learn/[id]

建築
14 分で読める
鎌
ARCHITECTURE
Kamakura Gozan Complete Guide: How to Visit All Five Zen Temples of Samurai Culture
A comprehensive guide to all five Kamakura Gozan Zen temples — Kenchoji, Engakuji, Jufukuji, Jochiji, and Jomyoji — with history, highlights, admission fees, and access. Also explains the influence of Zen culture (ink painting, Chinese poetry, kencho-jiru soup) on the samurai world.
聖
Author
Hijiri
| Shrines & Temples
Contents
MOKUJI
一
What Are the Kamakura Gozan? — The Zen Temple Ranking System the Hojo Clan Established
›
二
The Character and Highlights of Each Gozan Temple
›
三
What Zen Culture Brought to the Samurai — From Kencho-Jiru to Ink Painting
›
四
Complete Gozan Pilgrimage Guide — An Efficient Two-Day Course
›
五
Frequently Asked Questions
›
The Kamakura Gozan is more than a ranking of temples — it is the stage where the Zen culture brought by Song and Yuan Chinese masters fundamentally changed the samurai’s aesthetic sensibility, cuisine, and arts. From Kenchoji to Jomyoji, visiting all five Zen temples reveals the full picture of medieval Japan’s spiritual world.
The Sanmon (main gate) of Kencho-ji, the top-ranked temple of the Kamakura Gozan, founded in 1253
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / photo by Wiiii
What Are the Kamakura Gozan? — The Zen Temple Ranking System the Hojo Clan Established
“Gozan” (Five Mountains) is a ranking system for Zen temples, adapted from a Chinese model. In Kamakura, five Rinzai Zen temples under Hojo patronage were placed at the highest rank.
When Was the Kamakura Gozan Ranking Established?
The system crystallized around 1334 (Kenmu 1). The ranking that persists today:
Rank
Temple
Founded
First Abbot
1st
Kenchoji
1253
Rankei Doryu (from Song China)
2nd
Engakuji
1282
Mugaku Sogen (from Song China)
3rd
Jufukuji
1200
Eisai (Japanese)
4th
Jochiji
1281
Gottan Funei et al (from Song China)
5th
Jomyoji
1188
Taikō Gyōyū (Japanese)
Why Did Zen Appeal to Samurai?
Zen’s emphasis on “total concentration on the present moment” and “awakening beyond language” resonated deeply with warriors who lived alongside death. Seated meditation (zazen) was embraced by samurai as mental training for overcoming fear on the battlefield.
The garan (main temple complex) of Kencho-ji, showing the Song Chinese monastic layout with Sanmon, Buddha Hall, and Dharma Hall aligned on a central axis
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain / photo by Tarourashima
The Character and Highlights of Each Gozan Temple
A guide to the historical character of each temple and key sights for visitors.
Kenchoji (Rank 1) — Japan’s First Authentic Zen Temple
Kenchoji (Yamanouchi, Kamakura) was founded in 1253 by Hojo Tokiyori, who invited the Song Chinese monk Rankei Doryu as its first abbot. Historically the most important Zen temple in Japan as the first to practice “pure Zen.” Must-sees: the National Treasure bronze bell (cast 1255), the vast Hatto (lecture hall) with Koizumi Junsaku’s cloud-dragon ceiling painting, and the hojo’s dry-landscape garden. Hansobō guardian shrine on the mountain behind the precinct offers views of Mt. Fuji.
Engakuji (Rank 2) — Memorial for the Fallen of the Mongol Invasions
Engakuji was founded in 1282 by Hojo Tokimune to pray for soldiers fallen in the Mongol invasions, with Song monk Mugaku Sogen as its first abbot. The Shariden is Kamakura’s only National Treasure building and a masterwork of Zen-style (karayo) architecture. The Ogane bell (National Treasure, Kamakura’s largest) is also unmissable.
Jufukuji (Rank 3) — Kamakura’s Oldest Zen Temple, Founded by Masako
Jufukuji (Ogigayatsu, Kamakura) was founded in 1200 by Hojo Masako, who invited the monk Eisai as its first abbot — the oldest of the five Gozan temples. The tombs of Hojo Masako and Minamoto no Sanetomo (rock-cut yagura chambers) survive in the precinct.
