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 🍵✨🎍

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.

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!

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.

A very scerene shrine surrounded by nature. Full of amazing landscapes, trees and bamboos. Theres an optional ticket that includes a drink in the tea house inside but we didnt get it.

Last year I was on a wild roller coaster ride where I needed a break. My Japan trip was my solution. I had several bookmarks where one of them was a day trip to Kamakura. Many tourists would flock to the famous Kotokuin Buddhist temple for the Great Buddha but not me. Instead, Hokokuji Buddhist temple was top on my list. Hokokuji, known for its bamboo garden, was high on my itinerary. I wanted to immerse myself in a peaceful and calm environment to bring myself back to equilibrium. I finally decided to take my day trip to Kamakura where I needed a few days of recovery time after experiencing bad turbulence on my 9 hr flight to Narita. The 2 hr train ride from JR Ikebukuro Station to Kamakura wasn't that bad at all on a calm and sunny Sunday morning. However, conditions changed as I arrived at Kamakura Station where I came across many foreign tourists buzzing around. I took a bus to Hokokuji to save some time and on the way over I noticed heavy foot traffic that led to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The atmosphere of Hokokuji is what I had anticipated when I arrived - - serenity. It's difficult to describe in words my initial reaction but it's as if the heaviness I've been experiencing for quite some time was lifted. On the morning I visited Hokokuji, to my delight the foot traffic was super light where I came across only a few other patrons during my stay. However, I met a pair of young boys who were treating Hokokuji as a playground by running and yelling. I immediately addressed to the boys' mothers to respect others as this is a temple and not a playground. For me, I just absolutely loved the bamboo garden. I took multiple photos and a video clip to document my time there. The tourist in me also opted for a selfie. There was a tea house nearby where I saw a handful of people enjoying refreshments. I had more pleasure just absorbing the Zen vibes this place radiates. Overall, I am so happy to have made my way over to Hokokuji in the early stages of my trip. I felt so recharged and rejuvenated after the heaviness was lifted. Highly recommended to make a stop here. Do your due diligence and be respectful of the Japanese, their culture, manners, the grounds, as well as others who visit here. 2025 #15

Houkokuji Temple / Kamakura -- Everyone knows to go see the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura (review: https://yelp.to/ZEVEQszrl4). Any travel guidebook will tell you that. However, I'm not sure how many tell you to come here which would be a shame to miss. It's in the other direction from the train station and about a half-hour walk from the main shopping street, Komachi Dori. There was an easy local bus to get here (Jomyoji stop), but we needed the FitBit steps anyway. It's somewhat hidden away up a slight hill, and once we walked through the relatively modest gate (photo: https://yelp.to/MJonQ8E7KM), we were struck by the beauty of the grounds and the amount of statuary along the path. Soon we were engulfed by the main attraction, the idyllic bamboo forest. Comparisons with Kyoto's larger and more famous Arashimaya were not unfounded (review: https://yelp.to/8voPUPWi6c). Both provide a level of unworldly serenity that reverberates with the winds that course through the reeds (photo: https://yelp.to/Yec4eFeecE). Base admission was ¥300 each, but we paid ¥900 for access to the tea house where we were served a traditional matcha green tea set (photo: https://yelp.to/bJgTH3SQT1). It was set up like the front row of a stadium with the show being the bamboo forest itself. There was a wait for open seats since there was no time limit set. Buddhist temples don't work that way. Speaking of which, the temple was almost the last thing we saw because it was quite modest compared to the expansive horticulture. We ended up taking the local bus back. Took less than ten minutes. RELATED - Exploring Japan? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2qrUBZo

Fabulous walk through a bamboo forest. What a fun, safe, relaxing adventure! It's a must see!

Hokoji is located a bit far from Kamakura station. You have to use either a bus or a taxi. The bus is the cheaper option. I used a bus. I walked to the temple. I saw a Japanese garden near the gate. I enjoyed the zen moment. The bamboo alley was breathtaking. It represents the beauty of Japanese nature. Sugo! (Amazing)

Definitely worth visiting in Kamakura! It reminded me of bamboo forest in Kyoto. 300yen to get in. If you wanna take a rest and enjoy a cup of green tea, you need to pay 900 yen at the time of entrance, not at the tea shop. If you wanna enjoy the bamboo garden longer sitting down, it would be cool. But remember the real Japanese green tea is pretty bitter, so if you know you won't like the tea, it is not really necessary...you can still enjoy the garden without it.

I was brought here by my friend while I was visiting Japan. If you are doing a day trip to the city of Kamakura, it is definitely worth having a look at this nearly 700 year old temple. What makes this temple unique from the other ones in the city is that is surrounded by a gorgeous bamboo forest. The entry fee is only 200 yen. For an additional fee of 500 yen, you can sit inside a teahouse and have a cup of hot matcha tea and candy and relax. We opted for the latter, though I wouldn't say it is necessary to enjoy this place.

