5月は風が香る月で気温が上昇することにうんざりしている人に、都会の暑さから逃れて鎌倉エリアの名寺を訪れることを提案している。神奈川県には古寺や名寺が数多くあり、アジサイなどの花が咲く季節でもある。建長寺や長谷寺、光明寺、杉本寺、東慶寺など名寺を紹介し、それぞれの特色や見どころを説明している。暑さ対策を忘れずに、自然に囲まれた環境でリラックスするために寺院を訪れることを勧めている。
May is a month when the wind carries a sweet scent, but many people may be tired of the rising temperatures. Why not escape the heat of the city and visit a historic temple surrounded by lush greenery? Especially in the Kamakura area of Kanagawa Prefecture, there are many ancient temples where hydrangeas and other flowers bloom in full glory during this season.
So, in this article, we will introduce some temples that you should visit in early summer from the “Sarai.jp” series “Travel Diary of Kamakura Temples.” Please note that the visiting hours and admission fees of these temples may have changed, so make sure to check before you visit.
■ Japan’s First Authentic Zen Temple with Plenty of Attractions |
“Kenchoji Temple” is the first of the Kamakura Gozan, the five most important Zen temples in Kamakura, and is well-known as the head temple of the Kenchoji sect of the Rinzai school. It is also Japan’s first complete Zen temple.
There are many attractions such as the national treasure bell, the important cultural property Sanmon gate, the main hall housing the Jizo Bodhisattva, and the gardens. The temple retains the dignity of a Zen garden temple to this day.
Kenchoji Temple | Highlights of the Prime Temple of Kamakura Gozan [Travel diary of the famous temple of Kamakura 1]
■ Kamakura’s Oldest Temple with Japan’s Largest Wooden Buddha | Hasedera Temple
Hasedera Temple was founded in 736 during the reign of Emperor Shomu. The main statue of Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva is 9.18 meters tall, making it the largest wooden statue in Japan. The Kannon Museum adjacent to the main hall exhibits the main statue, along with the source of trust thirty-three statues (Kamakura city’s designated cultural property) and the national treasure bell.
Visitors can enjoy unique experiences at Hasedera Temple, such as gaining the same merits as reciting all sutras by rotating a large revolving bookshelf and viewing about 2,500 hydrangeas of approximately 40 varieties that bloom in early summer.
Hasedera Temple | Unraveling the Mystery of the Giant Eleven-Faced Kannon Statue [Travel diary of famous temples of Kamakura 2]
■ Astonishing Sanmon Gate and Spacious Main Hall | Komyoji Temple
Komyoji Temple, with its grand gate and main hall, was founded in 1243. The Sanmon gate is a solemn two-story building with a Japanese-style lower part and a Tang-style upper part. The plaque of “Tenshosan” in the center is said to be handwritten by Emperor Go-Hanazono. In addition to the main statue of the Amida Tristatue, the temple houses the Standing Semi-Statue of Nyoirin Kannon, one of the Seven Kannon Statues.
In late May, the azaleas color the outline of the stone garden, and in July, the deep red lotus in the pond blooms all at once, delighting visitors.
Komyoji Temple | Overwhelming Power of the Largest Gate and Main Hall in Kamakura [Travel diary of famous Kamakura temples 3]
■ Moss-Covered Stone Steps of Kamakura’s Oldest Temple |
“Sugimoto Temple” is the oldest temple in Kamakura, founded in 734. The main hall was built on the site where a statue of Kannon, carved by Gyoki based on a revelation of Empress Komyo, was enshrined. The moss-covered stone steps beyond the Niomon gate are mystical. Currently, the stone steps are closed to traffic due to severe erosion.
The head temple of Sugimoto Temple, Hojoji, was established by Ashikaga Takauji to appease the spirits of the Hojo clan and as a dojo for nurturing national treasures according to the imperial decree of Emperor Go-Daigo. There are over 100 varieties of flowers planted, allowing visitors to enjoy flowers of all four seasons.
Sugimoto Temple and Hojoji | Moss-Covered Stone Steps of Kamakura’s Oldest Temple [Travel diary of famous temples of Kamakura 5]
■ Secluded Tatami Room Surrounded by Seasonal Flowers |
Tokkeiji, also known as Kakukoji and Enkakuji, is famous for being depicted in works of many Kamakura literati and for having many literary monuments erected in the precincts. It is a temple associated with literati culture. The figure is well-known.
Jochiji, located a short walk from Tokkeiji towards Kamakura Station, houses a main hall with three Buddha statues that embody the wishes of past, present, and future beings. Next to it is a tatami room built in the Taisho era. Surrounded by plants that bloom in each season, it provides a cool and serene space even in the midst of the summer heat.
Tokkeiji・Jochiji | Temples Associated with Cultural Figures in North Kamakura [Travel diary of famous Kamakura temples 7]
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While it’s nice to stay in an air-conditioned room to beat the heat, it’s also recommended to go out into nature surrounded by greenery. Don’t forget to take precautions against the heat and go out to relax.
Written by: Editorial Team