Houkokuji — Attraction in Kamakura

Hokokuji Temple is a hidden gem in Kamakura, slightly off the beaten track for most visitors, but absolutely worth the effort to visit! This beautiful temple offers a serene and unique experience that sets it apart from the more popular spots in the area. The temple is known for its stunning bamboo forest, which creates a tranquil and almost otherworldly atmosphere. Walking through the tall, whispering bamboo, you feel as though you’ve stepped into a different world, far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

There is a small entry fee to enter Hokokuji Temple, but I highly recommend paying a little extra for the tea service. For this additional fee, you get to enjoy a bowl of authentic, freshly made matcha while sitting on a crescent moon-shaped balcony that overlooks the bamboo forest. This experience is truly one of a kind and something you won’t find at other temples. Sipping on the rich, earthy matcha while gazing out at the towering bamboo is a moment of pure peace and reflection that lingers long after you leave.

The walking route around the temple isn’t too long, making it a manageable visit for all ages. However, for ease of access, we chose to drive here by rental car, which made it easier to move on to the next location in Kamakura, especially if you’re on a day trip. The temple is a bit secluded, so having a car definitely adds convenience to your journey.

One thing to note is that the tea service ends around 4 pm, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid missing out, as we did on our previous visit. We were so disappointed the last time that we made a point to return to Kamakura just to visit Hokokuji Temple again. This time, we came early, and it was absolutely worth it. The early visit also meant fewer crowds, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the peaceful surroundings.

In summary, Hokokuji Temple offers a unique and serene experience that is well worth the trip. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese gardens, bamboo forests, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, this temple is a must-visit. The combination of the beautiful bamboo forest, the authentic matcha tea experience, and the peaceful ambiance makes Hokokuji Temple a standout destination in Kamakura. I highly recommend making the effort to visit if you find yourself in the area – it’s a special experience that you...

Our visit to Hokoku-ji Temple was a little bit of a consolation prize (and please know that when I say that, I am not demeaning this absolutely INCREDIBLE temple in ANY way); what I am saying is that, looking at our itinerary and realizing that a day trip to Kyoto (and by extension, the Arashiyama bamboo forest) was just not in the cards, but I still wanted to take my wife, sons, and myself, to see a magical bamboo forest.

Thankfully, Kamakura was already on our list of stops, and after learning that Hokoku-ji had a similarly impressive bamboo forest path, visiting here had become a foregone conclusion. Google Maps claims it's a 30-minute walk from Kamakura Station; in reality, it's closer to 20 minutes, but in the summer heat and humidity, it feels more like an hour. Even then, it was worth it.

There is an extremely modest entry fee to access the temple grounds (I believe it was around ¥500/person, so $3 USD or so), but once you are through the gates, you are almost immediately treated to one of the most gorgeous, verdant emerald cloisters you will ever encounter. Claustrophobic (in a good away), this narrow winding stretch of walkway winds about through the grounds of the temple, eventually terminating with a view of cliffside caves containing statues and shrines, ponds filled with koi, and cool, comforting, quiet, serene shade from the pervasive heat and humidity. It's a short path, but it'll stick with you.

Sure, it's a little out of the way, in a semi-remote part of the Kamakura (there is a bus that runs from the station to the temple, so utilize those Suica cards, and save yourself the walk!), but as I mentioned, it's a more than adequate substitute for the overly-trafficked Arashiyama, much closer to Tokyo, and located in a city that has more than enough reasons to visit all by itself. If that's all you're looking to experience, you're in for a treat. But if you're ready to immerse yourself in all that Hokoku-ji has to offer, you'll find so much more here than you might suspect, and you won't want to be...

SURREAL AND ENERGETIC LOCATION

When you see the entrance to main temple you immediately appreciate the level of zen you are about to enter with perfectly crafted gates guarding the entrance to a wonderful mystic green garden before meeting the simple but small bamboo woodland.

Obviously you have to pay to enter like nearly everywhere in Japan but the small payment for maintaining such beauty is well worth the yen. As you enter the main area after paying you immediately face a bamboo forest that overwhelms the senses and makes you immediately want to take selfies.

The area is really beautiful and peaceful with few tourists and time to contemplate on the zen modelled greenery before your eyes. The temple is pretty unique too with its own personality and posture within this natural beauty.

The bamboo area is pretty small around 100 square metres but that's all that is needed to impress the senses and enjoy time out from your travels. With an added bonus of drinking some green tea matcha whilst observing the bamboo woodland and a running water feature at the same time.

Unfortunately we thought we were going to be involved in a green tea ceremony as stated at the entrance however when we got to the green tea area we were met by a long queue of people waiting to sit down on a bench in front of the bamboo forest. Waiting in line to get a number then sitting and waiting again to get your green tea.

Don't get me wrong but the green tea was really nice and sitting in front of the bamboo area but the way everything was carried out was a little misleading as we were expecting a tea ceremony as stated. However we enjoyed every moment but still have it a 4/5.

Recommendations Enjoy a lovely part of the area walking through the beautiful scenic woodland and see the tombs and caves.

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