Kenchoji temple. Credit: Guilhem Vellut, licensed under CC.

5 Zen Temples of Kamakura (Gozan)

In the 13th century Japan was ruled by the Kamakura Shogunate, centered in Kamakura. As a result thereof many important, strategic and valuable constructions were made in the area. A significant event was the establishment of the Kamakura Gozan. Gozan translates to “5 mountains”, where “mountains” should be understood as temples. It is a hierarchical …