Kita-Kamakura’s Engaku-ji Temple

This complex of temples has a long pavement leading into the inner grounds. Zen temples usually place their buildings in a line, and Engaku-ji is no exception. The main buildings are lined up along the center and the other 19 temples stand on both sides. In 1282 Hojo Tokimune (8th Regency of Kamakura Shogunate) established this temple for the repose of soldiers in the fight against old China in 1274 and 1281. Engaku-ji gained its central position in Japanese Zen with many famous priests, such as Muso Soseki. Its temple bell, at 2.5 meters, is the largest in Kamakura.