Japan’s Oldest Zen Monastery and a Garden of the Mind

Kenchō-ji (建長寺) is the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan and holds the highest rank among the Kamakura Five-Mountain temples (五山). Completed in 1273 during the Kamakura period (1192–1333), it introduced formal Zen architecture and spiritual practice to Japan on a grand scale.

The temple layout follows the Chinese Ch’an (Zen) monastic model, with buildings arranged in a straight axis from the main gate to the inner sanctuary. At the far end of the complex lies a Zen garden behind the Hōjō, the head priest’s residence. This garden is attributed to Musō Soseki, the renowned Zen master, poet, and garden designer.

True to Zen aesthetics, the garden is minimalist, using few plants and materials. Its pond is said to be shaped like the character 心 (kokoro), meaning “heart” or “mind”—a profound symbol in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing stillness, clarity, and inner awareness.

Read more in our eBook!

eBook cover Kencho-ji Temple by Real Japanese Gardens

Kenchō-ji Garden Guide

This eBook offers insights into the design, symbolism, and history of Kenchō-ji Temple in Kamakura.
Perfect for garden lovers, Zen practitioners, and cultural travelers.
Learn more before you visit—or revisit from home.

Buy Now
Free Preview
  • Introduction
  • Historical background – Kamakura period
  • History of the temple
  • The temple and gardens
  • Flowers and plants in the garden
  • Questions for Hayano-San
  • Jenny’s impressions
  • Eating and Drinking
  • How to get there

14 pages filled with all necessary information about the temple and packed with
55 excellent garden pictures

PDF 21MB
The eBook is delivered as PDF.

Gallery

  • Kencho-ji temple Japanese Garden in Kamakura
  • Kencho-ji temple Japanese Garden in Kamakura
  • Kencho-ji temple Japanese Garden in Kamakura
  • Kencho-ji temple Japanese Garden in Kamakura
  • Kencho-ji temple Japanese Garden in Kamakura
  • Kencho-ji temple Japanese Garden in Kamakura

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    Directions

    How to get to the garden

    Kenchō-ji is a 15-20 minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line, one station before Kamakura Station when coming from Tokyo. It can also be reached in about a 15 minute walk from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

    View Google Map (Google Website)

    Address

    • EN: Kanagawa-Ken Kamakura-Shi Yama-no-uchi 8
    • JP: 〒247-8525 神奈川県鎌倉市山ノ内8

    Opening times

    • Temple: 8:30 – 16:30

    Admission fee

    • Adults: 500 yen
    • Elementary & Junior High School Students: 200 yen

    Facilities & Accessibility

    • Gift Shop
    • Cafe: Hansobo temple at the far back offers a few bottled bavarages.
    • We highly recommend visiting the Hansobo temple at the far back of the temple grounds.
    • The temple is accessible by wheelchair until the Karamon Gate (the one with golden applications in front of the main hall).

    Best time to visit

    • The temple is beautiful all year round.

    Map

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