Temple Spots in Kanagawa Area

Area

Kanagawa
- Japan
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  Fukuoka
  
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  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Temple

Kotoku-in Temple (Kamakura Daibutsu)

4.5

3055 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Hase 4-2-28

A Pure Land Buddhist temple founded by the great priest Honen. The 11.3 meter tall, 121 ton giant copper Buddha statue known as the Kamakura Daibutsu, a National Treasure, is the temple’s principal object of worship and depicts a seated Amitabha. The original daibutsu was made of wood and was destroyed by a typhoon. The copper form of the current statue first began to be cast in 1252. This figure, too, was damaged by typhoons and earthquakes but was repaired each time, leading to its current excellent condition. The interior of the statue can be viewed and from here visitors can see evidence of the repairs that have been made.

Kotoku-in, the Daibutsu (Big Buddha) Temple - the landmark of Kamakura. I took a bus from the train station which is also a bus terminal, in fact several buses go past that area. Had to pay an...
Hasedera Temple

4.5

1733 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Hase 3-11-2

Hasedera Temple is located around five minutes’ walk from Hase Station on the Enoden Line. Besides the Kannon Hall, which houses an impressive statue of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) with eleven heads, the temple complex also includes six other main buildings, including the Amida-do, Taikoku-do, and Benten-do buildings. Hasedera Temple is situated in one of the most scenic parts of Kamakura, and there is an observation platform with spectacular views of Kamakura’s streets and coastline. With beautiful trees and flowers that change with the seasons, the Hasedera Temple has been called “Kamakura’s Western Paradise,” and is affectionately known as the “temple of flowers.”

Really great place to visit in Kamakura its a must see! The temple is beautiful however it also has a fantastic view next to it of the coastline which is great for some photos. There is also a...
Hōkokuji Temple

4.5

706 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Joumyouji 2-7-4

The Hōkokuji Temple (famous in Japan as the “Bamboo Temple”) was founded in 1334 on the orders of Ashikaga Ietoki, the grandfather of Ashikaga Takauji (the first Shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate). Visitors can drink tea in the Kyuko-an teahouse while viewing the bamboo grove. The writing table that the literary giant Kawabata Yasunari used while writing “The Sound of the Mountain” is preserved in the Hon-do (Main Hall). Zazen meditation sessions are held in the Kasho-do hall on Sundays; beginners are welcome.

Beautiful temple and shuttle this visit between the big Buddha and walking street will be perfect for a full day outing. We drove and lucky to get car park. Parking is limited and stroller friendly.
Daihonzan Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple

4.0

513 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kawasakishi Kawasaki-ku Daishichou 4-48

This temple is in Daishi-machi, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City. Founded in 1128, its official name is Shingonshu Chisanha Kongosan Kinjoin Heikenji. It's also known as Yakuyoke Daishi for wiping away bad luck. They also hold various events with roots in the area. Many visitors come here for their first temple visit of the year when lots of stalls open on the grounds and the approach to the temple.

I had a few hours to kill before heading to the airport so I hopped on a train and headed to Kawasaki to visit the Daishi Heiken Temple. This temple complex is big and well worth at least an hour of...
Kenchoji Temple

4.5

537 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 8

A 15 minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station. This celebrated Buddhist temple, the head temple of Rinzai Kenchoji Buddhism, is the first of the “Kamakura Gozan” (Five Mountain Temples of Kamakura) and was also Japan’s first Zen Buddhist temple. The temple was founded by Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, and the monk Lanxi Daolong. The highlight of the temple is its garden, which was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site in 1932. The ancient Chinese junipers growing in front of the temple and the garden pond behind the abbot’s chamber are particularly famous for their beauty. The temple also periodically holds sutra copying and zazen meditation sessions which enable average people to experience Zen training.

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...
Engakuji Temple

4.5

499 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 409

Located in Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, this is the head temple of Rinzai Engakuji Buddhism. The temple is also considered the second of the “Kamakura Gozan” (Five Mountain Temples of Kamakura). The temple was built by the eighth shogun regent Hojo Tokimune in order to spread Zen Buddhism and impartially memorialize, without distinction between enemy and ally, those who died in the Mongol invasions of Japan. Today, the temple is still used to train Zen priests; ordinary people can also experience weekend zazen meditation sessions and other Zen training here as well. In addition, the Butsunichian and Nyoian temples on the grounds have a café and “amamidokoro” Japanese-style sweets café where customers can enjoy matcha powdered green tea and sweets.

