Landmarks・Kamakura

Kenchoji

Kenchoji ranks first among the Five Mountains of Kamakura and is considered Japan's first dedicated Zen (Rinzai) training monastery. It was founded in 1253 by the 5th regent Hojo Tokiyori, who invited the Song-dynasty monk Rankei Doryu as founding priest. Its grounds feature a straight axial layout — sanmon gate, Buddha hall, and lecture hall — behind the main entrance gate.

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