Engakuji (円覚寺) 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
8:30 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from December to February)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing.
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing.
Closed
No closing days
Admission
500 yen
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Kamakura
Top rated in Kamakura
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Hotel Metropolitan KamakuraLocated 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 -
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CASA Kamakura Espresso&BEDSituated 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 -
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Guest House Kamejikan -turtle time-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 -
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BIRD HOTELLocated 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 -
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Guest House Kamakura Zen-jiLocated 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 -
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KAMAKURA HotelBoasting a bar, KAMAKURA Hotel is situated in Kamakura in the Kanagawa region, 1.4 km from Yuigahama Beach and 1.4 km from Zaimokuza Beach. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and free WiFi. Some units at the property have a terrace with a city view. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Guests at KAMAKURA Hotel can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is 1.1 km from the accommodation, while Sankeien is 21 km from the property. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 40 km away.View on Booking.com -
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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. 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 -
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WeBase KAMAKURAWeBase 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 -
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Tosei Hotel Cocone KamakuraSet 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 -
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guesthouse SHIBAFUSituated 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
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