Jufukuji Temple
Eisai, a monk who lived in the late Heian and early Kamakura periods, is known for having been the first to recommend Zen Buddhism to Japan.
However, he was suppressed by Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei, a member of the Tendai sect, which was not pleased with the rise of a new Buddhist power at the time.
Feeling limitations on missionary work in Kyoto, he set out for Kamakura at the age of 59.
In Kamakura, Eisai enjoyed the patronage of the shogunate and was welcomed by Minamoto no Yoritomo, his wife Hojo Masako, and their son Minamoto no Sanetomo.
Jufukuji Temple was founded in 1200, the year after Yoritomo's death, by his wife Masako, who invited Eisai.
A stone-paved approach leads from the temple gate to the inner gate.
Visitors can view the temple up to the inner gate.
*The area inside the inner gate is closed to the public (the precincts are specially opened on New Year's Day and Golden Week).
