Ranked first among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura. The first full-scale Zen training monastery in Japan, founded by Hojo Tokiyori who invited Lanxi Daolong.

Origins

Founded in 1253 by the 5th regent Hojo Tokiyori with Chinese Zen master Rankei Doryu — Japan's first full-scale Zen temple. The 1255 temple bell is a National Treasure, bearing the first inscription of 'Zen temple' in Japan. Said to be the birthplace of 'kenchinjiru' vegetarian soup. Ranked 1st of t…

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Haiku Composed Here
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Selling persimmons — / is that Osei's teashop? / Kenchoji

Tomoji Ishizuka

Seasonal word

Persimmon (autumn)

By haiku poet Ishizuka Tomoji (1906-1986). A warm, humane vignette of Osei, who sold persimmons at a teashop before the gates of Kenchoji.

Show all haiku · 3

Divine Benefits

Safe Childbirth & Fertility

Warding Off Evil

Long Life

Rebirth in Pure Land

Safe delivery, conception, child protection. Traditions tied to Empress Jingu, Konohanasakuya-hime, Suitengu, and Kishimojin.

Derived from the enshrined deity "地蔵菩薩"

祭
Festivals & Events
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8月

Kenchoji Segaki Service

The Segaki service at Kenchoji, ranked first among the Five Mountains of Kamakura. This Rinzai Zen head temple founded by Hojo Tokiyori holds the Obon memorial rites in its grand precincts, with monks offering prayers amid the majestic halls including the Sanmon gate, Buddha hall, and lecture hall.

もっと詳しく · 7

記
Related Articles
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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.

architecture

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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-ji is Japan's first full-scale Zen training hall and the top-ranked temple of the Kamakura Five Mountains. A complete guide to its National Treasure bell, Zen precinct layout, Hansobo tengu shrine, and visiting tips.

architecture

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Fall of the Kamakura Shogunate — Genko Incident and Nitta Yoshisada Historic Sites Guide

In 1333, Nitta Yoshisada attacked Kamakura in support of Emperor Go-Daigo's Genko Incident, ending 150 years of Hojo rule. A guide to the Kamakura sites connected to the shogunate's fall.

era

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もっと詳しく · 36

史
Related Historical Events
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1200

Kamakura Culture

Vigorous, realistic culture of the 12th-13th centuries accompanying samurai rule. Fused aristocratic tradition, warrior simplicity, and new Song-Yuan influences. Unkei and Kaikei of the Kei school created the Tōdai-ji Niō guardians (1203) and Kōfuku-ji statues. Architecture introduced Daibutsu-yō and Zen styles. Kamakura New Buddhism (Hōnen, Shinran, Ippen, Eisai, Dōgen, Nichiren) spread to commoners. Literary masterpieces include the "Tale of the Heike," the three great essay collections (Hōjōki, Tsurezuregusa), and the "Shin Kokin Wakashū" (1205, Fujiwara no Teika).