Engakuji Temple in Kamakura

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Facts & Figures

Engakuji belongs to the five great Zen temples in Kamakura. The Rinzai Sect temple is ranked in this list at the second spot right behind Kenchoji. In the past the temple ground included 40 sub-temples, but only 18 still exist today. The word Engaku can be translated to perfect enlightenment. My highlights were the Shariden Hall, Sanmon (Main Gate), Ogane (Great Bell) and Butsuden (Main Hall). The best time to visit this place is in the beginning of December, when the maple leaves turn into a deep red during the autumn season.

• Engakuji Temple:
• Opening Hours - daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (March to November)
• Opening Hours - daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (December to February)
• Closed - never
• Admission fee - 300 yen (Adults)

• Meditation sessions with monks:
• When - every Sunday from 5:30 am to 6:30 am (April to October)
• When - every Sunday from 6:00 am to 7:00 am (November to March)

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Since 2004 I travel nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favourite country.

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the beautiful city Kamakura and its historical places with a local guide. Check out this page > for more details.

History

In 1282 Engakuji was founded by Hojo Tokimune (1251 - 1284) during the Koan era (1278 - 1288). He was the 8th shikken (regent) of the Kamakura shogunate. Hojo Tokimune dedicated the temple to the victims of the battles during two Mongolian invasions under Kublai Khan (1215 - 1294) in 1274 and 1281. Most of the temple buildings were destroyed during the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. Some of them were reconstructed afterwards.

Sightseeing spots at Engakuji temple grounds

Top:

Shariden Hall - The hall was built during the 13th century. It is housing the sacred tooth of Buddha. Shariden has the status of a National Treasure. The architectural style is called irimoya.

Sanmon (Main Gate) - The two-storied main gate with a copper roof was reconstructed in 1785 by Seisetsu and is an Important Cultural Property. On the second floor you will find 3 statues (Juroku Rakan, Bodhisattva, Twelve Divine Generals).

Ogane (Great Bell) - The largest temple bell in Kamakura is with a height of 2.6m a really impressive sight. The National Treasure was made by Mononobe Kunimitsu in 1301. The bell is located near the teahouse.

Butsuden (Buddha Hall) - The hall is dating back to 1964. The original building was destroyed during the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. The seated statue of Hokan Shaka Nyorai can be found inside. It is the main reason why worshippers come to the Engakuji temple. Do not miss the dragon painting by Tadashi Moriya (1912 - 2003) on the ceiling.

Festival & Events in Kamakura (dates can change without notice)

April

Kamakura Matsuri (from 2nd to 3rd Sunday)
The city and its history will be celebrated.

August

Bonbori Matsuri (7th to 9th)
Hundreds of lanterns can be found around Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Kamakura Hase no Akari (19th to 25th)
Eight temples and shrines (incl. Kotoku-in) will get illuminated at night.

September

Reitai Matsuri (between 14th and 16th)
This great festival with its most famous attraction the Japanese horseback archery is held at the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.