Ankokuron-ji, Sagami Travel Guide

4.1 (201)

Discover Ankokuron-ji Temple in Kamakura: a serene sanctuary of Nichiren Buddhism with historical sites, peaceful gardens, and panoramic views.

Home
Travel Guides
Japan
Sagami
Ankokuron-ji

Ankokuron-ji Temple, nestled in Kamakura, marks the spot where Nichiren, the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, established his first hermitage in 1253. It's a serene escape offering historical insights and natural beauty, including the cave where Nichiren penned his influential treatise, Rissho Ankoku Ron.

A brief summary to Ankokuron-ji

4 Chome-4-18 Ōmachi, Kamakura, 4 Chome Ōmachi, Kanagawa, 248-0007, JP
Click to display
Click to display

Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ankokuron-ji.

Wear comfortable shoes as the temple grounds involve some walking and potentially a short hike through wooded hills.
Visit on a day other than Monday, as the temple is closed on Mondays, except for national holidays and during the equinox periods.
Enjoy matcha green tea or kelp tea with traditional sweets at the "Rest Corner" within the temple grounds for a peaceful interlude.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Aquarium Sagamihara

Sagamiko MORI MORI

Sagamihara City Museum

Sagami Dam

Lake Sagami Park

Explore Ankokuron-ji on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ankokuron-ji, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From JR Kamakura Station (East Exit), Ankokuron-ji Temple is approximately a 15-25 minute walk. Head southeast from the station, passing by the Kamakura Post Office. Continue along the main road, and you'll find the temple nestled in a quiet valley. There are no mandatory access fees to reach the entrance.
Public Transport

From JR Kamakura Station (East Exit), take bus number ㉜ from bus stop #3. Get off at the 'Nagoe' bus stop, which is about a 3-minute walk from the temple. A single bus fare typically costs around ¥200-300. There are no additional access fees to reach the entrance.
Taxi

From JR Kamakura Station, a taxi ride to Ankokuron-ji Temple takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between ¥700-¥1000. There are no additional access fees to reach the entrance.

Discover more about Ankokuron-ji

Ankokuron-ji Temple, founded in 1253, holds a significant place in the history of Nichiren Buddhism. The temple is built on the very site where Nichiren established his first dwelling in Kamakura and began propagating his teachings. The name of the temple is derived from Nichiren's famous treatise “Rissho Ankoku Ron” (On Securing Peace in the Land through the Propagation of True Buddhism), which he began writing in a cave within the temple precinct.The temple grounds offer a tranquil retreat with various historical treasures. Visitors can explore the Gohokutsu Cave, where Nichiren is believed to have lived and composed the Rissho Ankoku Ron. Although the cave isn't accessible to the public, the surrounding structures, such as the Keshiki Keyaki-built Gosho-an Hall, evoke the atmosphere of the 13th century. Other notable sites include the Nanmenkutsu Cave, linked to the legend of a white monkey guiding Nichiren, Gandhara-style statues, sacred footprints of Buddha, and a stone lantern donated by the Tokugawa family.Within the Kumaoden Hall, the deity Kumao Daizenshin is worshipped for protection against misfortune and for healing ailments. The temple also houses the cremation site and tomb of Nichiro, one of Nichiren's devoted disciples. For panoramic views of Kamakura, including Yuigahama Beach, visitors can ascend to the Fujimi-dai observation deck, where it's said that Nichiren chanted towards Mount Fuji.