Engakuji Temple
Teruji Hagiwara
 (Japan Artists Association member)


Engakuji Temple


Number two of the five Kamakura temples, Engakuji temple was founded in 1282 by Mugaku Sogen under the sponsorship of Hojo Tokimune to commemorate the deaths of both Japanese and Mongolian soldiers killed duringthe Mongols' attempted invasion of Japan. This is the main temple of the Engakuji faction of the Rinzai Buddhist sect. Its main sanctuary houses a wooden statue depicting a seated Shakyamuni Gautama. The entrance steps up to the gate are spectacular with cedar trees on either side. The temple has 18 smaller temples in its grounds. Kamakura Goddess of Mercy No.33/ 33.

Enkakuji
Sigeo Yosioka (Mokuhan Urara Kai)





ü Tourist attractions include:Two national treasures - Bonsho, a bell, and Shariden, a building in the Chinese style popular during the Kamakura era, which is open to the public only on the first three days of the year. Other attractions include a view from Bentendo, a monument to Soseki Natsume, a novelist, in Kigenin.

ü Seasonal flowers: <spring> yulan at Butsunichian, cherry blossom and tree peony at Shoreiin<fall> beautiful coloring of leaves

ü Annual events: Tokimune Festival (April 4, at Butsunichian) Ventilation of the treasure house (around November 3) Benten Festival (November 28)

ü Time required: 30 minutes to two hours