Jochiji (Rank 4) — A Zen Temple in a Tranquil Valley
Jochiji (Yamanouchi, Kamakura) was founded in 1281 to pray for the spirits of Hojo Munemasa and Morotoki. The sounds of traffic vanish immediately on entering the precinct — a world apart. The quietest of the Kamakura Gozan, with few visitors. The Kanro-no-i spring and the Hotei (Laughing Buddha) enshrined nearby are notable sights.
Jomyoji (Rank 5) — A Dignified Zen Temple Near Inamuragasaki
Jomyoji (Jomyoji, Kamakura) was founded in 1188 and is also known as the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Matcha tea can be enjoyed in the Kisen-an tearoom. Located slightly away from central Kamakura, it is less crowded than the others.
Engaku-ji's Shariden (relic hall), the only surviving example of Song-style Buddhist architecture in Japan, designated a National Treasure, housing a relic of the Buddha
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain / photo by Fg2
What Zen Culture Brought to the Samurai — From Kencho-Jiru to Ink Painting
The Zen monks of the Kamakura Gozan transmitted Chinese culture to Japan in many dimensions beyond religious practice.
How Was Kencho-Jiru Born?
“Kencho-jiru” (建長汁, Kenchoji soup) is traditionally said to derive from the Zen vegetarian cuisine of Kenchoji. A dish of crumbled tofu and root vegetables (daikon, carrot, burdock) stir-fried then simmered in broth spread across Japan as “kenchinjiru” during the Edo period. It is a classic example of how Zen vegetarian food culture took root in the Japanese diet.
What Is the Connection Between Zen and Ink Painting and Chinese Poetry?
Gozan Zen monks brought Chinese ink-painting (suibokuga) and Chinese-language poetry techniques to Japan, greatly enriching Japanese arts and culture. The literary movement called Gozan Bungaku (Five Mountains Literature) — Chinese-language poetry and prose — flourished during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, laying the foundation for later masters of Japanese ink painting such as Sesshū.
The main gate of Jufuku-ji, the third-ranked Gozan temple founded by Hojo Masako with Eisai as its opening abbot
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / photo by Naokijp
Complete Gozan Pilgrimage Guide — An Efficient Two-Day Course
A practical route for visiting all five Kamakura Gozan temples.
Admission and Basic Information
Temple
Admission
Opening Hours
Access
Kenchoji
¥500
8:30–16:30
15 min walk from Kita-Kamakura Stn
Engakuji
¥500
8:00–16:30
1 min walk from Kita-Kamakura Stn
Jufukuji
Free
9:00–16:00
8 min walk from Kamakura Stn
Jochiji
¥200
9:00–16:30
8 min walk from Kita-Kamakura Stn
Jomyoji
¥100
9:00–16:30
15 min bus from Kamakura Stn
Day 1 (Kita-Kamakura Area)
JR Kita-Kamakura Station → Engakuji (Rank 2) → Jochiji (Rank 4) → Kenchoji (Rank 1; Hansobō). Allow 5–6 hours.
Day 2 (Central Kamakura Area)
Kamakura Station → Jufukuji (Rank 3; Masako’s tomb) → bus → Jomyoji (Rank 5). Allow 3–4 hours.
General Visit Tips
•
Bow to the sanmon gate before entering at each temple — standard Zen etiquette
•
Kenchoji and Engakuji each merit half a day; don’t rush
•
Jochiji is the most tranquil of the five — the least-visited hidden gem
•
Goshuin (calligraphic seals) are collected at each temple’s office after viewing
Jochi-ji's main Buddha Hall, the fourth-ranked Gozan temple nestled in a quiet valley of Kamakura
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / photo by Naokijp
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are There Exactly Five Gozan Temples?
