Ankokuronji Temple
安国論寺
A Nichiren-sect temple built beside the cave where Nichiren is said to have written his treatise "Rissho Ankoku Ron." Known as the site of the Matsubagayatsu Persecution, the hill behind the temple, Fujimidai, offers a sweeping view toward Yuigahama Beach. Seasonal trees such as the Myohozakura cherry and a 350-year-old sasanqua camellia are also highlights.
The cave where Rissho Ankoku Ron was written
In 1260, Nichiren's disciple Nichiro is said to have built Ankokuronkutsuji beside the cave (hokutsu) where Nichiren wrote "Rissho Ankoku Ron," a treatise he presented to the former regent Hojo Tokiyori. It is one of the sites associated with Nichiren's hermitage at Matsubagayatsu and remains an important historical site for the Nichiren sect.
The Matsubagayatsu Persecution
The grounds still contain Nanmenkutsu, a cave said to be where Nichiren took refuge guided by a white monkey during the persecution, and Dabisho, said to be the spot where Nichiro shaved his head to become a monk. These scattered historical sites convey the hardships of Nichiren's missionary work.
The view from Fujimidai
From Fujimidai on the hill behind the temple, you can look out over Kamakura, including Yuigahama Beach, and tradition holds that Nichiren once chanted facing Mount Fuji from here. Seasonal flowering trees are also worth seeing, including the Myohozakura cherry (an Ichihara-torano-o wild cherry variety), a flowering crabapple, and a sasanqua camellia said to be 350 years old.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
The Myohozakura cherry and flowering crabapple bloom, filling the grounds with color.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
A cool, quiet retreat in the deep green of the surrounding hills.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
On clear days, Mount Fuji can sometimes be seen from Fujimidai.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The sasanqua camellias reach their peak, adding color to the quiet grounds.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 30-40 minutes
- Crowd levels
- Generally quiet, though group visits are occasionally scheduled
- Best time to visit
- Best in early spring when the Myohozakura cherry is in bloom
| Address | 4-4-18 Omachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00-17:00 (closed Mondays, except public holidays) |
| Admission | ¥100 |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 20 min walk from Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line / Enoshima Electric Railway)
- 5 min walk from Kamakura Station (By bus to "Nagoe" stop, then a 5-minute walk)