Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Hokokuji Temple is a Rinzai Zen temple located in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is a charming temple nestled quietly in the mountain village of Kamakura. Its founding is said to date back to the end of the Kamakura period to the Nanboku-cho period (around the 14th century), and it has had deep ties with the samurai and local community of Kamakura. Its greatest feature is the beautiful bamboo grove (bamboo garden) that spreads across the temple grounds, and visitors are captivated by the tranquil scenery created by the bamboo and the sipping of matcha tea amidst the sunlight filtering through the trees.
The quiet and natural beauty of the space not only makes for great photos, but also gives off the calming atmosphere of a Zen temple, making it a spot beloved by both tourists and locals alike.You can enjoy the changing scenery with each season (fresh greenery, deep green, the muted colors of winter, etc.).
Highlights
- Bamboo grove (bamboo garden): A garden lined with tall, slender bamboo. The view from the walking paths and veranda is spectacular.
- Kyukoan (matcha seating): Enjoy matcha tea and sweets in a teahouse overlooking the bamboo forest (additional charge). It's a special experience to sit back and enjoy the view of the garden.
- Main Hall and Buddha Statue: Although it is not large, it has a calm main hall and Buddha statue, making it a quiet place for worship.
- Seasonal scenery: The garden changes beautifully with the seasons, from fresh greenery to deep greenery and the tranquil scenery of winter. The contrast between the bamboo forest and the surrounding mountain scenery is particularly appealing.
- Photo spots: The bamboo forest path and the view from the teahouse are popular for taking photos (please be mindful of photography etiquette when it is crowded).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR/Enoshima Electric Railway's Kamakura Station is the most common starting point. You can either walk from Kamakura Station or take a bus from in front of the station.
- By foot: It takes about 15 to 20 minutes on foot from Kamakura Station (depending on the route and walking speed). The route includes a path from the town center towards the mountain side, and there are some slopes and stairs.
- By bus: There are buses that depart from the east exit of Kamakura Station and go to Hokokuji-mae and nearby bus stops (routes change depending on the season and schedule, so it is recommended to check in advance).
- By car: As the surrounding roads are narrow and parking is limited, we recommend using public transportation. If you are coming by car, please use the nearby paid parking lot.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short tour: Approximately 30 minutes (walk through the bamboo forest and a brief tour of the temple grounds)
- If enjoying matcha tea: 45 minutes to 1 hour (including use of the matcha seat)
- A leisurely tour: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (including taking photos and strolling around the area)
Nearby spots
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: A shrine that represents Kamakura. You can visit it while praying or strolling around.
- Hasedera Temple (Hase area): Famous for its seasonal flowers and ocean views. Easily accessible by bus from Kamakura Station.
- Zeniarai Benzaiten (Ugafuku Shrine): A unique spot where you can experience washing coins inside the cave grounds.
- Kenchoji Temple and Engakuji Temple (Kita-Kamakura area): A group of large temples in Kamakura. This tour can be combined with a stroll around Kita-Kamakura.
- Komachi-dori: Kamakura's main street (around Kamakura Station) lined with souvenir shops and restaurants.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets especially crowded on weekends, consecutive holidays, and during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves. If you want to enjoy it quietly, we recommend visiting on weekdays or early in the morning.
- Matcha seating: Matcha is popular and seating is limited. Please allow plenty of time for your visit as there may be waiting times or restrictions on admission.
- Manners: The temple grounds are a quiet religious facility. Loud conversations, eating and drinking (except in designated areas), entering the bamboo grove, and harvesting bamboo are prohibited. Please be considerate of those around you when taking photographs.
- Footing and Clothing: The temple grounds have stone steps, slopes, and unpaved areas. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Be careful when it rains as the grounds can be slippery.
- Bringing pets: Many temples have restrictions on pets being allowed on their grounds, so be sure to check before bringing your pet.
- Opening hours and admission fees: Opening hours, admission fees, and matcha serving times may change. Please check official information and local guides in advance.
Hokokuji Temple is a soothing spot typical of Kamakura, where you can enjoy a moment of tea while looking at the bamboo forest in a calm atmosphere. Please be mindful of crowds and manners, and enjoy the scenery quietly.
