Hongakuji Temple
本覚寺
A Nichiren-sect temple just steps from Kamakura Station, also known as "Higashi-Minobu." Famous for enshrining Ebisu, the temple draws large crowds each January for Hatsu-Ebisu, when visitors seek "kakizarai" rakes for scooping up good fortune. It's a down-to-earth temple where locals come at New Year to pray for business prosperity.
Hatsu-Ebisu and the god Ebisu
Held around January 10th, "Hatsu-Ebisu" is a well-known Kamakura event. The grounds bustle with visitors seeking lucky charms such as "fuku-mi" bamboo winnowing baskets and "tairyo-bata" fishing flags, believed to bring prosperity in business and fishing — a beloved local tradition.
The Ebisu Hall and grounds
The main hall enshrines a portion of Nichiren's remains, earning the temple the nickname "Higashi-Minobu" (Eastern Minobu) among followers. The Ebisu Hall on the grounds enshrines Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, making the temple a popular stop on the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage.
The Kamakura Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage
Hongakuji is included as the Ebisu stop on the "Kamakura-Enoshima Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage," and many visitors use it as their starting point for the full route.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Many visitors come during the spring equinox period; the cherry blossoms on the grounds can also be enjoyed.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
The crepe myrtles on the grounds bloom beautifully in summer.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The grounds are busy during the autumn equinox visiting period.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
January's Hatsu-Ebisu is by far the busiest time, filling the grounds with visitors praying for business prosperity.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 15-20 minutes
- Crowd levels
- Extremely crowded during Hatsu-Ebisu (around January 10th)
- Best time to visit
- An early-morning visit is recommended if using this as the starting point for the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage
| Address | 1-12-12 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open access to the grounds (temple office 9:00-16:00) |
| Admission | Free |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 5 min walk from Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line / Enoshima Electric Railway)