The climb to Hansobo involves ascending approximately 250 steep stone steps through the forest, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip and allow 15-20 minutes for the uphill walk from the main Kenchoji Temple grounds.
At a Glance
Founded in 1890 after a local monk dreamed of Hansōbō appearing as a long-nosed monkey god, the shrine requires climbing 250 steps, with an additional 180 steep steps leading to an even higher viewpoint.
Hansōbō earned his nickname as 'rice monk' after saving a shipwrecked Zen monk (son of Emperor Daigo II) from Ming China in the 14th century and serving as his varlet, carrying his food.
This temple offers 1 different goshuin designs
Regular
The climb to Hansobo involves ascending approximately 250 steep stone steps through the forest, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip and allow 15-20 minutes for the uphill walk from the main Kenchoji Temple grounds.
The shrine marks the starting or ending point of the Ten-en Hiking Course, so consider extending your visit by continuing on this trail that stretches beyond the hilltop shrine into the surrounding mountains.
Look for the 12 statues of karasu (crow) tengu along the pathway leading up to the shrine, each depicted in different poses as protective attendants of Hansobo who guard Kenchoji Temple against fire.
Visit during early June to mid-July for blue hydrangeas blooming along the path, or in autumn when the maple trees create brilliant red foliage that blankets the walkway to the shrine.
Part of the Kencho-ji complex.
Not confirmed
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Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
Within 300 m Within 600 m
Timetable data: Public Transportation Open Data Center
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