Nichiren Shoshu - Ankokuronji Temple

Ancient temple with a rich history and tradition since the founder,
Saint Nichiren, surrounded by lush greenery.

Ankokuronji Temple stands on the site where Nichiren, a revered figure from An'nan Province, built a humble grass hut upon his arrival in Kamakura in 1253 (fifth year of the Kenchō era). It was here that he penned "Risshō Ankoku Ron," a treatise expressing his earnest wish for national security and public well-being. The temple grounds are rich with historical significance, featuring the "Gohōkutsu" cave, Nichiren's original grass hut dwelling and the temple's very genesis. Also present is the "Nanmenkutsu" cave, where he sought refuge during the "Matsubagayatsu Persecution"—an attack by those who opposed his presentation of "Risshō Ankoku Ron" to the Shogunate—reportedly guided by a white monkey believed to be a messenger of the Mountain King. Finally, the grounds hold the cremation site of Nichiren's direct disciple, Nichirō. Renowned as one of Kamakura's premier 'flower temples,' Ankokuronji boasts an array of vibrant blossoms and striking autumn foliage year-round. Notable among these are the "Myōhō Sakura," a cherry tree said to have sprouted from Nichiren's staff, and ancient camellias, both recognized as city natural monuments."

Information

Tour of the grounds of Ankokuronji Temple

Welcome to Ankokuronji Temple, a place steeped in history and the profound legacy of Saint Nichiren. This temple stands on the very ground where Nichiren established his first grass hut in Kamakura, a pivotal site for the propagation of his teachings. As you explore the temple grounds, you'll discover numerous spots directly connected to Saint Nichiren's life and his enduring achievements. We invite you to walk in his footsteps, reflecting on his journey and the profound impact he made. The Main Hall and Kumao-den are open for worship, offering a serene space for contemplation, except during special religious ceremonies. Should you wish for a deeper understanding, we also offer special guided tours upon request. Please don't hesitate to inquire if you're interested in learning more.

Sanmon (Temple Gate)
This is a typical Chinese-style shikyakumon (four-legged gate) from the pre-modern period, rebuilt by the Owari Tokugawa family in 1746. It stands as the oldest wooden structure within the temple grounds. Notably, the inscription "Ankoku hokutsu" gracing the gate was penned by Sasaki Bunzan in 1691, predating the gate's construction by a short period.

Hondo (Main Hall)
Though relatively new, having been rebuilt in 1962, the Main Hall boasts an unusual and striking design: it stands entirely without internal pillars. This innovative architecture creates a space that feels both sacred and remarkably spacious and open. The primary object of worship here is the Great Mandala of the Ten Realms, with a statue of Nichiren Shonin enshrined before it. The statue depicts him looking as young and vigorous as he was when he penned "Rissho Ankoku Ron."

Gosho-an (Small Hall)
Goshoan serves as a worship hall for the Gohokutsu (Sacred Cave), with which it is connected by a corridor. This magnificent hall, constructed entirely of zelkova wood, was a generous donation from the Owari Tokugawa family at the end of the Edo period (1603-1868).
[ Not open to public ]

Gohokutsu (Sacred Cave)
The Gohokutsu is a sacred rock cave located behind the Gosho-an. This significant site is where Nichiren Shonin once resided, and it is traditionally believed that he composed his pivotal work, "Rissho Ankoku Ron," within this very cave.
[ Not open to public ]

Nanmen Kutsu (South Facing Cave)
The Nanmenkutsu Cave is the site where Nichiren Shonin took refuge during the Matsubagayatsu Incident. It is said that he was guided by white monkeys, believed to be messengers of the Mountain King, to escape the attack and spend the night here. This cave is located halfway up the hillside, next to the cremation site of Nichiro Shonin. Legend has it that after dawn, the white monkeys again led him along the ridge, allowing him to escape to the present-day Enpaku-san Hosshoji Temple.

Kumao-den (Kumao Hall)
This hall is dedicated to Kumao Daizenjin, enshrined by Kumaomaru, a devoted follower of Nichiren Shonin. It is believed to offer blessings for various ailments, including climacteric symptoms, eye diseases, and toothaches, which historically attracted a multitude of worshippers. The current hall, subtly nestled into the rock face, was built in 1994.

Fujimidai (Mt.Fuji Scenic Point)
Ascend the steep steps next to Kumao-den to Fujimi-dai, offering panoramic views from Kamakura Station to Yuhigahama Beach, with the Izu Peninsula and Oshima Island in the distance. On clear days, Mt. Fuji is visible, a spot where Nichiren Shonin is said to have chanted the Odaimoku. Continue along the ridge to the Shoro (bell tower), housing the "Rissho Ankoku no Kane," then to Nanmenkutsu (south-facing cave). This 15-minute circular route, starting and ending at the Main Hall, provides a reflective journey through Nichiren Shonin's time.

