Kakuon-ji Temple: A Sanctuary of History and Tranquility
Discover tranquility at Kakuon-ji Temple in Kamakura, a historic Buddhist sanctuary with guided tours and serene natural surroundings.
Kakuon-ji Temple, officially known as Jubusen Shingon-in Kakuon-ji, is a Shingon Buddhist temple of the Sennyu-ji school located in Nikaido, Kamakura. The temple's origins trace back to 1218 when Hōjō Yoshitoki, the second regent of the Kamakura shogunate, established the Okura Yakushi-do Hall. This hall was dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Healing Buddha. In 1296, Hōjō Sadatoki, the ninth Kamakura regent, transformed the hall into Kakuon-ji Temple. This was done to commemorate the victory over the Mongol invaders and to create a center for learning the four main Buddhist sects: Shingon, Tendai, Zen, and Jodo. He appointed Shin-e Chikai as the founding priest. The temple enjoyed patronage from the Hōjō clan and Emperor Go-Daigo. Even the first Ashikaga shōgun, Takauji, favored the temple as his primary place of worship. Despite periods of decline and destruction, including the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923, Kakuon-ji has been restored. Today, visitors can explore the temple's wooden buildings and experience its tranquil atmosphere. Guided tours, led by monks, offer insights into the temple's key structures, including the Aizen-do, Jizo-do, and Yagura caves. Photography is prohibited beyond the admission desk. Kakuon-ji is also known as a popular spot for autumn foliage.
Local tips
- Check the temple's schedule for guided tour times, as they offer valuable insights into the temple's history and significance.
- Be aware that photography is restricted within the temple grounds beyond the admission desk.
- Visit during the autumn months to witness the stunning foliage that surrounds the temple.
- Note that the temple has specific closing dates throughout the year.
A brief summary to Kakuon-ji
- 421 Nikaidō, Kamakura, Nikaidō, Kanagawa, 248-0002, JP
- +81467-22-1195
- Visit website
- 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
Getting There
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Public Transport
From JR Kamakura Station, take the Keihin Kyuko Bus (鎌20) from the east exit, terminal #5, bound for Kamakura-gu (Daitonomiya). Get off at the last stop, Daitonomiya. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to Kakuon-ji Temple. Bus fare is approximately ¥200.
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Walking
Kakuon-ji Temple is approximately a 30-minute walk from JR Kamakura Station. From the station, head northeast, following signs towards Kamakura-gu Shrine. Continue past the shrine, and you'll find Kakuon-ji Temple nestled in the hills.
