About
Hansobo, standing quietly in the tranquil mountains of Kamakura, is a mystical space that seems to release visitors from the flow of time. As you proceed deep into the grounds of Kenchoji Temple and climb the stone steps one by one, the bustle of everyday life recedes, and your heart regains its calm.
On both sides of the approach, various large and small statues of tengu are enshrined, watching over visitors with their sharp gazes. These tengu statues are based on the tradition that Hansobo Daigongen takes the form of a tengu, and they are worshipped as the guardian deities of Kenchoji Temple. (miurahantou.jp)
When you finish climbing the stone steps, the main hall of Hansobo appears. From Fujimidai, which spreads out in front of it, you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance on clear days, and you also have a panoramic view of the blue sea of Sagami Bay. This spectacular view gives you the impression that heaven and earth are meeting. (miurahantou.jp)
The founding of Hansobo dates back to 1890 (Meiji 23). At that time, Kenchoji’s chief priest, Sho Kandō Oshō, invited Hansobo Daigongen from Hōkōji Temple in Shizuoka Prefecture and enshrined him as the guardian deity of Kenchoji. It is said that Sho Kandō Oshō met an old man with white hair in a dream, and the old man told him, “If you invite me to a pure land in Kanto, that place will prosper more and blessings will never cease.” (miurahantou.jp)
Hansobo is believed to bring many benefits, such as safety for families, prosperity in business, protection from misfortune, academic success, good health, and fulfillment of good relationships, but is especially deeply worshipped as a deity who protects against fire. It is said that even during major disasters such as the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, believers who enshrined the sacred image of Hansobo or the talisman for fire and theft prevention were spared from harm. (miurahantou.jp)
Within the grounds of Hansobo, tengu statues are enshrined, creating an atmosphere of a power spot. These tengu statues are based on the belief that Hansobo Daigongen takes the form of a tengu and are worshipped as the guardian deities of Kenchoji. (miurahantou.jp)
If you climb further up the steps from Hansobo, you will reach the Katsugayama Observatory, and beyond that, the Tenen Hiking Course (Kamakura Alps) continues. This hiking course is a popular route where you can fully enjoy the nature of Kamakura and the scenery of each season. (miurahantou.jp)
By visiting Hansobo, you can feel the history of Kamakura, the beauty of its nature, and the depth of its faith. With each step up the stone stairs, your heart is purified, and watched over by the solemn gazes of the tengu, you can spend a special time away from everyday life.