
Engakuji (‰~ŠoŽ›) is one of the leading Zen temples in eastern Japan and the number two of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. It was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokimune in the year 1282, one year after the second invasion attempt by the Mongols had been reverted. One purpose of the new temple was to pay respect to the fallen Japanese and Mongolian soldiers.
Engakuji is built into the slopes of Kita-Kamakura's forested hills. The first main structure encountered upon entering the temple grounds is the Sanmon main gate, which dates from 1783. Behind it stands the temple's main hall, the Butsuden, which displays a wooden statue of the Shaka Buddha. The Butsuden was rebuilt relatively recently in 1964 after the former building had been lost in an earthquake.

Further into the temple grounds, the Shariden is a beautifully designed hall in which a tooth of Buddha is enshrined. It is designated a national treasure, but can only be seen from a distance during most of the year. Another national treasure found at Engakuji is the temple's large bell (ogane). It stands on a hill next to a teahouse where visitors can enjoy a cup of tea, amazake (sweet sake) or Japanese sweets in a calm environment.
Engakuji is a popular spot for autumn colors, which usually reach their peak around early December. The temple entrance, which is surrounded by many maple trees, is a particularly popular photo object.

Getting there and around
Engakuji is a few steps from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line, one station before Kamakura Station when coming from Tokyo.
How to get to and around Kamakura

Hours and Fees
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Kamakura
-
-
ŒÃ–¯‰Æ‚Ìh Š™‘qŠyˆÁ - Kamakura Rakuan -Set in Kamakura and with Yuigahama Beach reachable within 300 metres, ŒÃ–¯‰Æ‚Ìh Š™‘qŠyˆÁ - Kamakura Rakuan - offers a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. The property is located 1.3 km from Zaimokuza Beach, 3.4 km from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and 23 km from Sankeien. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, babysitting service and luggage storage for guests. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a fridge, an oven, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. The units feature a shared bathroom, a hairdryer and bed linen. The area is popular for hiking and cycling, and bike hire is available at this 1-star hostel. Yokohama Marine Tower is 23 km from the hostel, while Nissan Stadium is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 43 km from ŒÃ–¯‰Æ‚Ìh Š™‘qŠyˆÁ - Kamakura Rakuan -.View on Booking.com
-
Hotel Metropolitan KamakuraHotel Metropolitan Kamakura is located in Kamakura, within 20 km of Sankeien and 21 km of Yokohama Marine Tower. With a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. Guest rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a wardrobe. Every room comes with a safety deposit box and selected rooms come with city views. At the hotel each room has bed linen and towels. Speaking English and Japanese at the reception, staff are ready to help around the clock. Popular points of interest near Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura include Yuigahama Beach, Zaimokuza Beach and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 40 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
-
Guest House Irodori KamakuraBoasting a bar and a shared lounge, Guest House Irodori Kamakura is set in Kamakura, less than 1 km from Yuigahama Beach and a 11-minute walk from Zaimokuza Beach. With a terrace, the 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen and organising tours for guests. At the guest house, all rooms have a desk. All guest rooms will provide guests with a microwave. Breakfast is available every morning, and includes Asian, vegetarian and vegan options. At Guest House Irodori Kamakura you will find a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at the accommodation. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 1.6 km from Guest House Irodori Kamakura, while Sankeien is 21 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 41 km from the guest house.View on Booking.com
-
CASA Kamakura Espresso&BED600 metres from Yuigahama Beach, CASA Kamakura Espresso&BED is situated in Kamakura and features air-conditioned rooms. This 2-star guest house offers full-day security and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.2 km from Zaimokuza Beach. With a private bathroom fitted with a bidet and slippers, rooms at the guest house also boast free WiFi. At CASA Kamakura Espresso&BED rooms come with bed linen and towels. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 2.8 km from the accommodation, while Sankeien is 23 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 42 km from CASA Kamakura Espresso&BED.View on Booking.com
-
BIRD HOTELBIRD HOTEL provides rooms in Kamakura near Yuigahama Beach and Zaimokuza Beach. With a garden, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Yokohama Marine Tower is 23 km away and Nissan Stadium is 31 km from the hotel. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All rooms have a desk and a flat-screen TV, and certain rooms at BIRD HOTEL have a balcony. At the accommodation each room is fitted with bed linen and towels. A continental breakfast is available daily at BIRD HOTEL. At the hotel you will find a restaurant serving American cuisine. A vegan option can also be requested. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 2.8 km from BIRD HOTEL, while Sankeien is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 42 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
-
Guest House Kamakura Zen-jiLocated on the beachfront in Kamakura, Guest House Kamakura Zen-ji features a garden and free WiFi. Built in 1997, this 2-star guest house is within 1.4 km of Zaimokuza Beach and 3.5 km of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The property is non-smoking and is set 300 metres from Yuigahama Beach. Rooms are complete with a shared bathroom, while certain rooms at the guest house also offer a seating area. Guests at Guest House Kamakura Zen-ji will be able to enjoy activities in and around Kamakura, like cycling and hiking. Sankeien is 23 km from the accommodation, while Yokohama Marine Tower is 23 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 43 km from Guest House Kamakura Zen-ji.View on Booking.com
-
Guest House KamejikanJust 250 metres from Zaimokuza Beach, Guest House Kamejikan is 1.5 km from JR Kamakura Train Station. It offers simple non-smoking Japanese rooms and dormitory-style accommodation with free WiFi and shared showers. Guests at Kamejikan Guest House can sleep in a bunk bed in a dormitory room, or experience traditional futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. All rooms are air-conditioned. Toilets are shared. Built 92 years ago as a family residence, Kamejikan is about 2 km from both the Kamakura Daibutsu Buddha Statue and Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine. Bicycle rental is offered. A shared-use fridge, free-use PC and free coffee/tea are available at the lounge, and a coin launderette is available. The shared showers are open 24/7. Bodyboards and yukata robes can be rented. Breakfast can be served with an advance reservation.View on Booking.com
-
guesthouse SHIBAFUGuesthouse SHIBAFU in Kamakura has 1-star accommodation with a garden and a bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, luggage storage space and a shared lounge, along with free WiFithroughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is situated 600 metres from Yuigahama Beach. The rooms are fitted with a kettle, while some rooms also boast a terrace and others also feature garden views. At the guest house rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Zaimokuza Beach is 1.3 km from guesthouse SHIBAFU, while Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 2.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 42 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
-
kamakura seizanKamakura seizan features a garden, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Kamakura. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.5 km from Yuigahama Beach. All units in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. A continental breakfast is available daily at kamakura seizan. Zaimokuza Beach is 1.5 km from the accommodation, while Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 1.2 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 40 km from kamakura seizan.View on Booking.com
-
Tosei Hotel Cocone KamakuraTosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura is set in Kamakura, 21 km from Sankeien and 21 km from Yokohama Marine Tower. Featuring a restaurant, this 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. At Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. At the accommodation guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. Speaking English and Japanese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always on hand to help. Popular points of interest near Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura include Yuigahama Beach, Zaimokuza Beach and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 41 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com
-