Houkokuji temple belongs Rinzaishu. This was built in 1334. This is a famous tourist site as Bamboo temple in Kamakura. There is a large and splendid bamboo garden in the precincts of the temple. We can feel cool and mysterious atmosphere on it. Many bamboo are surround us. It's on the back side of the main temple and the entrance is on the left side of the main temple. And the bamboo garden charges the entrance fee at the toll booth on the right side of the entrance. Entrance fee is 200 yen. This is near Kamakura station of JR Yokosuka line and Enoshima Dentetsu line. However, this is a little far from the station. It takes about 30 minutes if we walk from the station. Or, we can use a bus which departs from the station and it takes about 15 minutes. The nearest bus stop is Joumyoji. This temple is the place of some pilgrimage rounds. (1)10th place of Kamakura celebrated 33 Kannon temples pilgrimage (2)8th place of Kamakura celebrated 13 Buddha temples pilgrimage (3)5th place in Kamakura of Tougoku Hananotera 100 kaji pilgrimage We can get "Goshuin" (handwritten sign and stamp of temples and shrines) at here. They offer some versions of Goshuin per pilgrimages. If you want them, you should visit the toll booth of Bamboo garden. They offer them at the right window of the toll booth. They charge 300 yen per one. I recommend you would see the bamboo garden while you wait Goshuin because we have to wait for a while after depositing own Goshuin collection book to the staff. If you get inside, then after seeing inside of the bamboo garden, you would receive Goshuin at the toll booth. Details about Goshuin is below. http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html 報国寺は鎌倉にある臨済宗の寺院です。 創建は建武元年(1334年)です。 この寺院は竹の寺として有名な観光スポットになっています。 境内には広大で素晴らしい竹の庭と呼ばれる竹林があります。 竹林に入ると神秘的で涼し気な雰囲気に包まれます。 とても素敵な場所です。 竹の庭は、本堂の裏側にあります。 入口は本堂の左側です。 竹の庭へ入るには拝観料を納める必要があります。 拝観料は200円で、入口の右側に料金所があります。 最寄り駅はJR横須賀線または江ノ島電鉄の鎌倉駅ですが、駅からはちょっと遠いです。 徒歩だと30分はかかります。 駅からバスが出ていますので、バスだと15分くらいで行けます。 最寄りのバス停は浄明寺です。 この報国寺は下記の霊場の巡礼場所になっています。 (1)鎌倉三十三観音霊場 第十番札所 (2)鎌倉十三仏霊場 第八番札所 (3)東国花の寺百ヶ寺 鎌倉5番札所 御朱印は竹の庭の料金所にて頂戴する事が出来ます。 料金所の右側の窓口になります。 上記の霊場毎の御朱印を授与して下さいます。 志納金は各々300円です。 御朱印を頂くには多少時間がかかりますので、御朱印帳を預けている間に竹の庭を散策される事をオススメします。 ゆっくりと散策をしてから窓口に戻って御朱印を受け取るのが良いでしょう。 御朱印については下記のリンク先にまとめてあります。 http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html

About an hour outside of Tokyo by easy subway ride, Kamakura is a gem of town in the nearby Kanagawa region. Kamakura, once the capital of Japan is filled with numerous Zen and Shinto temples and shrines, along with now vibrant shopping streets and innovative and delicious Street ABBA's interesting food shops. One of Kamakura's Smallish but beautiful boutique temples, Hokokuji is best known for its bamboo forest garden and the lovely Zen meditation tea house within the bamboo grove where visitors can enjoy a moment of calm and serenity. A must stop during a Visit.

Kamakura area was once the political center of Japan, and has many beautiful Temples to visit like Engakuji, Kenchoji, Jufukuji, Jochiji, Tokeiji, Hachimangu, Hasedera and a lot more there also is a great large bronze Budda Statue. The temples are very beautiful with beautiful gardens and ponds. Some of these temples are quite important temples and have a lot of history behind them. There are a lot of temples near the train station within walking distance so very convenient for tourists. I would highly recommend a visit here.

Nice place! Quiet! Calm! A lot of bamboo...super beautiful! 200 Yen admission fee Or 700 Yen for admission fee + Matcha tea. You can sit and sip your matcha at the reserved area with good view of bamboo forest.

- Lovely bamboo garden and matcha - Hours: 9 AM - 4PM Price: The Japanese garden and temple outside the bamboo garden doesn't cost anything, but you need to pay 200 yen if you want to see the bamboo garden. Add an extra 500 yen if you want to drink some hot matcha and have two sweet candy(?) while looking at the bamboo garden. Access: I walked 20 minutes from Kamakura station to Kenchoji because I've heard about its bamboo garden being very nice. There was literately nobody walking at the same time, and the road actually wasn't that easy to walk on because there's very little space for pedestrians on the road. The cars were so close to me that I was actually scared. I suggest taking the bus here. I believe there's a one day pass that includes bus/train in a small zone within kamakura station. Thoughts: The Japanese garden you see when you enter the temple is actually really nice and well maintained. A little pond, sand and rocks.. it has all of the nice elements of a Japanese garden. I believe you cannot get in the temple, so I didn't pay much attention to it. I paid 700 yen to see the bamboo garden while enjoying my matcha. The bamboos are really tall and it creates a really nice shade. I felt really calm and peaceful when I walked there. I liked the temples in Kita Kamakura, but I like this one the best because it's remote (not many people) and quiet.. Overall: I'd come again, oh and I've heard there's a good restaurant across from Houkokuji. I think I will try it next time if I go visit Kamakura again.