Engaku-ji Temple

Overview

Engaku-ji Temple is a renowned Zen Buddhist temple and one of the most important temples in Japan. It is known for its beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and tranquil atmosphere.

Engaku-ji is the oldest and one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. It was founded in 1282 and has played a significant role in the development of Zen Buddhism.

Zen Buddhist Historical Cultural

Location

Address

409 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa

Neighborhood: Hokokuji

Coordinates

35.304500, 139.550200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

500 JPY

Children

300 JPY

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• cherry blossoms
• gardens in bloom

summer

hot and humid

• summer festivals
• evening illuminations

autumn

cool and pleasant

• fall colors
• autumn leaves

winter

cold, occasional snow

• winter illuminations
• New Year's events

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Respect temple rules
Dress modestly
Follow guided tour schedules

What to Bring

essential

comfortable shoes camera small cash for offerings

seasonal

warm layers in winter rain gear in summer

not allowed

loud conversations photography in certain areas smoking

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate (some walking and stairs)

• hydrate well in summer
• dress warmly in winter

Medical facilities: first aid available at visitor center

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, credit cards

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Typical Costs

entry 500 JPY

parking 300 JPY

food 1000-2000 JPY

souvenirs 500-3000 JPY

Dress Code

modest and respectful clothing, comfortable walking shoes, remove shoes in certain areas, revealing clothing, hats in indoor areas

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks for guided tours
• official temple website or local tour agencies
• varies by tour, typically 48 hours in advance
• available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Engaku-ji Temple Guide

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Rest areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport)

Distance: 50 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

taxi

15000 JPY 1 hour 30 min

public_transport

1500 JPY 2 hours

From City Center

Distance: 50 km (from Tokyo)

train

1000 JPY 1 hour

bus

500 JPY 30 min

taxi

5000 JPY 1 hour

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Serene and spiritual atmosphere, important cultural landmark

Historical Significance: Founded by the Zen master Cippo in 1282, played a key role in Zen Buddhism

Insider Tips

Free entry early morning for local residents
Best matcha at the temple cafe
Local festivals offer unique cultural experiences

Local Recommendations

• Try matcha at the temple cafe
• Visit nearby Hokokuji Temple for more bamboo groves
• Explore Kamakura's historic streets

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Konnichiwa

thank_you Arigatou gozaimasu

where_is Doko desu ka

how_much Ikura desu ka

beautiful Kirei desu

ticket Kyken

Guide Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Tahō Waterfall

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Capture the waterfall from the viewing platform

Result: Serene and majestic

#Zen #Kamakura #Japan

Kohōken Bamboo Grove

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle shots among the bamboo

Result: Tranquil and picturesque

#Bamboo #Peaceful #Japan

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, designated photography spots

prohibited areas indoor temple halls, private areas

flash photography not allowed in indoor areas

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy prohibited without special permission

tripod policy restricted to certain areas

selfie sticks allowed but used discreetly

Nearby Attractions

Hokokuji Temple

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Temple

Great Buddha of Kamakura

Distance: 2km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Monument

Komachi Street

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Shopping Street

Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine

Distance: 1.2km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Shrine

Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Distance: 1.8km