Kakuon-ji, Tajima Travel Guide

4.4 (643)

Discover tranquility at Kakuon-ji Temple in Kamakura, a historic Buddhist sanctuary with guided tours, lush nature, and cultural treasures.

Kakuon-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple nestled in the hills of Kamakura, Japan, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Founded in 1296, it's known for its beautiful natural surroundings, historic statues, and guided tours that provide insight into Kamakura Buddhism.

A brief summary to Kakuon-ji

421 Nikaidō, Kamakura, Nikaidō, Kanagawa, 248-0002, JP
Click to display
Click to display

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 to access the Yakushi-do Hall and learn about the temple's history and Buddhist art; tours are conducted in Japanese.
Note that photography is prohibited beyond the admission desk, especially inside the Yakushi-do Hall.
Be aware that Kakuon-ji has specific closing dates, including August, April 27th, and December 20th to January 7th.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the temple grounds and exploring the yagura caves.

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 about listing your business on Evendo

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.

Tajima Falls

Tajima Pasture Park

Tajima Residence

Takeda Castle Ruins

Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces

Explore Kakuon-ji on the Map

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

Unlock the Best of Kakuon-ji

Buy tickets

No tickets available

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

No tours available

Getting There

Public Transport

From JR Kamakura Station (East Exit, Bus Terminal No. 5), take the 鎌20 bus bound for Kamakura-gu (Daitonomiya). Get off at the last stop, Daitonomiya. From the Daitonomiya bus stop, it's a 10-minute walk to Kakuon-ji Temple. The bus ride takes approximately 8 minutes. A single bus fare is around ¥200-300.
Walking

From JR Kamakura Station, Kakuon-ji Temple is approximately a 30-minute walk. Head northeast from the station, following signs towards Kamakura-gu Shrine. Continue past the shrine, and you'll find Kakuon-ji Temple further along the path. Be prepared for a slightly uphill walk.

Discover more about Kakuon-ji

Kakuon-ji, officially known as Jubusen Shingon-in Kakuon-ji, is a Shingon Buddhist temple of the Sennyu-ji school located in Nikaido, Kamakura. Founded in 1296 by Hōjō Sadatoki, the ninth Kamakura regent, the temple commemorates the victory over the Mongol invaders. The temple's history stretches back further to 1218 when Hōjō Yoshitoki, the second regent, built Okura Yakushi-do Hall.Kakuon-ji offers a serene atmosphere with its well-preserved natural environment. The temple is known for its guided tours, which provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the temple's history, Kamakura Buddhism, and key structures.The temple grounds feature several notable buildings and sites. The Aizen-do Hall enshrines statues of Aizen-Myōō, Fudō Myōō, and Ashuku Nyorai. The Yakushi-do Hall, the main hall, houses the Yakushi trinity and the Twelve Heavenly Generals of Yakushi Buddha. Visitors can also explore the yagura caves, which are man-made caves carved into the hillsides used for Buddhist rituals and to bury the ashes of cremated samurai or nobility.Kakuon-ji declined in the Sengoku period and suffered damage during the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923, but it has since been restored. Today, it stands as a testament to Kamakura's rich history and spiritual heritage.