The oldest Zen training monastery in Japan, founded in 1253, and ranked first among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples. Its main axis runs through a series of increasingly sacred spaces: the Sanmon gate, the Butsuden hall, the Hatto lecture hall, and behind it all, the karesansui dry garden said to have been designed by the founding abbot Rankei Doryu. The ancient juniper trees give the precinct an atmosphere of extraordinary age.
Behind the main complex, a path climbs to Hansobo shrine on the hillside above, with sweeping views over the city and down to the sea. A mountain trail continues from here to Zuisen-ji temple and eventually to Kakuon-ji. Active Zen temple; zazen sessions available. Admission around 500 yen.