Somon (Main Gate)

The Somon, or main gate, of Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura was actually built for a different temple entirely. Constructed in 1783 for Hanju Zanmai-in Temple in Kyoto, it was moved to Kenchoji in 1940. The wooden sign above the gate bears calligraphy by the temple's tenth abbot, Yishan Yining, who lived from 1247 to 1317. The gate opens onto a paved avenue flanked by cherry trees that arch overhead in spring, forming a tunnel of blossoms with peonies underneath. The Somon frames this view from behind, making it one of the more photographed spots in Kamakura during cherry season. It marks the beginning of the five main structures arranged along Kenchoji's north-south axis.