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Hokokuji Temple: A Bamboo Forest Sanctuary

Discover tranquility at Hokokuji Temple in Kamakura: a serene bamboo grove, historic temple, and traditional tea house experience.

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Hokokuji Temple, nestled in Kamakura, is a serene Zen Buddhist temple famed for its stunning bamboo grove. Founded in 1334, it offers a tranquil escape with over 2,000 bamboo stalks, a traditional tea house, and a glimpse into Japanese history and Zen ideals.

A brief summary to Hokokuji Temple

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or on a sunny day to avoid crowds and witness sunlight filtering through the bamboo.
  • Enjoy a cup of matcha tea at the tea house for a truly immersive experience.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the temple grounds and bamboo grove.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the stone paths and consider bringing insect repellent.
  • Check the official website for any seasonal events or closures.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kamakura Station (East Exit), take bus number 23, 24, or 36 towards Jomyoji. Get off at the Jomyoji bus stop, a ride of approximately 10 minutes. From there, it's a short 3-minute walk to Hokokuji Temple. The bus fare is approximately ¥220. Consider purchasing an Enoden Bus 1-day pass for ¥700 (adult) or ¥350 (child) if you plan to use the bus extensively in Kamakura.

  • Walking

    From Kamakura Station, the walk to Hokokuji Temple takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Head east from the station and follow the signs towards Hokokuji Temple. The walk offers a pleasant stroll through Kamakura's streets. Be aware that the walk can take a significant portion of your day.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at Kamakura Station. A taxi ride to Hokokuji Temple typically takes under 10 minutes. The fare is estimated to be between ¥2000 and ¥2500.

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Discover more about Hokokuji Temple

Hokokuji Temple, often called the "Bamboo Temple" (Take-dera), is a Zen Buddhist temple of the Rinzai sect located in the hills of eastern Kamakura. Founded in 1334 by priest Tengan Eko, it commemorates Ashikaga Ietoki, grandfather of Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate. The temple served as the family temple for both the Ashikaga and Uesugi clans. Approaching the temple, visitors pass through a modest gate and a small garden leading to the main hall, which houses a statue of Shaka Nyorai, the historic Buddha. To the left, a unique bell tower with a thatched straw roof evokes the original main hall's design before it was destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. The temple's grounds also feature a meticulously planned white pebble stone garden. The main attraction is the enchanting bamboo grove behind the main hall, featuring over 2,000 moso bamboo stalks. Narrow pathways wind through the grove to a traditional tea house, Kyukoan, where visitors can enjoy matcha tea and Japanese sweets while immersed in the calming atmosphere. Shallow caves on the hillside behind the temple are believed to contain the ashes of some of the later Ashikaga lords. Hokokuji offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Zen Buddhism and Japanese history. The interplay of light and shadow in the bamboo grove, the sound of rustling leaves, and the simple elegance of the tea house create a unique sensory experience.

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