Kakuon-ji, Sagami Travel Guide

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Discover tranquility at Kakuon-ji Temple in Kamakura, a historic Buddhist sanctuary with serene gardens and guided tours.

Kakuon-ji is a serene Buddhist temple in Kamakura, founded in 1296 to commemorate victory over Mongol invaders. Known for its beautiful gardens, historic Buddha statues, and guided tours led by monks, it offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

A brief summary to Kakuon-ji

421 Nikaidō, Kamakura, Nikaidō, Kanagawa, 248-0002, JP
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Monday 10 am-4 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Join the guided tour led by a monk to learn about the temple's history and see the main hall; tours are conducted in Japanese.
Photography is prohibited inside the Yakushi-do.
Check the temple's schedule, as it is closed on certain days and during specific periods.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From JR Kamakura Station, take bus number 鎌20 from terminal 5, bound for Kamakura-gu (Daitonomiya). Get off at the last stop, Daitonomiya. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to Kakuon-ji. The bus fare is approximately ¥200.
Walking

Kakuon-ji is approximately a 30-minute walk from Kamakura Station. Head northeast from the station, following signs for Kamakura-gu Shrine. Continue past the shrine, and you'll find Kakuon-ji a short distance further.

Discover more about Kakuon-ji

Kakuon-ji, officially known as Jubusen Shingon-in Kakuon-ji, is a Shingon Buddhist temple nestled in the Nikaido area of Kamakura. Founded in 1296 by Hōjō Sadatoki, the ninth Kamakura regent, the temple was established to celebrate the victory over the Mongol invaders who threatened Japan in the late 13th century.The temple's history extends further back, to 1218, when Hōjō Yoshitoki, the second regent, built a prayer hall dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Healing Buddha. The original structures were destroyed by fires in 1243 and 1251. Later, Hōjō Sadatoki renovated the hall and named it Kakuon-ji, appointing Shin-e Chikai as the founding priest. The temple was patronized by the Hōjō clan and Emperor Go-Daigo. Ashikaga Takauji, the first Ashikaga shōgun, also supported the temple.Today, Kakuon-ji offers visitors a glimpse into Kamakura's rich Buddhist heritage. The temple is known for its guided tours led by monks, which provide insights into the temple's history, Buddha statues, and serene gardens. Key structures include the Aizen-do, housing a statue of Aizen Myō-ō, the Buddha of passion; the Jizo-do, dedicated to Jizo Bodhisattva, protector of children and travelers; and the Yakushi-do, the main hall enshrining the Yakushi trinity. The temple also features yagura caves, ancient burial sites carved into the hillside.Visiting Kakuon-ji offers a tranquil experience, away from the crowds of more popular temples. The temple's natural surroundings and historic structures evoke the spirit of medieval Kamakura.