Engaku-ji

Underrated attraction in Kamakura. If you get down from Kita-Kamakura station, the temple is just a few minutes walk away, and there are multiple temples within walking distance. Big temple ground and can spend around an hour here. There is a very nice/zen garden at the back - its giving Kyoto vibes but without the crowd!! If you’re interested in transcribing sutra, you can do so for ¥1500 (they provide you with all the materials, brush) A great experience for me!

Engaku-ji in Kamakura is among the most significant Zen temples in Japan. Tucked at the base of forested hills close to Kita-Kamakura Station, it presents an arresting mix of historical design and natural beauty. The temple grounds are large and peaceful, with stone walks, lovely timber rooms and seasonal flowers—particularly breathtaking in October. One of the biggest bells in Kamakura, the Great Bell (Ogane) accentuates its spiritual aura. Engaku-ji is ideal for people looking for a calm, meditative environment anchored in Zen tradition and history.

Nice temple away from the main city. Quite big and also has an area where you can have tea or coffee in traditional pottery for another fee. 500 yen per person for the entrance of the temple and 100 for the traditional outdoor cafe. Watch the locals do archery near the entrance of the temple

I was lucky enough to have a tour guide that took me here, this being an active Buddhist training center is amazing. There is so much to see and so many buildings. Personally I would recommend this over the Giant Buddha if I c would only out one.

Went here on a weekday, it was almost empty. It's usually overcrowded at the weekend. Great escape from the summer heat.

It's famous for its national treasure and the Buddhas tooth, but did not feel it was worth the entry price especially compared to the other spots in Kamakura. It felt more like a temple catapulted to fame due to tourism & closeness to Tokyo rather than grandeur. It did have some pretty flowers but there is another temple very close called meigetsu in, which is more famous for its flowers and garden. The main advantage to this seemed to be that its very close to the station and seemed like a logical place to start the tour.

Very beautiful on autumn, and some of the buildings in the complex are great, also, it was very quiet and peaceful, but... most places are private and you cannot access or only look from afar, and others you have to pay extra, which i think it's stupid. Make me pay for the whole thing and don't ask me for extra change later. The explanations in English give you zero context and you don't know what you are looking at. Some monks, some demos, some gods, but what's the impact in history? Why is the place important? What's artistically valuable for its history?

Quiet escape even in busy season. We had a small moss garden to ourselves.