Enkakuji Temple

This is Enkakuji Temple, founded in 1282 by Tokimune Hojo and ranked second of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura. The great Kanto earthquake of 1923 destroyed a number of its buildings, but there's still plenty to see. Buy must buy an admission ticket to enter the temple compound.

The grounds are impressive. Take a seat on one of the benches and study your guidebook on the history of Kamakura (I find Insight Guide Japan very useful). You will read that among the chief sights here is an immense bronze bell which was cast in the year1301. You'll find the bell at the top of a flight of steep, stone steps up a hill on the right side of the compound. This bell, designated a national treasure by the Japanese, is the largest in Kamakura.

Photo 84, 1987

Enkakuji Temple

Building Detail

Photo 85, 1987