Gokuraku-ji, Buddhist temple in Kamakura, Japan
Gokuraku-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in western Kamakura and belongs to Japan's protected historic sites. The grounds include several wooden buildings with curved roofs, a covered entrance gate, and a large garden featuring ponds, stones, and pine trees.
A Hōjō clan leader and a monk from Nara founded the site in the 13th century during the Kamakura period. The complex grew into an important center for religious training and medicine in the region.
The temple name refers to the Western Paradise in Buddhist belief and reflects the Pure Land tradition. Visitors today see a working temple where monks perform regular ceremonies and maintain the gardens with careful attention.
The temple sits about 20 minutes on foot from Gokurakuji Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway on the western side of town. A treasure hall opens twice a year for four weeks each in spring and autumn on selected weekdays.
A stone mortar from medieval times still stands on the grounds and reminds visitors that medicinal remedies were once prepared here. Several wooden sculptures inside carry designation as important cultural properties of the country.
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