Kench艒-ji Temple, Yokohama
The Kench艒-ji Temple is a Rinzai Zen temple in Kamakura dedicated to Jizo Bosatsu, the guardian deity of children and travelers. The Temple was founded in 1253 by the regent Hojo Tokiyori and Zen priest Rankei Doryu, and it's known as one of Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples. It is also the oldest Zen training monastery in the country.
The Kench艒-ji Temple originally had a shichido garan, which means a large temple, and 49 sub-temples aligned north to south. Due to a series of fires that caused massive destruction, the temple grounds are now home to 10 sub-temples.
There are many important structures in the temple complex. Among them are the outer gate, or Somon, which was moved to the grounds from the Hanju Zanmai-in temple in Kyoto; the main gate, or Sanmon, was built in 1754, and the grand gate, or Karamon, was brought to the temple complex from Zojo-ji along with the Buddha Hall.
The Buddha Hall, or Butsuden, was named an Important Cultural Property. The Dharma Hall, or Hatto, was built in 1814 for use in public ceremonies. It remains the largest wooden Buddhist structure in Eastern Japan.
The other significant structures on the Temple's grounds are the head priest's living quarters and the Temple Bell. The Temple Bell, or Bonsho, was cast in 1255. It was named a National Treasure of Japan.
The Kench艒-ji Temple originally had a shichido garan, which means a large temple, and 49 sub-temples aligned north to south. Due to a series of fires that caused massive destruction, the temple grounds are now home to 10 sub-temples.
There are many important structures in the temple complex. Among them are the outer gate, or Somon, which was moved to the grounds from the Hanju Zanmai-in temple in Kyoto; the main gate, or Sanmon, was built in 1754, and the grand gate, or Karamon, was brought to the temple complex from Zojo-ji along with the Buddha Hall.
The Buddha Hall, or Butsuden, was named an Important Cultural Property. The Dharma Hall, or Hatto, was built in 1814 for use in public ceremonies. It remains the largest wooden Buddhist structure in Eastern Japan.
The other significant structures on the Temple's grounds are the head priest's living quarters and the Temple Bell. The Temple Bell, or Bonsho, was cast in 1255. It was named a National Treasure of Japan.
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Kench艒-ji Temple on Map
Sight Name: Kench艒-ji Temple
Sight Location: Yokohama, Japan (See walking tours in Yokohama)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Yokohama, Japan (See walking tours in Yokohama)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Yokohama, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Yokohama
Creating your own self-guided walk in Yokohama is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Yokohama Introduction Walking Tour
Yokohama is the second-largest city in Japan. Located on Tokyo Bay, the city was once a small fishing port. It became the location of the first foreign trading port in Japan, which led to its rapid expansion. The port was primarily used for transporting silk through the 20th century.
With its long history as an important area for trade and commerce, some of the world's most successful... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
With its long history as an important area for trade and commerce, some of the world's most successful... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Kamakura Temples Walking Tour
The vicinity of Yokohama abounds in Buddhist temples. Some of them are listed as national heritage. The most significant of them are found in the historic town of Kamakura, renowned for its rich religious scene.
Hase-dera Temple, perched on a hillside, is famous for its beautiful gardens and the towering Kannon statue, representing the goddess of mercy. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Hase-dera Temple, perched on a hillside, is famous for its beautiful gardens and the towering Kannon statue, representing the goddess of mercy. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles