Hokoku-ji Temple (Bamboo Temple)

Hokokuji Temple (Bamboo Temple) is a temple in Kamakura City known for its beautiful bamboo forest. The temple grounds are home to about 1,000 bamboo trees, standing at a height of approximately 25 meters, and visitors can enjoy the different beauty of the forest depending on the season. Taking a stroll through the bamboo forest is sure to provide a peaceful and calming experience. Additionally, you can enjoy a cup of matcha while gazing at the bamboo forest from the tea room. We invite you to use all five senses to feel the refreshing atmosphere of the bamboo forest.

Hokokuji Temple (Bamboo Temple) is one of the classic tourist spots in Kamakura. The day trip model course for Kamakura sightseeing includes a tour of temples and shrines, starting with Hokokuji Temple. Hokokuji Temple is located to the east of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, which is the center of Kamakura. It's a little far from the direction of Enoshima, so we recommend combining it with the Kitakamakura area to the north of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Jomyoji Temple, one of the Kamakura Gozan (Five Mountains), is also located nearby. By visiting Hokokuji Temple, Jomyoji Temple, Kenninji Temple, and Engakuji Temple in Kitakamakura, you can feel the history of Kamakura.

Hokokuji Temple is a temple famous for its bamboo grove, but by learning about its history, you can enjoy Kamakura's sights even more deeply. Many people think that Hokokuji Temple was founded during the Kamakura period due to its location, but in fact, it was founded during the Ashikaga family's rule in 1334. It was founded by the Ashikaga family, who were the power holders following the end of the Kamakura period. Kamakura's temples reflect the Buddhist policies of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. When you visit the temple, be sure to read its history as well.

During spring and summer, many people from both Japan and abroad visit Hokokuji Temple to enjoy the fresh green bamboo forest. However, some may feel that it's too crowded to fully enjoy the experience. For those people, we recommend visiting in winter! Since it's a harsh season, there are fewer tourists, allowing you to feel the serene atmosphere of the bamboo forest. Additionally, some trees besides bamboo are also colored in autumn leaves, providing a beautiful collaboration between the red leaves and bamboo.

At Hokokuji Temple (Bamboo Temple), it's recommended to take a stroll in a kimono. Walking through the bamboo forest in a kimono enhances the Japanese atmosphere even more. In the tea room, you can enjoy matcha and experience the atmosphere of traditional Japanese people from before the Edo period. When visiting Kamakura, why not enjoy a stroll through the bamboo forest of Hokokuji Temple in a kimono?