Houkokuji is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in eastern Kamakura, famous for its serene bamboo grove and quiet hillside setting. Nicknamed the “Bamboo Temple,” it offers a calm atmosphere, historic halls, and a popular retreat from the city.

Historic

Zen Temple

Hidden Gems

Mountain Temple

Bamboo Grove

Why you should go

Houkoku-ji belongs to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, one of Japan's major Zen traditions.

Houkoku-ji is stop No. 10 on the historic Kamakura 33 Kannon pilgrimage route, with its original Sho Kannon statue now preserved in the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures.

Houkoku-ji is nicknamed the 'Bamboo Temple,' a direct nod to its famous bamboo grove.

The temple houses a statue of Kashyap by the famous Takuma school of painters, which earned it the nickname 'Takuma-dera,' though the original was destroyed by fire in 1891.

How do I visit?

Admission

Adult (18+)¥400

Location

Know before you go

Plan to spend time in the bamboo grove during different times of day if possible, as the changing light creates dramatically different atmospheres in the forest.
Come for a quiet visit if you want a calm retreat; Houkoku-ji is noted for a serene bamboo grove and a quiet hillside setting away from the city.
Visit the bamboo grove tea house where you can enjoy a traditional matcha tea ceremony surrounded by towering Moso bamboo plants in dappled natural light. This experience offers a peaceful retreat and is one of the temple's most popular features.
Prioritize the bamboo grove on your route; it is the temple's signature sight and the main reason many visitors come to Houkoku-ji.
Choose Houkoku-ji when you want a quieter Kamakura temple experience; its hillside location and calm grounds suit low-key visits.
The bamboo grove creates unique lighting conditions with filtered, dappled sunlight, so adjust your camera settings accordingly for the best photographs of the tall, sweeping bamboo plants.