— · CC BY-SA 3.0
— · CC BY-SA 3.0
— · CC BY-SA 3.0
— · CC BY-SA 3.0
Overview
Japan's first purpose-built Zen monastery, its halls still ranged on the single Chinese axis.
About this place
Kenchō-ji (建長寺) is a Rinzai Zen temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, which ranks first among Kamakura's so-called Five Great Zen Temples (the Kamakura Gozan) and is the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan. These temples were at the top of the Five Mountain System, a network of Zen temples started by the Hōjō Regents. Still very large, it originally had a full shichidō garan and 49 subtemples. It was founded by Chinese monk Lanxi Daolong, also known as Rankei Doryū, of the Song dynasty at the invitation of Hōjō Tokiyori. The temple was constructed on the orders of Emperor Go-Fukakusa and completed in 1253, fifth year of the Kenchō era, from which it takes its name. The sangō is Kofukusan (巨福山).
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Source ja.wikipedia.org ↗Key facts
Founded / opened：1253 Highlights / collection：Sanmon gate and Buddha hall, Cloud dragon painting on the ceiling Genre：Architecture, Nihonga (Japanese-style painting)
Source ja.wikipedia.org ↗Official website
Check the official website for current opening hours, fees and closing days.
Source kenchoji.com ↗Before you go
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Check before you visit · References
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Crafts and specialties of this prefecture
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