Kamakura and Eastern Kyoto with Lots of Temples and Shrines

Engakuji Temple played an important role in KAMAKURA period ( 1192 - mid 15th century ) when Kamakura was a capital of Japan. The temple is ranked the highest of RINZAI clan of Kamakura Buddhism. The style is featered in realization of everything of the universe all through sitting silently (ZAZEN). There are several historically important assets, such as national treature Ogane (large bell) in the precincts of the temple. Zen class or buddhism seminars are held all the year round there.

The temple is well known as hydrangea temple not only in Japan but in foreign countries. The season is June, when hydrangea is full bloom. In the temple precincts, almost all the places are filled with hydrangea. Its beauty facsinates every visitor whoever comes from overseas. But it is not known well that the huge precincts welcome us whenever we come back, which means there are a variety of flowers are planted here and there. So, visitors can enjoy viewing seasonal flowers of the day.

Big Statue of Kamakura sits in the center of the temple yard. It is said that the buddist sactrum was blown away by two typhoons in 1334 and 1369. The Image is loved by thousands of visitors all over the world.

The shrine is known to be assoiated with MINAMOTO family from the ancient time. When the first governor of KAMAKURA feudal government (in 1192), YORITOMO MINAMOTO, declared the shrine to be the spiritual center of the government. Since then, the shrine was long been worshipped by SAMURAI worriors class.