Explore the Connection Between Zen and the Martial Arts with a Meditation Session and Karate Workshop at Enkakuji Temple in Kamakura– with Optional Childcare Service

Engakuji Temple: Built to Honor Fallen Warriors and Promote Zen Buddhism

The Zen Buddhist temple of Engakuji is one of the five most important temples in Kamakura, known collectively as the Five Mountains. The temple was founded in 1282 during the period when Kamakura was the seat of the Japanese shogunate and de facto capital of Japan. Following the Mongol invasions of Kyushu in 1274 and 1281, the regent Hojo Tokimune ordered the temple to be built to commemorate the Japanese and Mongolian warriors who fell in battle, as well as to promote the practice of Zen Buddhism more broadly. 

Engakuji Temple in Kamakura is a classic example of Zen Buddhist design that dates back to the thirteenth century

Known among the finest examples of traditional Zen monastic architecture in Japan, the buildings and grounds of Engakuji were designed to accentuate the natural beauty of their surroundings. Engakuji is particularly well known for its red and white plum blossoms, which bloom in late February or early March, and maple trees, which blaze red and yellow in December, but a visit at any time of year carries its own seasonal charms. These deep connections with nature and the seasons provide an ideal setting for the study and practice of Zen Buddhism.

The buildings, gardens, and ponds of Engakuji Temple were designed in concert with the surrounding natural environment

Discover the National Treasures of Engakuji Temple

Engakuji Temple is home to many attractive examples of historic architecture, craftsmanship, and landscaping, among which can be found two officially-designated National Treasures. The first of these National Treasures is the Ogane (Great Bell), which is the largest temple bell in the entire Kanto region. Housed under a wooden structure alongside the Bentendo hall at the top of a small hill, the bell was originally cast in 1301 on the orders of Hojo Sadatoki.

The Ogane (Great Bell) of Engakuji was cast in 1301 and is registered as a National Treasure

The other National Treasure of Engakuji is the Shariden, a wooden hall historically used for storing important temple relics. With a kokera-buki (wood shingle) roof, the current Engakuji Shariden is a rare surviving example from the Muromachi period (1336–1573), with its design based on an even earlier version built in 1285, shortly after the temple’s founding. Alongside the Shariden are caves dug into the soft limestone containing tombs from the early centuries of the temple’s history.

Engakuji Temple contains several rare monastic buildings, including the Shariden (above), which dates back to the Muromachi period

Discover the Spiritual Nature of Martial Arts with a Karate Workshop on the Grounds of Engakuji Temple 

The martial art of karate, which involves striking, kicking, throwing, and submission techniques, actually evolved in the Ryukyu Kingdom (now the Japanese islands of Okinawa) based on the teachings of martial arts masters from China. Practitioners of karate were later introduced to Zen Buddhism from Japan, discovering a natural symbiosis between karate and Zen in terms of preparing and training one’s mind, body, and soul.

This stone monument at Engakuji honors Master Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern Japanese karate

At Engakuji Temple, a stone monument honors the spirit of karate through the famous phrase “There is no first strike in karate,” which embodies the philosophy of self-restraint and peace taught by Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern Japanese karate. The calligraphy on this monument was penned by Zen master Sogen Asahina, former abbot of Engakuji, reflecting the temple's deep connections to martial arts and Zen.

Engakuji Temple and Zen Buddhism have inspired many practitioners of the martial arts

To explore the unique historical relationship between Engakuji Temple and karate, you will have the rare opportunity to participate in a special karate workshop held outdoors in front of the evocative Ryuin-an temple building atop a small hill overlooking the main temple grounds. Along with sharing information about the history and philosophy of karate and its relationship to Engakuji, your instructor will also guide you through some of the practical fundamentals of this popular martial art, including balance, movement, and breathing.

This karate workshop is a rare opportunity to explore the deep connections of this popular martial art to Engakuji Temple

Discuss Zen Buddhism with the Head Priest of Engakuji Temple 

Following your karate workshop, you will visit the head priest within the inner sanctum of the Oubai-in for a discussion about Zen Buddhism. As well as the history of the temple and of Zen Buddhism itself, the priest will also explain the purpose and practice of Zen meditation, which is designed to give the individual time and space to quiet the restless heart and contemplate deep questions about the self, the world, and human nature. Rather than a one-way lecture, the priest will be more than happy to answer your questions about Zen Buddhism.

The head priest of Engakuji Temple is happy to answer questions about Zen Buddhism

The head priest of Engakuji Temple credits the relative simplicity of Zen Buddhism for its broad appeal, with Zen meditation being an approachable way to search for meaning and purpose amidst the complexities of our modern world. Through various methods of meditation, Zen practitioners are encouraged to reflect on the origins of all manner of suffering, considering what could be done to alleviate hardship for themselves and others. “What each person contemplates during meditation is particular to them,” he explains. “That is what makes Zen so accessible.”

Zen meditation offers the time and space needed to quiet the restless heart

Take Part in a Zen Buddhist Meditation Led by the Head Priest of Engakuji Temple 

Meditation is at the core of Zen Buddhism, aimed at providing time and space for one’s body, heart, and mind to be still, connected, and focused. There are many different methods of meditation within Zen Buddhism, several of which will be explored through this exclusive Wabunka experience, led by the head priest of Engakuji Temple within the atmospheric inner sanctum of the Oubai-in. 

One of the most traditional meditation styles in Zen Buddhism is zazen (seated meditation)

First, you will experience the classic zazen style of seated meditation, in which practitioners sit in the lotus position (if the required flexibility makes this difficult, a chair can be provided). A second style involves lying flat on your back, while yet another involves lying on your side as per the reclining Buddha statues sometimes seen in temples. Your meditation experience will conclude with a ritual where the priest chants sutras while you approach the Buddhist altar to light a stick of incense. 

In the last ritual, you will approach the altar to light incense as the head priest chants sutras

Discover Deep Connections between Karate and Zen Buddhism at Engakuji Temple

In karate, much emphasis is placed upon teaching novices to think carefully about their own body, particularly posture, stance, and balance. Great attention is given to breathing, with striking motions made as you exhale. What might surprise you when you move from karate to your Zen meditation is how much focus is placed on awareness of one’s own body during this sacred practice as well. Experiencing karate and Zen meditation at Engakuji Temple provides fascinating insight into their similar endeavor to connect body, mind and spirit.

At Engakuji Temple, nature and tradition harmonize, offering a quiet space to contemplate the unity of body and spirit

Engakuji Temple aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors, including families with children. Parents can make use of the on-site childcare service provided by a qualified nanny, who can either take care of your child during your experience or accompany you around the temple as you enjoy the experience together as a family (additional fees apply). Children are welcome, and encouraged, to take part in the karate workshop.