Jan 29, 2013 - 1 min read

Kamakura's Myohon-ji Temple

The city's most beautiful temple - and best kept secret

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

There are gravestones here going back almost 1000 years

Gravesone up on a hill, overlooking the temple

Wood you can touch-wood you can sit on-for hours

Green trees flank the beautiful red gate

One reason Myohon-ji Temple is so lovely is its isolation. Way up a slope, surrounded by forest. Which is amazing considering it is only a 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station. One of the things I like here is the beautiful old wood of the temple stairs and of the porch that surrounds the temple building. You can touch it and sit on it. For hours. It also has fine carvings, old graves, and beautiful trees with cheerful chirping birds.

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Find out more about Myohonji Temple.

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By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

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Elena Lisina 4 years ago

I like the shots! Interesting!

Larry Knipfing Photographer 11 years ago

Terrie, it is easy to access. A smooth, paved road leads up and into the temple grounds, so biking there is no problem.

Anonymous 11 years ago

Larry: Loved the photo of the wispy spider web and the stone column behind it with ku-gatsu (September) engraved on it. By the looks of the foliage around the temple, it must have been August or September when you took the photos as well. How accessible is the temple by road? Can I bike there?