Kenchoji (建長寺, Kenchōji) is the number one of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. The oldest Zen temple in Kamakura, Kenchoji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 during the Kencho Era after which it was named. Its first head priest was a priest from China.

Although considerably smaller than during its heydays, Kenchoji still consists of a large number of temple buildings and subtemples, and stretches from the entrance gate at the bottom of the valley far into the forested hills behind. After passing through the Sanmon main gate, visitors will see Kenchoji's temple bell (Bonsho), designated a national treasure, on their right.

The next structure is the Butsuden (Buddha Hall) which displays a statue of the Jizo Bodhisattva. Behind the Butsuden stands the Hatto (Dharma Hall), the largest wooden temple building in eastern Japan. It houses a statue of Kannon and has a dragon painted on its ceiling.

Kenchoji's main hall is the Hojo, which originally served as the head priest's residence, but is now used for various purposes. Visitors should not miss the garden behind the Hojo, which was designed by Zen master Muso Kokushi.

If you follow the path and stairways for another 15-20 minutes into the hills behind Kenchoji's main grounds, you will eventually arrive at the Hansobo, a shrine for the protection of Kenchoji. There you will also find a small observation deck from which Mount Fuji can be seen on days with good visibility.

If you climb even further (about another five minutes), you will reach a second observation deck with fine views over the entire temple grounds 100 meters below and the city of Kamakura. From there starts the Tenen hiking trail through the northern hills of Kamakura, which leads to Zuisenji Temple and takes about one hour to complete.

Getting there and around

Kenchoji is a 15-20 minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line, one station before Kamakura Station when coming from Tokyo. It can also be reached in about a 15 minute walk from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

