Engakuji Temple

Engakuji Temple in Kamakura is close to Kita Kamakura station where it is worth going go before arriving at Big Buddha. It is an ancient temple, founded in the year 1282, a year after the 2nd attempt of the Mongol invasion so its purpose was to honor the Japanese and Mongolian soldiers who died. The structures have been damaged by fire many times, but the truth is that the well preserved antiquity is still impressive. In this temple there is a big bell which is Japan's national heritage. Although the temple has one, what I liked best was part of the lake with wooden houses on a tiny hill. There is usually a monk with a long beard walking around, which adds mysticism to the place.