Engaku-ji, Kamakura

Engaku-ji, a serene and historic Buddhist temple, is nestled in the verdant hills of Kamakura, Japan. Founded in 1282 by the ruling regent Hojo Tokimune to commemorate the fallen soldiers from the Mongol invasions, Engaku-ji stands as one of the most important Zen Buddhist temple complexes in Japan, and is second among Kamakura's Five Mountains, which are the city's five most prestigious Zen temples.

The temple grounds, designed to harmonize with the natural landscape, offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life. Visitors are welcomed by the imposing Sanmon gate, which is a designated National Treasure. Beyond the gate lies the temple's main hall, the Butsuden, where the principal image of Shaka Buddha is enshrined, and the Shariden, which houses a tooth relic of the Buddha and is a designated Important Cultural Property.

Engaku-ji is also renowned for its autumn foliage, with the changing colors of the maple trees creating a picturesque canvas that enhances the temple's already profound sense of peace. The temple's bell, also considered an Important Cultural Property, is another notable feature, known for its resonant sound that echoes through the temple grounds.

Visitors can explore the temple's extensive grounds which include a variety of sub-temples, a large pond, and a tea house offering a traditional Japanese tea experience. The temple also provides Zen meditation sessions for those looking to engage more deeply with Zen practices.