I dont know if it was just a peculiarity of when I visited, but a lot of the buildings were closed off, including (disappointingly) the one that claims to house the finger relics of the Buddha...
Meigetsu-in Temple

4.0

432 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 189

A Rinzai Kencho-ji Temple Buddhist temple located in Kamakura. The temple’s honorific mountain name is Fukugensan. The temple is also known as the Hydrangea Temple and during the rainy season the approach to the temple is covered with French hydrangea blossoms. The temple was once a sub-temple to the Zenko-ji Temple, but this temple was abolished in the early years of the Meiji period and now only the Meigetsu-in remains. A large circular window is built into the head priest’s chamber which gives a spectacular view of the garden. The window represents the cosmos and the mind and the unique view it provides has made it a popular subject for photographs.

The Meigetsuin is also known as the Hydrangea Temple since its covered in beautiful blue hydrangea flowers during Japans rainy season in June. Many visitors will come to see the hundreds of...
Daihonzan Sojiji Temple

4.5

190 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Tsurumi-ku Tsurumi 2-1-1

Located around five minutes’ walk from JR Tsurumi Station in Yokohama City, the Daihonzan Sojiji Temple is one of the two head temples of the Soto Zen Buddhism. The forerunner of this temple was the Shogaku Kannondo belonging to the Shingon Risshu (Shingon Vinaya) school, which was located in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture; it was relocated to the present site in 1911. The buildings within the temple precincts include many temple buildings, including the Butsu-den and Daiso-do, as well as the buildings of Tsurumi University, etc. The temple’s cemetery includes the graves of many famous people, including the famous Showa-era actor Ishihara Yujiro.

This temple complex is situated in a a very urbanised area but is totally calm and serene. it is large and there are a lot of temple buildings to see which are very traditional and a centre of Zen...
Jochi-ji Temple

4.0

141 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 1402

Founded in 1281, the Jochi-ji Temple ranks fourth among the “Five Mountains of Kamakura” (i.e. the five most prestigious temples in Kamakura). According to tradition, the temple was built in commemoration of Hojo Munemasa (the third son of Hojo Tokiyori), who died young. At the entrance to the temple precincts is the famous “Well of Sweet Dew,” one of the “Ten Wells of Kamakura.” The San-mon (main gate) has a rare Chinese-style bell-tower; the Jochi-ji Temple is the only temple in Kamakura where this kind of bell-tower can be seen.

Lovely peaceful zen temple nestling in the mountainside above the main road in Kita-Kamakura. Beautiful grounds. A little gem.
Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple

4.5

113 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Minamiashigarashi Daiyuchou 1157

This Soto Zen temple is in Minamiashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Founded in 1401, it is the main Kanto base for followers of the Tsugen lineage. On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, they hold a Zen mediation workshop in the main hall followed by a Dharma talk. The temple's meditation hall is a Zen training dojo; in the summer there are chances to experience the Zen life, including their Zen meet-up for children, and a summertime Zen study group.

W stayed at the Canadian house Airbnb and caught the bus up the hill to the temple. I have seen mant beautiful places on my travels and this was stunning. Away from the main temple we were the only...
Sugimoto Temple

4.0

124 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Nikaidou 903

According to tradition, the Sugimoto Temple was founded in 734 by the bodhisattva Gyoji, making it the oldest Buddhist temple in Kamakura; it is the first temple on the Bando Sanjusan Kannon pilgrimage circuit (of temples dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy). Visitors approach the temple up a flight of moss-covered stone steps, bordered by banners that help to create a solemn and sacred atmosphere, before reaching the Niomon Gate, with statues of two Deva Kings (guardian deities) that are said to have been carved by the famous sculptor Unkei. In the Hon-do hall there are three statues of the goddess Kannon with 11 faces; of these three statues, the one that according to tradition was carved by Ennin and the one that is reputed to have been carved by Genshin have both been designated as National Important Cultural Properties.