Kannon-do (Kannon Hall)
Built in 2015, this hall is dedicated to Namu Saiwai Kanzeon Bosatsu. It also functions as a versatile social hall with a capacity for approximately 100 people, hosting a variety of events such as refreshments after services, cultural classes, corporate meetings, and other gatherings. Remarkably, the remains of a samurai residence dating from the late Kamakura period are preserved in its basement. (not open to the public).

Nichirou Shonin Crematorium
Nichiro Shonin, a devoted disciple of Nichiren Shonin from Matsubagaya, was exceptional in his service, becoming a leading figure among his master's followers. Nichiren Shonin even named him one of his six main successors. Upon his death in 1320, Nichiro Shonin requested cremation at the place of his ordination. His remains were brought from Ikegami to this very spot, which is now recognized as his cremation site. The current hall was built in 1982.

Kesho Kutsu (Cave of Evil Spirits)
Suzuri Mizu no Ido (Well for His Writing)
Nestled in an enclave of the temple precinct is the Kesho-kutsu, also known as Kesho-iwaya. This site was once troubled by mischievous evil spirits. Upon his arrival in Kamakura, Nichiren Shonin chanted and offered blessings here, successfully dispelling these spirits. It's said he even spent his first night at this very spot. Adjacent to the Kesho-kutsu, you'll find the Suzuri Mizu no Ido, or the Well of Suzuri Mizu. Legend has it that Nichiren Shonin used water from this well to prepare his ink when writing his pivotal work, "Rissho Ankoku Ron." Both the Kesho-kutsu and the well were renovated in 1997.

Myoho zakura (Old Cherry Tree)
Natural Monument of Kamakura City
On the right side of Goshoan stands an ancient cherry tree known as Myoho-zakura, a name that translates to "cherry of wonderful dharma" in Japanese. Legend has it that this very tree grew from the staff of Nichiren Shonin when he placed it in the ground, which is why it is also affectionately called Otsue-zakura (cherry of the stick). This significant tree has been designated as a natural monument by Kamakura City.

Sasanqua
Natural Monument of Kamakura City
Every year, typically in mid-November, the sasanqua camellias at the temple begin to display their beautiful white blossoms. The sasanqua tree located on the left in front of the Main Hall is particularly notable; it's a famous specimen that still retains the characteristics of sasanquas bred and improved during the mid-Edo period. This historical tree has been designated as a natural monument by Kamakura City.

About visiting the temple

However, in order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection, we kindly request that you wear a mask. In addition, please be mindful of your own health condition, such as fever, before visiting the temple. We ask that you please visit in small groups. Thank you for your cooperation.

Opening hours of the temple or shrine:
Opening gate at 9:00 am, with the gate closing at 4:30 pm. The gate is closed on Mondays (open on national holidays).

Entrance fee is 100 yen, and payment is accepted in cash only. If you have a disability certificate, please present it and you, along with one accompanying person, will be admitted free of charge.

Special visit and Practice and Dharma Talk

At the temple, there are two types of worship services: general worship for those who wish to explore the temple on their own and special worship services guided by a mountain staff member or others. Additionally, there is a special experience of listening to a Buddhist priest instructing students in the practice of Buddhism and giving a Dharma talk.
To participate in a special visit or practice and Dharma talk, please apply in advance with a minimum of 5 people, except for general admission. Please inquire in advance for further details.

General visit: 100 yen per person. There is no group discount, but admission is free for those with a disability certificate.
Special visit: 500 yen per person (45 minutes). This includes guided tours of the temple, including treasures and places not open to the public.
English-language viewing: 500 yen per person (45 minutes). This is a special guided tour of the temple grounds by the chief priest in English.
Shodaigyo and Dharma Talks: 500 yen per person (45 minutes). This includes instruction in the practice of Buddhist chanting and a Dharma talk by the chief priest.
English Practice and Dharma Talks: 500 yen per person (45 minutes). This includes instruction in the practice of Buddhist chanting and a Dharma talk by the chief priest in English.

Note: The temple is closed every day of the week (except during the higan period and national holidays).

Transportation.

To help prevent traffic congestion and environmental pollution, there is no parking available at the temple. We kindly ask that you use public transportation instead.

If you're coming from JR Kamakura Station, it's about a 15-minute walk to Ankoku Ronji Temple. We encourage you to take a leisurely stroll through the old Kamakura town and enjoy the scenery in all four seasons.

From JR Kamakura Station East Exit, it's about a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to the temple. If you prefer to take the bus, you can take the Keikyu Bus "to Zushi Station via Nagoe - Kama30" or "to Midorigaoka Iriguchi - Kama31" and get off at the "Nagoe" bus stop. The bus stop is approximately 3 minutes' walk from the temple.