Kaizoji Temple was supposedly a giant temple under a different name during the Kamakura period, but it was lost to a fire. Since then, it has clearly been rebuilt. Though, who is to say as to whether or not it holds a flame to its previous form before it was burned down. Getting there is simple, as the majority of the traveling is just moving straight down a road. To get started, head out of Kamakura Station’s south exit and head straight. Walk towards the green Kinokuniya sign, until you reach the light. Take a right there and just head straight down that road!

If this is what the road before you looks like, you are on the right path. You will follow this road all the way down, even as it begins to curve. You will see an railway underpass, but do not go down there. Instead, just follow the road to the left as it begins to straight out. From there, it is a straight shot.

Just to be sure, you will eventually come this point and to reach Kaizō-ji Temple, do not take the left. Head straight all the way down and you will soon reach your destination.

This is what the temple looks like from the outside. The roads to the left and right will eventually reach residential areas if you follow them far enough, so be careful not to go down too far in that direction.

Just a little ways up the right path, you will find both the bamboo and this little pool of water.

You will also come upon this little entrance on the right side. It is very well kept, and leads into another stone path way that brings you to the bell and to the front desk of the temple.

You even get a decent view of the entire courtyard as well.

This building is by itself on the far left of the temple.

Inside were various Buddhism-related items.

Over to the side and back is this attached building where you can actually look inside. I imagine this is where special events take place or where monks chant.

The inside of the room really gives a formal atmosphere. With any interest to Buddhist rituals, there could be a lot to learn take from being able to see the insides of a temple.

The view of the courtyard from the annexed building.

To the right of the building are three caves with various statues inside.

In the very back, there is another area that is inaccessible to the public. It is a shame, since even from this picture alone, it looks extremely beautiful. In general the whole temple is gorgeous.

There are also sixteen wells from which water comes out, and they have never gone dry. To visit this area, it asks for a 100 yen donation at a little standing post after walking into the temple. While the temple may not be as big as it might have been centuries ago, there is still so much to see here. Not only that, but there are so many Buddhism-related items that I felt like I never ran out of things to look at. If you are looking for a temple that has a lot to offer, Kaizō-ji Temple is an amazing experience.

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