Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple: A Mountain Sanctuary
Discover ancient Buddhist art and breathtaking panoramic views at this historic mountain temple in Chiba Prefecture.
Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple, nestled on Mount Nokogiri in Chiba Prefecture, is a historic Buddhist temple dating back to 725 AD. Explore its vast grounds, home to Japan's largest pre-modern stone-carved Daibutsu, thousands of Rakan statues, and stunning views of the Boso Peninsula and Tokyo Bay.
A brief summary to Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple
- 184 Motona, Kyonan, Motona, Awa District, Chiba, 299-2100, JP
- +81470-55-1103
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the temple involves a lot of walking and climbing stairs.
- Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike the mountain trails.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, as the ropeway may close during inclement weather.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the temple grounds and enjoy the views.
- Purchase a small Jizo statue at the Daibutsu to guard over those in need.
Getting There
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Train and Bus
From Tokyo, take the JR Sagami Line to Kyonan Station. Exit the station and take the Keisei Bus (route number 1) towards Motona. Get off at the Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around ¥500. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the temple entrance.
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Ferry and Ropeway
From Tokyo, take a train to Kurihama Station and walk or take a bus to the Kurihama Ferry Terminal. Take the Tokyo Wan Ferry to Hamakanaya Port. The ferry trip takes about 40 minutes and costs ¥1000 for passengers. From Hamakanaya Port, walk 8 minutes to the Nokogiriyama Ropeway. A one-way ropeway ticket costs ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children. The ropeway ride takes 4 minutes.
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Car
From Sagami, take Route 129 east, following signs for Kyonan. Turn right onto Route 257 towards Motona. After 5 minutes, look for signs for Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple at 184 Motona. There is a parking lot available for visitors. Note that there is a toll road (¥1000, including parking) that leads to parking lots near the top of the mountain. There is also a toll-free road that ends further down the mountain near the Daibutsu. Parking is also available at Nokogiriyama Nihonji Temple Higashiguchi Parking.
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