Engaku-ji - a large complex of Buddhist temples, one of the five great Zen monasteries ("Five Mountains") in Kamakura. In the morning, in the summer it hosts meditation classes for all comers. One of the buildings of the complex - Syariden that holds the tooth relic of the Buddha - declared a national treasure of Japan. Temple bell Engaku-ji Temple is the largest (height 2, 6 m) in Kamakura, and also has the status of national treasure.

The temple was built in 1282 by order of Regent Hojo Tokimune, who actually ruled by Japan at the time. During his government Mongol warriors Khan Kubilaya twice invaded the land of Japan. In those battles killed many Japanese soldiers, in memory of the valor which was erected Engaku-ji.

The first rector was the Zen monk Mugaku Sogen invited regent from China. About Sogene went to a legend that he could avoid execution, demonstrating the extent of his executioners enlightenment.

Before the construction of the complex was damaged by fire, the strongest of which occurred in 1563, the territory Engaku-ji contains more than 40 buildings, where 250 monks lived. During the fire damaged and the main shrine of the monastery - a statue of the Buddha Håkan shakai Nyorai of the XIII century. Butsuden main pavilion, where it was stored, was burned completely, and by the wooden figures with only her face. In the XVII century the statue was restored and added to the Buddha Brahma and Indra (a Japanese name - Bonthe and Taysakutena).

202nd rector Imakita Kosen in 1875 made an attempt to strengthen the position of the monastery and make it central to the Kanto district. But an earthquake of the same name in 1923 again caused great damage, destroying numerous buildings. Some buildings have been restored, and some attractions of the temple remained intact. For example, it does not hurt Ogane bell, cast in 1301. Also preserved gates Sammon. They and other gates are placed plaques with calligraphic made the name of the monastery - a unique "signatures" of two Japanese emperors Tsutimikado (second half of the XV century) and Fushimi (1265-1317 years).

Kaykibё Pavilion - is the tomb of the founder and regent Engaku-ji Tokimune Hojo, who died in 1284, two years after the construction of the temple. Under the building is located the tomb and the other people who have made great contributions to the construction of the temple. The pavilion Senbutsudzё once the checks and the selection of priests who have reached the state of nirvana. It contains the main image of the bodhisattva Kannon. The hall Kodzirin conducted meditation for everyone. In a large pavilion Hojo are ritualistic ceremonies, sermons, lectures, and even exhibitions and charity concerts.