Hokoku-ji（報国寺）
Kamakura’s Bamboo Temple of Zen and Samurai Legacy
Hōkoku-ji is a small Zen temple in Kamakura, world-famous for its bamboo grove of more than 2,000 mōsō bamboos. For this reason, it is also known as Take-dera, the Bamboo Temple.
The temple was founded in 1334, shortly after the fall of the Kamakura shogunate. Ashikaga Ietoki, grandfather of the first Ashikaga shogun, ordered Zen priest Tengan Ekō to establish the temple. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen, just like the famed garden designer Musō Kokushi.
Hōkoku-ji became the family temple of the Ashikaga and Uesugi clans, who jointly held power in Kamakura. In 1439, the temple became the site of a political tragedy: Ashikaga Mochiuji and his 13-year-old son Yoshihisa committed seppuku here after a failed rebellion against Shogun Ashikaga Yoshinori.
Most original structures were destroyed in the 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake, but the grounds retain an ancient atmosphere. Old stone lanterns, gorintō gravestones, and yagura tomb caves connect visitors to its medieval past.
Beyond the bamboo grove, there is a small tea house where visitors can enjoy a bowl of matcha and traditional sweets. A Zen garden behind the main hall offers a quiet space for reflection amidst this historic setting.
Read more in our eBook!
Hōkoku-ji Garden Guide
This eBook offers insights into the design, symbolism, and history of Hōkoku-ji Temple in Kamakura.
Perfect for garden lovers, history enthusiasts, and cultural travelers.
Learn more before you visit—or revisit from home.
Gallery
Directions
How to get to the garden
Take the bus 鎌23 from the Kamakura main station. After 6 stops (about 8 min), get off at the bus stop Jōmyō-ji (浄明寺). From the bus stop, walk a few meters back, cross the street and walk straight ahead until you get to the gate of Hōkoku-ji temple.
Address
- EN: 7-4, Jomyoji 2-chome, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0003
- JP: 〒248-0003 神奈川県鎌倉市浄明寺２丁目７−４
Opening times
- Garden: 9:00 – 16:00
Closed around New Year between December 29th and January 3rd.
- Cafe: 9:00 – 15:30
Admission fee
- Adults: 400 yen
- Elementary & Junior High School Students: 200 yen
Facilities & Accessibility
- Cafe: Kyukoan (Matcha 600 yen)
- Zazen every Sunday in Japanese (registration starts at 7am)
- The garden is not accessible by wheelchair.
Best time to visit
- The garden is beautiful all year round.
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