Engaku-ji

Engaku-ji, one of the five major Rinzai Zen temples in Kamakura, is on the left as you exit Kita-Kamakura Station. It was founded in 1282, allegedly as a place where Zen monks might pray for soldiers who lost their lives defending Japan against Kublai Khan. Engaku-ji remains an important temple, and a number of notable priests have trained here. All of the temple structures have been rebuilt over the centuries; the Shariden, a Song-style reliquary, is the oldest structure, last rebuilt in the 16th century. At the top of the long flight of stairs is the Engaku-ji bell, the largest bell in Kamakura, cast in 1301.