Houkokuji

Our visit to Hokoku-ji Temple was a little bit of a consolation prize (and please know that when I say that, I am not demeaning this absolutely INCREDIBLE temple in ANY way); what I am saying is that, looking at our itinerary and realizing that a day trip to Kyoto (and by extension, the Arashiyama bamboo forest) was just not in the cards, but I still wanted to take my wife, sons, and myself, to see a magical bamboo forest. Thankfully, Kamakura was already on our list of stops, and after learning that Hokoku-ji had a similarly impressive bamboo forest path, visiting here had become a foregone conclusion. Google Maps claims it's a 30-minute walk from Kamakura Station; in reality, it's closer to 20 minutes, but in the summer heat and humidity, it feels more like an hour. Even then, it was worth it. There is an extremely modest entry fee to access the temple grounds (I believe it was around ¥500/person, so $3 USD or so), but once you are through the gates, you are almost immediately treated to one of the most gorgeous, verdant emerald cloisters you will ever encounter. Claustrophobic (in a good away), this narrow winding stretch of walkway winds about through the grounds of the temple, eventually terminating with a view of cliffside caves containing statues and shrines, ponds filled with koi, and cool, comforting, quiet, serene shade from the pervasive heat and humidity. It's a short path, but it'll stick with you. Sure, it's a little out of the way, in a semi-remote part of the Kamakura (there is a bus that runs from the station to the temple, so utilize those Suica cards, and save yourself the walk!), but as I mentioned, it's a more than adequate substitute for the overly-trafficked Arashiyama, much closer to Tokyo, and located in a city that has more than enough reasons to visit all by itself. If that's all you're looking to experience, you're in for a treat. But if you're ready to immerse yourself in all that Hokoku-ji has to offer, you'll find so much more here than you might suspect, and you won't want to be anywhere else.

This is a famous tourist spot in Kamakura. The bamboo forest is shorter than expected, but it has a lovely atmosphere. You can also enjoy matcha tea in a teahouse in the bamboo forest. There is a paid parking lot nearby, and there is also a bus from Kamakura Station, so we recommend taking that. A rickshaw is also recommended.

This place was very cute and totally worth visiting, especially if you're already in the Kamakura district. I arrived right when they opened at 9 AM, and there was already a bit of a line forming so definitely get there early if you want a quiet, peaceful experience without the crowds. I believe it was cash only, so I’d recommend bringing cash just in case. The grounds are small but lovely, with a really serene vibe that lets you take your time walking through and soaking everything in. Compared to the crowded bamboo forest in Kyoto, this one felt way more relaxed and enjoyable. There’s also a tea experience available for an extra ¥1,000. I didn’t do it myself, but friends who have say it’s absolutely worth it and adds a peaceful touch to the visit. If you haven’t done the Kyoto bamboo forest or found that one too hectic, this is a great alternative. Quiet, cute, and calming, definitely a place to slow down and just enjoy.

Amazing forest so peaceful and quiet! I read that some people were disappointed because it's little, we weren't! It's totally worth it! We took also a matcha in the forest and it was a beautiful experience to do 🍵✨🎍

If you do not go to Kyoto and want to see a nice garden with bamboo, I highly recommend coming here. It’s a nice day trip from Tokyo and you could easily spend an hour here. The garden is stunning! It is a bit out of the way but still easy to access. Not too many people but still quite a few. Great spot for photos.

Hōkoku-ji, often called the “Bamboo Temple,” is one of Kamakura’s most unique and enchanting places. Founded in the 14th century, it may be modest in size compared to some of Kamakura’s larger temples, but its true magic lies in the stunning bamboo grove that stretches behind the temple hall. Walking among the tall, whispering stalks of bamboo is an unforgettable experience, it feels like stepping into another world of peace and natural beauty. The temple grounds feature a charming main hall, a small moss garden, and stone paths leading into the grove. The bamboo forest is beautifully maintained and creates a calming, almost mystical atmosphere. It’s especially captivating on sunny days, when light filters gently through the bamboo stalks. Within the bamboo forest, there is a tea house where visitors can enjoy a traditional bowl of matcha green tea with Japanese sweets while gazing at the bamboo. This experience costs around 700 yen and is highly recommended, it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings. Admission to temple and bamboo grove: 300 yen Matcha tea with sweets: 700 yen Opening hours: 9:00 – 16:00, last entry at 15:30 (closed on Mondays, except public holidays). Hōkoku-ji is a truly exceptional place that combines history, spirituality, and nature in perfect harmony. The bamboo forest is one of the most memorable sights in Kamakura, offering a sense of serenity that’s hard to match. Whether you come to admire the bamboo, sip tea in a peaceful setting, or simply enjoy a quiet break from the city, Hōkoku-ji is an absolute must-visit.

Hokokuji's bamboo forest provides a naturally cool and contemplative atmosphere—particularly refreshing during the summer. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese hospitality by enjoying a cup of matcha tea while overlooking the verdant grove, an experience that truly encapsulates the temple's serene essence. - ¥400 entrance fee - ¥600 for matcha with bamboo forest in the background - Small scale - Free parking available but very limited

Houkokuji has a ¥400 entry fee for adults. You can also pay extra for a cup of green tea, which you can enjoy in a charming tea shed overlooking the bamboo grove, super relaxing experience. The bamboo forest here is like a smaller version of the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto, but it’s still really pretty and gives off a calm, peaceful vibe. A great spot to slow down and soak in the atmosphere!