In the early winter morning, I took a walk in the precincts of Engakuji Rinzai Temple, that one of the five great Rinzai temples of Kamakura. A large temple of Zen style arranged in a straight line from “Somon(Main gate)” → “Sanmon(Tower gate)” → “Butuden (Buddha Hall)” → “Hojyo(Buddhist hall)”.
Engakuji was applied for by the “Hojo Tokimune” regency in 1282, and foundation by a Mugaku-sogen Zen master invited from China.
Due to its terrain, Zen style arranged cathedrals, which are located in the valley that are called Yato or Yatu, was surrounded by a majestic atmosphere in the cold morning air.
Access: From JR “Kita-Kamakura” station by walk for soon. other: Engakuji temple official Web site here, Area map here 2014/12/6
Engakuji: The JR Yokosuka Line crosses the temple approach. Worshipers who get off the train and climbs the stone steps to the main gate.
Engakuji: The frame “Zuirokusan” of the main gate is the mountain name of Engakuji. 8:30 am The worshipers were still sparse.
Engakuji: “Sanmon(Tower gate style), “Engaku Kosho Zenji” is written on the frame,It was given by Emperor Fushimi (1265-1317). Frame is still in the shade and not in the photo.
Engakuji: The approach leading from Sanmon to Butuden(Buddha Hall).In the overhead room, Buddha statues are on display as a not public. Go through the Sanmon(main gate) and throw away my thoughts (should be impossible!) and walk to the Butuden.
Engakuji: Butuden, The principal image of Engakuji is the crowned “Treasure Crown Shaka Nyorai”. 9 am, The sunlight shining on the area of Engakuji, which is located in Yato, is still faint.
Engakuji: Senbutujo is located on the west side of the Butuden, A place for Zen meditation training.
Engakuji: An ascending stone staircase leading to “Ryuinan” from the side of the Senbutujo.
Engakuji: Ryuinan on the ridge of Yato is an good observatory overlooking on the Zen style area.
Engakuji: Overlooking the thatched-roof Senbutujo from the Ryuinan Observatory.
Engakuji: autumn leaves.Engakuji: The road from the main gate to “Obai-in” in the deepest is about 500m. It’s a huge area. The front view is “Butsunichian”.
Engakuji: “Myokochi” pond.
Engakuji: “Sariden”, It is designated as a national treasure in a style transmitted from China.
Engakuji: The morning sun shines on the ridge extending to the southwest of Yato, and the autumn leaves are beautiful in early winter.
Engakuji: The approach to “Obai-in”, Fallen leaf-burning smoke rises in the morning sun.
Engakuji: Take a walk while feeling the smoke of fallen leaves, bamboo grove, and the cold air of the morning.
Engakuji: I’m back near Sanmon, The walk is nearing the end, The light finally began to spread to the precincts of Yato.
Engakuji: Sanmon, which was quiet at the beginning of the walk, now is getting to crowded.
Engakuji: Line of worshipers, 10:20 am Leave Engakuji Temple.
