Overview
Kofuku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Midori-ku, Sagamihara, belonging to the Kenchoji school of the Rinzai Zen sect. Its full name is Hashimotosan Kofuku-ji, and its head temple is Kenchoji, the renowned Zen monastery in Kamakura. Though it sits close to the urban center of Hashimoto, once you pass through its gate a calm precinct opens up, revealing a quiet Zen temple deeply rooted in the local community. It is understated yet carries the composed, dignified air characteristic of Rinzai Zen.
Highlights
- ●A dignified Zen precinct of the Kenchoji Rinzai school
- ●A distinguished temple rank with Kamakura's Kenchoji as head temple
- ●A deep local bond expressed in the mountain name Hashimotosan
- ●Composed stillness preserved despite the urban setting
History
The temple belongs to the Kenchoji school of Rinzai Zen, with Kamakura's Kenchoji as its head temple. It bears the mountain name Hashimotosan and has been handed down in the Hashimoto area. Kenchoji is one of Japan's foremost Zen monasteries, founded in the Kamakura period, and as one of its branch temples Kofuku-ji is understood to have inherited the Zen teaching. For details on its founding date and origins, it is best to check on-site signage or official information.
Access
The temple stands in an urban district of Midori-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, close to Hashimoto Station, which is served by the JR Yokohama Line and the Keio Sagamihara Line. Its coordinates are around 35.60 N, 139.34 E. Public transport access is convenient, but as opening arrangements differ by Zen temple, please confirm visiting details through official information beforehand.
Best season
The temple can be visited in a quiet mood throughout the year, but spring to early summer, when the greenery of the precinct shines, and autumn, when the air is clear, are especially pleasant. Visiting on a weekday morning or another quieter time lets you savor the Zen stillness more deeply.
Map
35.6008, 139.3411 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Walk to Kofuku-ji from Hashimoto Station
- 2Pass through the gate and take in the Zen stillness of the precinct
- 3Pay your respects at the main hall and quietly observe the surroundings
- 4Return to the Hashimoto district and enjoy a meal or shopping near the station
Did you know?
💡 The fact that its head temple is Kenchoji, ranked first among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura, is a defining mark of this temple's Zen lineage. The mountain name Hashimotosan, taken from the place name Hashimoto, also suggests a temple long tied to this land.
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