Temples and shrines in Kamakura

Kamakura's Sacred Sites

Kamakura serves as the spiritual heart of Kanagawa Prefecture, housing some of Japan’s most significant Zen Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. This collection features Kenchō-ji and Engaku-ji, the top-ranked of the city's Five Great Zen Temples, alongside the historic Tsurugaoka Hachimangū. Visitors can explore unique sites like Zeniarai Benzaiten, where tradition involves washing money for good fortune, and the ancient Amanawa Shinmei Shrine, dating back to 710. From the hillside views at Hase-dera to the secluded red torii gates of Sasuke Inari, these sites represent centuries of Japanese religious architecture and history.

Kamakura's Sacred Sites — Map

Urashimataro / Public domain

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Tsurugaoka Hachimangü Shrine

Tsurugaoka Hachimangū is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Fg2 / Public domain

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Engaku-ji

Zuirokusan Engaku Kōshō Zenji, or Engaku-ji, is one of the most important Zen Buddhist temple complexes in Japan and is ranked second among…

Zairon / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Kenchō-ji Temple

Kenchō-ji is a Rinzai Zen temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, which ranks first among Kamakura's so-called Five Great Zen…

Urashimataro / Public domain

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Hasedera Museum

Hase-dera, commonly called the Hase-kannon is one of the Buddhist temples in the city of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, famous…

Junichi / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Hase-dera temple

Hase-dera, commonly called the Hase-kannon is one of the Buddhist temples in the city of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, famous…

ohkubo / CC BY-SA 3.0

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sasuke inari shine

Sasuke Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kamakura and the site of the Hidden Village of Kamakura.

豊嶋典七郎 / CC BY-SA 4.0

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zeniarai benzaiten

Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine, popularly known simply as Zeniarai Benten, is a Shinto shrine in Kamakura, Kanagawa, Kanagawa prefecture…

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Moto Hachiman

Moto Hachiman is a small but very old and historically important Shinto shrine in Kamakura, Kanagawa Pref., Japan.

Twkz0731 / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Amanawa Shinmei Shrine

Amanawa Shinmei Shrine was founded in 710 and is the oldest Shinto shrine in Kamakura. It is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu.

kamakura / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Ryūkō-ji (Fujisawa)

Ryūkō-ji is a temple of the Nichiren Shū in the city of Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

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Kamakura's Absolute Essentials Kamakura Parks and Gardens Kamakura Heritage Trail