The number “five” follows the Chinese “Five Mountains” institution, designating the top-ranked group of Zen temples. The system was introduced to Japan from Southern Song China. Japan has two Gozan lineages: the Kamakura Gozan and the Kyoto Gozan (Nanzenji, Tenryuji, Shokokuji, Kenninji, Tofukuji). Nanzenji is sometimes ranked above the Gozan system as a separate category.
Which Is More Famous — Kenchoji or Engakuji?
Engakuji draws slightly more tourists (due to its location one minute from Kita-Kamakura Station). In historical and religious significance, Kenchoji ranks first and holds the title of “Japan’s first authentic Zen temple.” For depth of sightseeing, Kenchoji has more to see — but requires more time.
What Is the Correct Protocol for Visiting a Zen Temple?
At Zen temples, bow toward the sanmon gate before entering (hands not necessarily joined). In the main hall, remove shoes before entering and bow with hands joined before the principal image. The meditation hall (sodo) is generally off-limits to visitors. Goshuin stamps are collected at the temple office after viewing.
Which Gozan Temple Offers Zazen for Visitors?
Kenchoji holds a public zazen session on the second Sunday of each month (8:00 a.m., free, no reservation required). Engakuji also holds regular sessions; check the official website for schedules. Most sessions are 60–90 minutes and accessible to beginners.
Is It Possible to Visit All Five Gozan Temples in a Single Day?
Depending on stamina and time, visiting the three Kita-Kamakura temples (Kenchoji, Engakuji, Jochiji) plus Jufukuji in a single day is feasible (roughly 5–6 km on foot). Jomyoji requires a bus or taxi, and visiting all five in one day is physically demanding. Spreading the visits over two days is strongly recommended.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
── 了 ──
聖
Author
Hijiri（ひじり）
Shrines & Temples
Toku editorial team — shrines and temples. Former designer who reads temple architecture and gardens through an aesthetic lens, quietly tracing the lineages of sects and doctrines.
›
This article was
♡ Helpful
⤴
詣
Visit Related Places
History truly comes alive when you visit in person. Choose your next destination from the related sites and pilgrimage courses below.
1. Kenchoji
Japan's first full-scale Zen training monastery, founded 1253 by Tokiyori — head of Kamakura's Five Mountains
›
2. Engakuji
Founded by Hojo Tokimune to mourn Mongol War dead — Kamakura's 2nd Zen temple with a National Treasure Shariden
›
3. Jufukuji
Founded by Masako with Eisai — Kamakura's 3rd Zen temple, with Masako and Sanetomo's cave tombs
›
J
4. Jochiji
Founded by Hojo Tokimune to mourn his brother — Kamakura's 4th Zen temple, enshrining Hotei in a quiet valley
›
5. Jomyoji
Kamakura's Fifth Great Zen Temple — founded by Ashikaga Yoshikane, where Zen meets matcha
›
E
6. Engakuji Shariden (National Treasure)
Kanagawa's only National Treasure building — a supreme example of pure Song-dynasty Zen architecture from the Muromachi period
›
K
7. Kenchoji Hansobo
Guardian shrine of Kenchoji with 12 tengu stone statues — sweeping views of Kamakura, the bay, and Mt. Fuji from the summit
›
Pilgrimage Course
Japan Top 100: Kanto
Visit 17 sites
›
Pilgrimage Course
100 Temples ② Kanto
Visit 20 sites
›
Related Articles
K
共通のスポット
Kencho-ji: Japan's First Dedicated Zen Temple and Top of the Kamakura Five Mountains
Founded in 1253 by Hojo Tokiyori with Song-dynasty monk Lanxi Daolong as its founding abbot, Kencho-
›
T
共通のスポット
The Great Buddha of Kamakura and Jodo Faith: Visiting the Open-Air Amida
The Great Buddha of Kotokuin sits open to the sky after its hall was lost to medieval storms. This a
›
T
共通のスポット
The Sanmon Gate of Zen: Sacred Space in the Five Mountains Temples
The linear arrangement of Sanmon gate, Butsuden, and Hatto in Zen temple architecture spatializes th
›
I C H I G O I C H I E
📱
Explore pilgrimage with the app
Download on the App Store
✕