Hokokuji Temple Kamakura: Bamboo Grove & Matcha Tea Garden Guide

What Makes Hokokuji Temple Special

Hokokuji Temple (報国寺) is a Rinzai Zen temple tucked into the hills of eastern Kamakura, founded in 1334 during the early years of the Ashikaga shogunate. While most visitors to Kamakura head straight for the Great Buddha or Hasedera, Hokokuji draws a quieter crowd seeking its bamboo grove — a dense stand of roughly 2,000 Moso bamboo stalks that tower overhead behind the main hall.

The temple's other highlight is Kyukoan (休光庵), a thatched-roof tea house set within the bamboo grove where you can sit with a bowl of matcha and look out through the green canopy. The combination of bamboo, matcha, and Zen gardens makes Hokokuji one of Kamakura's most atmospheric stops, and one that rewards a slower pace. For more temples in the region, see our Kanagawa temple guide.

Walking Through the Bamboo Grove

About the Moso Bamboo Grove

The bamboo garden (竹の庭) sits behind the main hall, reached through a separate entrance after passing through the temple grounds. The grove covers a compact area — far smaller than Kyoto's Arashiyama bamboo forest — but its intimacy is the point. Thick Moso bamboo (孟宗竹), the tallest species native to Japan, grows densely enough to filter the light into green-tinted columns.

Stone paths wind through the grove, with low ropes marking off areas where young shoots are growing. Stay on the paths — stepping off damages the bamboo root system that keeps the grove healthy. The walk itself takes about 10-15 minutes, though most people linger longer.

Best Seasons for the Bamboo Garden

The bamboo grove is photogenic year-round, but each season brings a different atmosphere.

Season	What to expect
Spring (Mar-May)	Fresh green shoots emerge; new growth adds vibrant color
Summer (Jun-Aug)	Full canopy filters heat; grove feels noticeably cooler
Autumn (Sep-Nov)	Surrounding maples turn red against the green bamboo
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Fewer visitors; wind through bamboo creates a distinctive rustling sound

Spring new growth and autumn foliage are considered the best times to visit. Winter mornings are also rewarding if you prefer solitude.

Matcha Tea at Kyukoan Tea House

Kyukoan is a small thatched-roof tea house positioned within the bamboo grove, offering a traditional matcha service (抹茶接待). You receive a bowl of matcha and a small sweet while seated on tatami looking out into the bamboo.

The matcha set costs ¥500 (~$3.30), which includes admission to both the temple grounds and the bamboo grove — making it the better value compared to paying for grove entry separately. No reservation is needed; you simply queue at the tea house entrance. Seats fill up on weekends, so arriving early helps.

The experience lasts about 15-20 minutes. It is a served tea, not a participatory ceremony — you sit, receive your matcha, and enjoy it at your own pace. Even if you are not a matcha drinker, the setting alone makes it worthwhile.

Temple Grounds and Zen Gardens

Before entering the bamboo grove, the temple grounds themselves are worth your attention. Near the entrance, a karesansui (枯山水) dry landscape garden — composed of raked gravel and carefully placed rocks — represents natural elements in the Zen tradition.

The main hall is modest compared to Kamakura's larger temples, reflecting Hokokuji's origins as a memorial temple for the Ashikaga clan rather than a major pilgrimage site. The grounds are well-maintained and quiet, with moss-covered stone lanterns and shaded pathways connecting the different areas.

For a deeper Zen experience, consider visiting Engakuji Temple in Kita-Kamakura, which offers meditation sessions and houses several national treasures.

How to Get to Hokokuji Temple

Hokokuji is located in eastern Kamakura (2-7-4 Jomyoji), about 2 km from Kamakura Station. It is less convenient than Hasedera or Kotoku-in, both of which are closer to the station, so plan your visit accordingly.

By Bus from Kamakura Station

From Kamakura Station's east exit, take the Keikyu bus bound for Kamakura-Goko (鎌倉五合) or Jomyoji (浄明寺). The ride takes about 12 minutes. Get off at the Hokokuji (報国寺) stop and walk one minute to the temple gate. Buses run roughly every 15-20 minutes, but frequency may decrease on weekends and during winter.

Walking Route from Kamakura Station

The walk takes 25-30 minutes from Kamakura Station's east exit. Head east along Kanazawa-kaido street, passing Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine on your left. The route is mostly flat with a gentle uphill toward the end. Along the way you pass several smaller temples, making the walk itself part of the experience.

From Tokyo

Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station directly to Kamakura Station. The ride takes approximately 60 minutes without transfers. From Kamakura Station, follow the bus or walking directions above.

Tips for Visiting Hokokuji

• Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. Last entry is 3:30 PM. Closed on irregular rest days.
• Cost: Temple grounds ¥300 (~$2). Bamboo grove ¥300 (~$2) additional, or ¥500 (~$3.30) for the matcha set that includes grove entry.
• Time needed: Allow 30-45 minutes at the temple, plus travel time. A full round trip from Kamakura Station takes 1.5-2 hours.
• Arrive early: The grove is small, so even a handful of visitors can feel crowded. Weekday mornings at opening are the quietest.
• Photography: Allowed throughout the bamboo grove. Respect roped-off areas protecting young shoots.
• Combine with nearby temples: Hokokuji pairs well with a visit to Kamakura's Great Buddha at Kotoku-in and Hasedera Temple for a full day of temple visits.

Prices shown are from 2025; check the official site for current rates.

Frequently Asked Questions