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Houkokuji Temple

Situated in Kamakura, a Zen Temple with Tea in a Bamboo Grove

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This Kamakura temple received a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, a tourist guidebook aimed at overseas visitors to Japan.
In 1334, high priest Tengan Eko established this temple retreat as a place for ascetic training, and it became a place of worship for the Ashikaga and Uesugi Shogun clans.
With its bamboo grove of about 2,000 trees, as well as a beautifully maintained Japanese garden, fantastically beautiful scenery unfolds before you.
Deep in the bamboo grove is a retreat offering you Matcha green tea to savor.
The principal object of worship at this temple, the sitting Buddha of Shakyamuni, is a designated a significant cultural property of Kamakura city.

Highlights

  • With the beauty of its 2000 Moso bamboo trees, it’s also known as the Bamboo Temple.
  • Besides the bamboo grove, the beautiful Japanese garden, with its cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, can be enjoyed in all seasons.
  • Take a break with Matcha and tea sweets at Kyukoan, a tea room with views of the bamboo grove. .
  • Experience authentic Zazen (seated meditation) and Shakyo (hand-copying sutras).
  • About 30 minutes on foot from Kamakura Station, it’s also nice to stroll to the temple.

Photos

  • The magically beautiful bamboo grove 
(Photo credit: Kamakura City Tourism Association)

    The magically beautiful bamboo grove (Photo credit: Kamakura City Tourism Association)

  • The magically beautiful bamboo grove 
(Photo credit: Kamakura City Tourism Association)

    The magically beautiful bamboo grove (Photo credit: Kamakura City Tourism Association)

  • The magically beautiful bamboo grove 
(Photo credit: Kamakura City Tourism Association)

    The magically beautiful bamboo grove (Photo credit: Kamakura City Tourism Association)

  • Hondo, the Main Hall of Worship

    Hondo, the Main Hall of Worship

  • Houkokuji Temple

    Houkokuji Temple

  • The Bell Tower

    The Bell Tower

  • The Japanese Garden

    The Japanese Garden

  • The Yagura turret

    The Yagura turret

  • The Bamboo Grove

    The Bamboo Grove

Reviews

3
  • 阿秀

    參觀了報國寺後,我深深感受到了它所散發的宗教氛圍和歷史底蘊。寺廟內的建築風格和花園設計展現了日本古老文化的魅力,令人讚嘆不已。

  • 何婉瑜

    報國寺是因為有竹林才享有盛名,整片反而成為他的特色,讓我想到臥虎藏龍的電影情節

  • Rise

    走进寺院就能感受到一种清寂肃穆的氛围。从来没见过这么一大片的竹林。青翠欲滴的竹子美丽极了!

Details

Name in Japanese
臨済宗建長寺派 報国寺
Postal Code
248-0003
Address
2-7-4 Jomyoji, Kamakura City, Kanagawa
Telephone
0467-22-0762
Admission Fees
300 yen
Matcha Tea Fee
600 yen (with dry Japanese sweets)
Closed
December 29-January 3
※Closed In case of bad weather
Hours
9:00 am-4:00 pm (Matcha is available until 3:30 pm)
※When crowded, tea service may be temporarily cancelled.
Access
1) About 7 minutes by taxi from Kamakura Station on JR lines or Enoshima Electric Railway
2) From Kamakura Station on JR lines or Enoshima Electric Railway, take the Keikyu Bus bound for Kamakura-reien-shoumenmae-tachiarai・kanazawahakkei / Highland. Get off at Jomyoji bus stop and walk for about 3 minutes.
Official Website
Official Website (English)