After Raiko-ji Temple, I was walking along the foot of hills slightly downward. I found a road running along the bottom of a ravine. I walked along the street and found Sugimoto-Kannon Busstop. I...
Goryo-jinja Shrine

4.0

112 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Sakanoshita 4-9

A five-minute walk from Hase Station, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to the samurai Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa and is thus nicknamed Kamakura Gongoro Shrine. According to legend, Kagemasa continued to defeat his enemies in battle even after losing his left eye mid-fight, and thus this shrine is believed to provide good fortune in achieving victory as well as in educational endeavors. The shrine is also famous for its French hydrangeas, and many visitors like to take photos of the Enoshima Electric Railway running in front of the shrine together with the hydrangeas. During the Masked Parade, a prefecturally designated Intangible Folk Property held in September, participants march past wearing tengu goblin and old man masks to pray for large harvests and easy childbirth.

Small but well formed old shrine tucked away in the back streets of Kamakura and over a small crossing on the Enoden.
Gokuraku-ji Temple

3.5

107 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Gokurakuji 3-6-7

This Buddhist temple was founded in 1259 by the samurai Hojo Shigetoki. The temple was once one of the greatest in Kamakura, but earthquakes, fires, and other tragedies have resulted in only the Kissho-in, the main temple building, still standing today. The temple’s principal object of worship, a figure of Gautama Buddha in the Seiryo-ji Temple style, is a designated Important Cultural Property and is only revealed to the public for three days each year starting on April 7 and overlapping with the Hana Matsuri (celebration of the Buddha’s birthday) on April 8.

It might be small, but its wonderfully empty after youve visited the more popular temples of the area. Very easy to find if you take the Enoden Line to Gokurakuji Station (we actually walked from...
Jomyo-ji Temple

4.0

81 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Joumyouji 3-8-31

Situated along the Kanazawa Kaido Road, this Rinzai Kenchoji Buddhist temple is the fifth of the “Kamakura Gozan” (Five Mountain Temples of Kamakura). The temple was founded by the samurai Ashikaga Yoshikane in 1188. The temple’s principal object of worship, a figure of Gautama Buddha, is enshrined in the main temple. A tea room called the Kisenan also stands on the temple’s quiet grounds, and here you can enjoy a cup of matcha powdered green tea while gazing at a lovely rock garden. Or you can climb the small hill beyond that and enjoy a meal at Ishigama Garden Terrace, a café with a fantastic view.

This Temple dates back to the 12th century. A short bus ride from the JR line this area is literally a thousand years away. Off the tourist path to say the least. A block from the bus stop and up a...
Zuisenji Temple

4.0

81 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Nikaidou 710

The Zuisenji Temple was founded in 1327 by Muso Kokuji (Muso Soseki), a monk famous as a garden designer who created the gardens at the Tenryu-ji Temple and Saiho-ji Temple in Kyoto. From the Tennyo-do cave (a large cave cut out of the side of the hill), with the Nikaido Momijiga-yatsu (Valley of the Maple Trees) providing a magnificent backdrop, visitors can view the peaceful Iwaba garden, one of the earliest examples of the Sho-in style of garden (a type of garden intended to be viewed from a particular spot adjacent to the garden). The Zuisenji Temple Garden has been designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Place of Scenic Beauty; the garden is especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves are changing color.

There are many beautiful temples in Kamakura, but this one is slightly off the beaten track accessible via an uphill walk on the outskirts of town. It is worth the walk. The temple is surrounded by...
Myohon-ji Temple

4.0

63 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Omachi 1-15-1

This Buddhist temple, one of the oldest Nichiren temples in Japan, is located an eight-minute walk from Kamakura Station. The temple is located on the site of the family residence of the warrior Hiki Yoshikazu. This residence was destroyed by Hojo Tokimasa after he assassinated Yoshikazu in a bid to retain his power. In order to console the souls of his family line, Yoshikazu’s youngest child later gave the site to the great priest Nichiren, who then opened the Myohon-ji Temple on the land. After climbing a flight of stone steps, visitors are created by a vividly colored vermillion lacquered gate. Sutra copying may be conducted in the temple’s writing hall at any time, and even beginners can easily take on the challenge of copying the Lotus Sutra. The temple also offers natural beauty to enjoy year round, such as the cherry blossoms and fresh verdure in the spring and the fall colors of the temple’s maples and gingkos in late autumn.

