History:

is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is the oldest Zen temple in Japan and is a National Historic Site and one of the “Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura.” The temple was founded in 1253 by the first Kamakura shōgun Yoritomo Minamoto and was completed in 1255 by his brother, the second shōgun Yoriie Minamoto. It is one of the two Zen temples in Kamakura that can traced back to the Kamakura Period (1185–1333). The temple is a vital part of the training and education of many important branches of the Rinzai Sect of Buddhism. It is one of the best temple in Japan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Kenchō-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. 2. It was founded in 1253 as the chief temple of the Five Mountain System of Zen Buddhism. 3. It is the oldest Zen training center in Japan and one of the most important Zen temples of Kamakura. 4. The main hall of the temple is a National Treasure of Japan. 5. Kenchō-ji is the head temple of the Kenchō-ji school which conducted training of Zen priests, called shihō, for more than 700 years. 6. It consists of 15 sub-temples, a sutra hall, a main hall, an oratory, a meditation room and a hospital. 7. In addition to the meditation halls, there is a training center which is dedicated to providing various forms of spiritual instruction to lay practitioners. 8. The temple is renowned for beautiful Japanese gardens which are designed according to Zen principles and comprise a dry landscape garden and a Zen pond garden. 9. Kenchō-ji is also home to a large collection of art objects, including Buddhist statues, paintings and artifacts. 10. The temple is a popular tourist destination in the Kamakura area and is open to public. Here are some facts about the Japan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Japan

Worship Method:

The main form of worship at Kenchō-ji is the Sōdō style of Zen practice. This includes ceremonies such as zazen (sitting meditation), doka (chanting of sutras), shakyo (copying of sutras) and kōan study. There are also occasional special ceremonies, such as memorial services and rituals for victory in a contest. On the first and fifteenth days of each month, there is a Fumon-kai, or lay worshipping ceremony, where worshippers gather and chant sutras. Generally, visitors are welcome to join in the ceremonies and observe the daily routine in order to gain insight into zen practice. This most visited temple in Japan

Opening Timing:

Kenchō-ji is open every day from 8:00AM to 4:30PM. top temples in Japan

How to reach:

Kenchō-ji is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. You can reach Kenchō-ji by taking a train on the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Kenchō-ji. The bus takes about 30 minutes and the taxi takes about 15 minutes. famous temples in Japan