⛩️ Hōkoku-ji (Hōkoku Temple)

Hokokuji is a Zen temple located in Kamakura City, which has received a high rating of 3 stars in the "Michelin Green Guide Japan." It is said that in 1334, the Zen master Tenkan Eikou established the temple and began his practice here, with the participation of the Ashikaga and Uesugi shogun families in its founding. The temple grounds are home to approximately 2,000 Moso bamboo plants and feature a Japanese garden that embodies traditional landscaping art. The entire temple is picturesque and exudes an elegant atmosphere. Deep within the bamboo grove lies the tea house, Gyokuan, where visitors can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets in the tranquil bamboo garden. The main hall houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which is designated as a cultural heritage site by Kamakura City.

Due to the presence of approximately 2,000 Moso bamboo plants, it has been given the beautiful name "Bamboo Temple." Visitors can enjoy the elegant and picturesque Japanese garden, appreciating the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. They can savor matcha and Japanese sweets at the tea house "Kyūkōan," which boasts a scenic bamboo grove. Authentic zazen meditation and sutra copying experiences are also available. It takes about a 30-minute walk from Kamakura Station, and it is recommended to stroll while heading there.