Buddhist temple
Engaku-ji
円覚寺（えんがくじ）
Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
The head temple (daihonzan) of the Rinzai school's Engaku-ji branch, in Kita-Kamakura. The Buddha hall enshrines the principal image, called Hōkan Shaka Nyorai from its crowned form, and the temple buildings are lined up along the terrain of the valley (yato).
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Hōkan Shaka Nyorai
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it was founded in Kōan 5 (1282) by the regent Hōjō Tokimune, with Zen master Mugaku Sogen, invited from Song China, as its founding abbot. The temple's guide says that it was vowed in the hope of spreading Zen and protecting the nation, and to mourn, without distinction between friend and foe, those who lost their lives in the Mongol invasions. In the late Edo period Daiyū Kokushi restored its buildings, and from the Meiji period onward many talented people gathered under Imakita Kōsen and Shaku Sōen.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 円覚寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
This site is independent of the shrines, temples, and other websites mentioned. No partnership or endorsement is implied.