Kenchoji Temple | Review by wendy

Kenchoji Temple

With 770 years of history, Kenchoji is the highest-ranked of the Kamakura Gozan, the five great Zen temples of Kamakura, and one of the earliest Zen temples in Japan.

30 Aug 2026 See More

It truly lives up to its reputation as one of Kamakura's most iconic historic temples. The temple grounds are very large, and you can take your time admiring the old buildings, gardens, and serene Zen atmosphere along the way. Unfortunately, I had limited time on this visit and didn't make it all the way to the innermost area, but that bit of regret gives me a reason to come back next time.

Kenchoji Temple isn't far from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, but it's much less crowded, making it especially relaxing and pleasant to walk around. The temples in the Kita-Kamakura area are really worth exploring at a leisurely pace. I recommend setting aside a day for a “Kamakura temple pilgrimage,” stopping along the way and experiencing a different side of Kamakura.

Other Reviews by wendy

Noritake Garden

This is the birthplace of Noritake, a western tableware brand highly acclaimed globally. The park is a lush green space to relax in, with stores, cafes, restaurants, and a museum.
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1 Sep 2026 See More

If you like tableware, ceramics, or lifestyle design, you really shouldn't miss Noritake Garden! This is the birthplace of the globally renowned tableware brand Noritake, and the entire grounds feel like an open urban park, peaceful and beautiful.

There are large green lawns and tall trees, making it very pleasant to walk around. There are also restaurants, cafes, a small museum, a ceramic painting workshop, and shops selling all kinds of beautiful ceramics.

What surprised me most was that besides Noritake's classic tableware, the shop also had some cute ceramics related to Hayao Miyazaki movies. Collectors will have a hard time leaving.
EBIDOTE Esca Shop

This popular spot is known for its “ebi-fry”, freshly deep-fried prawns, made with natural ingredients. Another item that is an absolute must here is the Ebidote Kushi, the namesake behind the restaurant that features skewers in a special house hatcho miso sauce.
- Nagoya
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1 Sep 2026 See More

Shrimp lovers really shouldn't miss this!

When this extra-large 35 cm fried shrimp arrives at the table, it makes quite an impression. Just looking at it makes you want to take a photo.

They use extra-large tiger prawns from the deep waters of the Pacific. The meat is fresh, sweet, and firm, and the coating is fried until golden and crispy. What surprised me most was that even though we ate it in the evening, the shrimp didn't taste oily or stale at all!

It comes with tartar sauce and chopped egg, which are rich but not too heavy. You can also squeeze some lemon over it for a refreshing change of flavor. The larger size even comes with scissors, so you can cut the shrimp into sections and enjoy it with the sauce and pickles.
Ekikama Kishimen Chuo-dori

Ekikama Kishimen Chuo-dori is the perfect spot to casually savor kishimen, Nagoya's renowned flat noodle dish, conveniently located within the concourse of Nagoya Station. Situated close to the Shinkansen ticket gates, it's ideal for grabbing a quick bite right before departure.
- Nagoya
- Japanese Cuisine
1 Sep 2026 See More

When you come to Nagoya Station, of course you have to find a chance to try Nagoya's iconic traditional noodle dish—kishimen!

The most distinctive thing about kishimen is its wide, flat noodles, with a texture a bit like wide, flat rice noodles. Served with hot broth, it's simple but full of Nagoya flavor. This time I tried it at Ekikama Kishimen inside Nagoya Station. It's conveniently located and perfect for travelers who want a quick meal.

It's also inexpensive, and the portion is just right. It has a simple, authentic feel.