Kamakura

Daibutsu, Kamakura

2013-11 (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura

2006-05, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura

2004-04, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura

2012-03, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura

2013-10, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Hasedera, Kamakura

2012-08 (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Hasedera, Kamakura

2012-08 (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Kamakura

Kamakura is a small historical city located at 50km south of Tokyo. In 1192 a capital of the first military government was established here by Minamoto Yoritomo, founder of the Kamakura shogunate. (At the same time an official capital embracing the Emperor existed in Kyoto.)

There are more than 80 historical temples and shrines in Kamakura. Temples in Kamakura are mainly for Zen Buddhzm and are keeping exquisite atmosphere with simplicity, tranquility, and harmony with nature. 

Engakuji Temple

Shariden, Engakuji Temple, Kamakura

2013-10, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Engakuji Temple, Kamakura

2013-10, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Hojyo, Engakuji Temple, Kamakura

2013-10, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Engakuji Temple, Kamakura

2008-06, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Engakuji Temple, Kamakura

2006-05, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Hojyo, Engakuji Temple, Kamakura

2013-10, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Sanmon, Engakuji Temple, Kamakura

2012-08 , (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Engakuji Temple, Kamakura

2006-05, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Engakuji Temple

Engakuji was built by Hojo Tokimune in 1282, after two invasion attempts by Mongols were reverted, in order to express his gratitude of the victory and to pay respect to the fallen Japanese and Mongolian soldiers. Enkakuji often provides Zazen courses open to public.

Shariden

Shrine of scared tooth of Buddha

Meigutsuin Temple

Meigetsuin Temple, Kamakura

2004-06, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Irises Bloom, Meigetsuin Temple, Kamakura

2004-06, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Backyard Garden, Meigetsuin Temple, Kamakura

2004-06, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Karesansui Garden, Meigetsuin Temple, Kamakura

2004-04, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Sanmon, Meigetsuin Temple, Kamakura

2006-05, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Meigetsuin Temple, Kamakura

2004-06, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Gasshoken Teahouse, Meigetsuin Temple, Kamakura

2006-05, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Irises Bloom, Meigetsuin Temple, Kamakura

2008-06, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Irises Bloom, Meigetsuin Temple, Kamakura

2008-06, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Meigetsuin Temple

is one example of a small Zen Buddhzm temple in Kamakura. It has exquisite simple atmosphare and harmony with nature.  Meigetsuin is well-known for Ajisai (Hydrangea), and the temple is full of hydrangea flowers in June.

Iris

Although hydrangea is the most famous flower of this temple, people can enjoy varaiety of flowers in every season. Iris in rainy season is also beautiful.

Kentyoji Temple

Sanmon, Kentyoji Temple, Kamakura

2004-11, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Butsuden, Kentyoji Temple, Kamakura

2006-05, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Butsuden and Hatto, Kentyoji Temple, Kamakura

2006-05, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Butsuden, Kentyoji Temple, Kamakura

2008-06, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Hatto, Kentyoji Temple, Kamakura

2008-06, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Hojyo, Kentyoji Temple, Kamakura

2006-05, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Hojyo and Karamon, Kentyoji Temple, Kamakura

2006-05, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Kentyoji Temple, Kamakura

2008-06, (C) Sei Yoshimoto

Kentyoji Temple

Kenchoji was built by Hojo Tokiyori in 1253. It is the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan and is the first-ranked of the five great Zen temples in Kamakura.

Hojyo

Hojyo was a chief priest's residence, but now is used for reliegious services.
This is an experimental page being prepared for NPO InterCoS to introduce Kamakura.
Photos are taken by using Canon EOS-5D or EOS-20D. Copyright Seiji Yoshimoto 2006