Zuisen-ji: A Tranquil Zen Retreat in Kamakura
Discover tranquility at Zuisen-ji, Kamakura's 'Temple of Flowers,' with stunning gardens and a rich Zen Buddhist history. A peaceful escape awaits.
Zuisen-ji, nestled in Kamakura's Momijigayatsu Valley, is a serene Zen Buddhist temple known as the 'Temple of Flowers' for its year-round blooms and exquisite gardens. Founded in 1327 by Zen master Musō Soseki, it offers a peaceful escape with historical significance and scenic beauty.
A brief summary to Zuisen-ji
- 710 Nikaidō, Kamakura, Nikaidō, Kanagawa, 248-0002, JP
- +81467-22-1191
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
- 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
Local tips
- Visit during different seasons to witness the variety of flowers in bloom, including plum blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in early summer.
- Take the Tenen Hiking Trail from Kencho-ji Temple for a scenic approach to Zuisen-ji, enjoying the wooded hills north of Kamakura.
- Explore the Zen rock garden behind the main hall, designed by Musō Soseki, for a moment of quiet contemplation and appreciation of Zen aesthetics.
- Check the temple's website or local resources for seasonal events and festivals that may enhance your visit.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kamakura Station, take bus number 鎌20 from bus stop number 4 towards Ōtō-nomiya. Get off at the Daitōnomiya bus stop (Kamakura-gu Shrine). The bus ride is approximately 10 minutes and costs ¥220. From the bus stop, walk 10-15 minutes to Zuisen-ji. Follow the road as it curves to the right in front of Kamakura-gū Shrine, then take the next left and continue following the road.
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Walking
From Kamakura Station, it is approximately a 45-50 minute walk to Zuisen-ji. Alternatively, you can walk from Hachimangu Shrine in about 30 minutes. The temple can also be reached via the Tenen hiking trail which starts at Kenchoji and leads through the wooded hills north of Kamakura in about 60-90 minutes.
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Taxi
A taxi from Kamakura Station to Zuisen-ji will take approximately 10-15 minutes and cost around ¥1,100. Note that parking at Zuisen-ji is limited to about 10 spaces.
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