Mar 24, 2015 - 1 min read

Gokurakuji Temple in Kamakura

A pretty temple near Enoden Gokurakuji Station

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

The small gate of Gokurakuji Temple with a rare thatched roof

Looking at the main hall of Gokurakuji Temple through the wooden gate

Stone marker of Gokurakuji Temple

The wooden sign says 'Ryoju-san' in blue letters, meaning, 'spirits of eagles'

Narrow stone-paved pathway to the main hall with still bare cherry trees on both sides. It must be beautiful in spring!

Small branch of a plum tree with tiny white blossoms at the entrance

Looking up at the thatched roof. It's rare to find a temple with a thatched-roof gate!

History of Gokurakuji Temple shown at front of the gate

Little plum blossoms with thatched roof in a background

Plum blossoms blooming against the sky on a still cold late February day

Idyllic-looking gate of Gokurakuji Temple

White and pink blossoms under the sunshine

In late February this year, I visited Gokurakuji Temple in Kamakura City. It was just an coincidence that I stumbled across this temple. I was staying at Kamakura Prince Hotel I hailed a cab and asked a driver to take me to the nearest temple. He dropped me in front of Gokurakuji! I loved it as soon as I saw the pretty thatched roof of its main gate, which is rare to find even in Japan. Although the temple looks very small now, it used to be a gigantic temple complex with 49 small temples (see this article on Japan Travel for detailed history). To many visiting photographers' dismay, photography was banned inside the premises, so I can only show you the photos taken from outside. FYI, Gokuraku is a Buddhist Pure Land temple - or in Western terms, heaven!

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Takako Sakamoto

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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Elena Lisina

Elena Lisina 5 years ago

Takako-san, is the entrance to this temple free of charge?

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Elena Lisina

Elena Lisina 5 years ago

Arigatou, Takako-san! : )

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Yasir Dil

Yasir Dil 10 years ago

Very beautiful

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Takako Sakamoto

Takako Sakamoto Photographer 10 years ago

Thank you Mr. Yasir!

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