Admission
Free
Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
At a Glance
The temple's offering bell is rung by pulling a rope that strikes a gong, creating a distinctive warm 'bwaaang' sound that resonates throughout the grounds, unlike typical bells at other temples.
Hongaku-ji sells unique 'nigirifuku' (握り福) amulets representing five blessings: love, health, wealth, learning, and fortune. Believers say gripping each charm daily will grant that specific wish.
This temple offers 1 different goshuin designs
Regular
¥500
Free
The temple remains open until around 5pm with lights still on, and as a Nichiren sect temple, it maintains an open policy without admission fees. Locals often use the grounds as a shortcut, reflecting its welcoming community atmosphere.
If you suffer from eye problems, consider offering prayers here as Hongaku-ji is known as the 'temple effective for eyes' with a specific faith tradition for healing eye ailments.
Visit during summer to see the tall lotus flowers in full bloom, or come during different seasons to enjoy the variety of seasonal flowers throughout the temple grounds. The natural beauty adds to the temple's peaceful atmosphere.
The temple is located just 3-5 minutes walking from Kamakura Station's east exit, near the post office. Despite being in the center of town, it receives fewer tourists than the main Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, making it ideal for a peaceful visit.
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Maximilian Habsburg-LothringenPro checked inLocation matched
Maximilian Habsburg-LothringenPro shared a goshuin
Hongaku-ji Kamakura 1 Chome-12-12 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0006, Japan
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The divine spirits venerated at this sacred place
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Fascinating facts about this place
The temple's offering bell is rung by pulling a rope that strikes a gong, creating a distinctive warm 'bwaaang' sound that resonates throughout the grounds, unlike typical bells at other temples.
Hongaku-ji sells unique 'nigirifuku' (握り福) amulets representing five blessings: love, health, wealth, learning, and fortune. Believers say gripping each charm daily will grant that specific wish.
Despite being just 3-5 minutes from bustling Kamakura Station, locals regularly use the temple grounds as a shortcut through town, making it an unusually integrated part of daily neighborhood life.
Known as the 'temple effective for eyes,' Hongaku-ji has been a pilgrimage site for those seeking relief from eye diseases and vision problems for generations.
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