten-sha