Hokoku-ji

A quite and relaxing temple with a well designed and preserved bambú garden or forest with few people and tourists visiting it. You can also have a tea in the teahouse in front of a pond in a really relaxing spot. Recommended visit. You can reach this temple by walking from train station or with a short bus ride.

A very tranquil and beautiful temple. I recommend visiting in the morning when the temple just open. For 1000 yen you get an entrance ticket plus one serve of matcha. I really recommend this combo ticket if you like green tea and/or matcha. The garden and bamboo forest in this temple is magic!

Beautiful temple a bit outside Kamakura. The small bamboo forest is peaceful, and during the hydrangea season the combination of the two is stunning. I absolutely recommend taking the green tea in the small tea house overlooking the bamboo forest. It was an amazing and peaceful experience.

Hokokuji Temple is a hidden gem in Kamakura, slightly off the beaten track for most visitors, but absolutely worth the effort to visit! This beautiful temple offers a serene and unique experience that sets it apart from the more popular spots in the area. The temple is known for its stunning bamboo forest, which creates a tranquil and almost otherworldly atmosphere. Walking through the tall, whispering bamboo, you feel as though you’ve stepped into a different world, far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life. There is a small entry fee to enter Hokokuji Temple, but I highly recommend paying a little extra for the tea service. For this additional fee, you get to enjoy a bowl of authentic, freshly made matcha while sitting on a crescent moon-shaped balcony that overlooks the bamboo forest. This experience is truly one of a kind and something you won’t find at other temples. Sipping on the rich, earthy matcha while gazing out at the towering bamboo is a moment of pure peace and reflection that lingers long after you leave. The walking route around the temple isn’t too long, making it a manageable visit for all ages. However, for ease of access, we chose to drive here by rental car, which made it easier to move on to the next location in Kamakura, especially if you’re on a day trip. The temple is a bit secluded, so having a car definitely adds convenience to your journey. One thing to note is that the tea service ends around 4 pm, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid missing out, as we did on our previous visit. We were so disappointed the last time that we made a point to return to Kamakura just to visit Hokokuji Temple again. This time, we came early, and it was absolutely worth it. The early visit also meant fewer crowds, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the peaceful surroundings. In summary, Hokokuji Temple offers a unique and serene experience that is well worth the trip. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese gardens, bamboo forests, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, this temple is a must-visit. The combination of the beautiful bamboo forest, the authentic matcha tea experience, and the peaceful ambiance makes Hokokuji Temple a standout destination in Kamakura. I highly recommend making the effort to visit if you find yourself in the area – it’s a special experience that you won’t forget!

Bamboo garden is nice. It is very small. 400 Yen is too much to watch. Nothing exceptional.