This temple belongs to the Tendai school of Buddhism and is named Kinryuzan – Shakumanin – Endon – Hokaiji. Hokaiji was constructed in 1335 by order of Emperor Godaigo (1288-1339) , and founded by priest Enkan-Echin-Jii (1281-1356) , preceptor of five emperors.
This site was where the Komachi residence of the Hojos , for nine generations to Takatoki Hojo , had been located until this regent family of the Kamakura government fell in May , 1333.
Emperor Godaigo ordered Takauji Ashikaga to build this temple in order for the repose of deceased Hojos.
Jii held a Kaidanin here , a school of the Lotus doctrine , the Tendai esoteric Buddhism , the Zen meditation. the Hahyana precept and Vinaya practices. The Kaidanin was well known as one of the four scattered in the country – three others were in Yakushiji of Kaga – Hakusan , Tomyoji of Iyo and Chinkoji of Tsukushi.
Yuiken , who succeeded Jii , enshrined a Kankitenson – Buddhist image of harmony . He also developed learning methods at the Kaidanin and prayed exclusively for peace of the country.
In 1538 , all the edifices burned down . Tenkai , founder of Kaneiji , requested Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa in the beginning of the Edo era that Hokaiji being an important temple of the Tendai school in the eastern part of the country should be officially supported and maintained .
At present , Hokaiji continues to play its important role of being a place for learning the Buddhist teachings .
In order to prevent COVID-19 infections, please be sure to wear a mask and sanitize your hands before entering the temple.
Please refrain from eating and drinking in the temple grounds and the main hall. Visitors may enter the main hall. Photography is prohibited inside the hall.
Address
3-5-22, Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture 248-0006, Japan
Phone : 0467-22-5512
Fax : 0467-22-5988
Opening hours
April – September
9 : 30 – 15 : 30 (Weekdays)
9 : 00 – 16 : 30 (Weekend)
October – March
9 : 30 – 16 : 00
Admission Fees
General Admission fee (Age 16+) : 200 yen
Children (Age 7 – 15) : 100 yen
copyright (C) 2018 Hokaiji Temple.