How to get to and around Kamakura

Hours and Fees

Hours

Closed

Admission

Hotels around Kamakura

Top rated in Kamakura
Budget:
    • Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura
      Luxury
      Located within 20 km of Sankeien and 21 km of Yokohama Marine Tower, Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura provides rooms in Kamakura. 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. Around the clock assistance is available at the reception, where staff speak English and Japanese. Popular points of interest near Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura include Yuigahama Beach, Zaimokuza Beach and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 40 km away.
      View on Booking.com
      9.2Booking.com
    • CASA Kamakura Espresso&BED
      Budget-friendly
      Situated within 600 metres of Yuigahama Beach and 1.2 km of Zaimokuza Beach, CASA Kamakura Espresso&BED features rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Kamakura. This 2-star guest house offers full-day security and luggage storage space. Yokohama Marine Tower is 23 km from the guest house and Nissan Stadium is 31 km away. With a private bathroom fitted with a bidet and slippers, units at the guest house also boast free WiFi. At the guest house, each unit includes bed linen and towels. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 2.8 km from the guest house, while Sankeien is 22 km from the property. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 42 km away.
      View on Booking.com
      9.2Booking.com
    • Guest House Kamejikan -turtle time-
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring a bar, Guest House Kamejikan -turtle time- is set in Kamakura in the Kanagawa region, less than 1 km from Yuigahama Beach and a 12-minute walk from Zaimokuza Beach. Featuring a shared lounge, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All rooms come with a safety deposit box and selected rooms here will provide you with garden views. The units feature bed linen. Guests at the hostel can enjoy a vegetarian or a vegan breakfast. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at Guest House Kamejikan -turtle time-. Zushi Beach is 2.8 km from the accommodation, while Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 2.5 km away. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 42 km from the property.
      View on Booking.com
      8.9Booking.com
    • BIRD HOTEL
      Mid-range
      Located 400 metres from Yuigahama Beach, BIRD HOTEL offers 3-star accommodation in Kamakura and features a garden, a restaurant and a bar. Featuring a sun terrace, this property is situated near attractions such as Zaimokuza Beach. Free WiFi and room service are provided. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. Each room is fitted with air conditioning, a desk and a flat-screen TV, and certain rooms at BIRD HOTEL have a balcony. At the accommodation all rooms have bed linen and towels. An ? la carte, continental or American breakfast is available daily at the property. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 2.8 km from BIRD HOTEL, while Sankeien is 22 km away. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 42 km from the property.
      View on Booking.com
      8.9Booking.com
    • Guest House Kamakura Zen-ji
      Budget-friendly
      Located in Kamakura, just 300 metres from Yuigahama Beach, Guest House Kamakura Zen-ji provides beachfront accommodation with a garden, a shared lounge and free WiFi. The 2-star guest house features garden views and is 1.4 km from Zaimokuza Beach. The guest house has facilities for disabled guests. Certain units in the guest house have private entrance and are equipped with desk and dressing room. Units are complete with a shared bathroom, while some units at the guest house also offer a seating area. At the guest house, some units are soundproof. Guests at the guest house can make the most of yoga classes offered on-site. Guests at Guest House Kamakura Zen-ji will be able to enjoy activities in and around Kamakura, like cycling and hiking. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 3.5 km from the accommodation, while Sankeien is 23 km away. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 43 km from the property.
      View on Booking.com
      8.8Booking.com
    • kamakura seizan
      Luxury
      Kamakura 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. Guests at kamakura seizan can enjoy an ? la carte breakfast. Zaimokuza Beach is 1.6 km from the accommodation, while Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 1.2 km away. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 40 km from the property.
      View on Booking.com
      8.7Booking.com
    • Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura
      Mid-range
      Set within 21 km of Sankeien and 22 km of Yokohama Marine Tower, Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura offers rooms in Kamakura. Featuring a restaurant, the 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. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an American or an Asian breakfast. At Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. Non-stop assistance is available at the reception, where staff speak English and Japanese. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Yuigahama Beach, Zaimokuza Beach and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 41 km from the property.
      View on Booking.com
      8.6Booking.com
    • WeBase KAMAKURA
      Luxury
      WeBase Kamakura is a resort hotel and restaurant in the ancient capital of Kamakura, one minute from the Shonan sea and one hour from the city. WeBase Kamakura is a 3 minutes walk from Yuigahama Station and there are many tourist attractions within walking distance, such as the Kamakura Great Buddha, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and Kamakura Komachi Street. There are 8 sophisticated guest room types with high ceilings and a total of 22 guest rooms. Free Wi-Fi is available. We offer a breakfast course that includes sparkling wine, a choice of two types of galettes, a salad with plenty of Kamakura vegetables, amuse-bouche, and soup. Enjoy a luxurious breakfast that starts with sparkling wine and freshly baked galette, grilled right in front of you. There is a large communal bath with a sauna which offers a self Loyly style sauna. At our on-site restaurant, "Restaurant Co," we provide a fusion of teppanyaki and Italian cuisine that allows you to enjoy the seasonal flavors of local Kamakura with all your senses. Savor modern Italian cuisine incorporating teppanyaki techniques, along with wine pairings. There is also a kids' menu for children of elementary school age and younger.
      View on Booking.com
      8.6Booking.com
    • guesthouse SHIBAFU
      Budget-friendly
      Situated in Kamakura, 600 metres from Yuigahama Beach and 1.3 km from Zaimokuza Beach, guesthouse SHIBAFU features accommodation with air conditioning and access to a garden. This 1-star guest house offers luggage storage space and a shared lounge. Yokohama Marine Tower is 23 km away and Nissan Stadium is 32 km from the guest house. Units have a kettle, a flat-screen TV and free WiFi, while some rooms also boast a terrace and some have garden views. At the guest house, each unit has bed linen and towels. A modern restaurant, coffee shop and bar can be found on-site. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 2.8 km from the guest house, while Sankeien is 22 km from the property. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 42 km away.
      View on Booking.com
      8.5Booking.com
    • Kiyaza Kamakura Resort
      Budget-friendly
      Located within 200 metres of Zaimokuza Beach and 400 metres of Yuigahama Beach, Kiyaza Kamakura Resort provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Kamakura. The property features pool and quiet street views, and is 2.3 km from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Guests can make use of the sun terrace or the seasonal outdoor pool, or enjoy views of the garden and inner courtyard. At the guest house, each unit comes with a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. With a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and slippers, units at the guest house also offer free WiFi, while selected rooms are equipped with a balcony. At the guest house, every unit has bed linen and towels. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at this 2-star guest house. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Sankeien is 22 km from the guest house, while Yokohama Marine Tower is 22 km away. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 41 km from the property.
      View on Booking.com
      8.4Booking.com