This is one of the best places I have visited in Japan and I have been to a variety of different temples/shrines in Japan. You have to go and see it for yourself it is quite amazing. It looks like it...
Aburisan Oyamadera Temple

4.0

65 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Iseharashi Oyama 724

"This temple is located in Oyama, Isehara City. Founded in the year 755 by the Buddhist monk Roben, founder of Todaiji Temple in Nara Prefecture. Its primary object of worship is the Oyamafudozo statue cast by the Buddhiest priest Gangyo Shonin in 1264. A number of sacred places were established around the temple when the Buddhiest monk Kukai served as its chief priest. These sacred grounds are worshiped even today as part of a creed known as Oyama Nanafushigi (the Seven Wonders of Oyama). Visitors to the temple can perform a ritual called ""kawara nage"" in which sundried earthenware are thrown off a cliff to ward off evil and misfortune."

Amazing red leaves around Oyama temple. Luckily I could see Kokuhou (national treasure) which was limited time available to visitors! Fudomyouou statue was great!
Jufuku-ji Temple

3.5

90 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Ogigayatsu 1-17-7

A Rinzai Kencho-ji Temple Buddhist temple located in the Ogigayatsu neighborhood of Kamakura City. The temple’s honorific mountain name is Kikokusan, while its official temple title is Jufuku Kongo Zen. It is also the third of the “Kamakura Gozan” (Five Mountain Temples of Kamakura). The temple was founded in 1200 by the priest Myoan Eisai after being invited by Hojo Masako, the wife of the shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo. There are gorinto (five ring towers) on the grounds said to be the graves of Hojo Masako and her son Minamoto no Sanetomo.

Compared to the main temples in Kamakura, this one is hidden in a small alley which is not easy to find. The temple os not big or something that may impress visitors and there are no statues around...
Enno-ji Temple

4.0

52 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 1543

Rinzai Kencho-ji Temple Buddhist temple located in Yamanouchi, Kamakura City. The temple enshrines figures of Enma, judge of the dead, and the ten rulers of the afterlife. Also known as the “Shinkyo Enma-do” and the “Juo-do” in reference to these statues, the temple’s principal object of worship, a wooden seated figure of Enma, is believed to have been created in the Kamakura period by the renowned Buddhist sculptor Unkei. This figure, sometimes called the “Laughing Enma” due to its facial expression, is also called the “Man-Eating Enma” because, according to legend, it once mistakenly ate a child. Two fragrant olive trees grow in front of the main temple, and in October they come into beautiful bloom.

Small temple set in the mountainside on the main road from Kamakura in Kita-Kamakura. Houses a selection of wooden carved statues depicting the ten judges for the underworld. The central figure is...
Ryukoji Temple

4.0

57 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Fujisawa-shi Katase 3-13-37

The head temple of Nichiren Buddhism, located in the Katase neighborhood of Kamakura. The temple’s honorific mountain name is Jakkozan. According to legend, in 1271, the great priest Nichiren was wrongly sentenced to death by beheading by the Kamakura shogunate, but just before the sentence could be executed, the executioners were blinded by a brilliant flash of light, and Nichiren’s life was spared. Thereafter, in 1337, one of Nichiren’s disciples, Nippo, built a hall commemorating the event in which he placed a figure of Nichiren he carved himself as well as the hide which was placed on a rock for Nichiren to rest on before being beheaded. This hall then eventually became the Ryuko-ji Temple. In addition to the main temple building and bell tower, the temple grounds are also home to the dungeon where Nichiren is said to have been imprisoned. The temple’s wooden five tier pagoda is one of only a very few nationwide that was constructed in the Meiji period.

Set on a mountainside away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Katase / Enoshima this is a lovely complex of Buddhist worshipping places includes a 5 story pagoda and Thai like tower.

Kanagawa

Around Minato Mirai Yamashita Park / Chinatown / Motomachi Yokohama City (North) Kawasaki Kamakura Miura Peninsula Shonan Central Odawara / Manazurumachi / Yugawara Around Hakonemachi Yokohama City (South)

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour Temple

Kanagawa Areas

Kanagawa prefecture acts as an extension of the Tokyo metropolis that spills over into coastal towns, most notably Yokohama city, heavily populated and known for its Chinatown and seaside attractions. Just the right distance for a day trip out of Tokyo, Kanagawa is home to some of Tokyo’s most accessible beaches, including around Kamakura, best known for its Big Buddha. Visitors can also travel a little farther afield for a weekend at Hakone onsen town.