Kenchoji Temple

Kenchoji was founded in 1253 by Doryu Rankei, a Zen monk from the Sou Dynasty invited by the 3rd regent of the Kamakura Shogunate, Tokiyori Houjou.
Kenchoji ranks first among the “Kamakura Gozan temples”, the five high-class Zen temples in Kamakura. It is also the head temple of Rinzai sect Daihonzan Kenchoji Temple.
This temple was established as Japan’s first genuine training center exclusively for Zen Buddhism.
Because of this, Kenchoji is made in the Garan layout, a style specific to Zen Buddhist temples. In this layout, the Sanmon gate, Butsu-den (Buddha hall), Hatto (Lecture hall) stand in a straight line.
Sanmon gate, Butsu-den and Kara-mon (Chinese style gate) are designated as Japan’s Important Cultural Properties, and Bonsho (a huge temple bell) is designated as a national treasure.
This Bonsho is very special as it is referred to as Kamakura’s three best temple bells along with the ones in Enkakuji and Jourakuji.