The Main Hall of Kokokuji Temple 興国寺本堂

A corridor leads from the back of the Main Hall to the Meditation Hall (Zazendo). From there, a second corridor continues to the Founder’s Hall (Kaizando). The Founder’s Hall enshrines Shinchi Kakushin (1207–1298), a monk instrumental in the propagation of Zen Buddhism in Japan. He served as the head monk of Kokokuji Temple for much of the latter part of the thirteenth century. Kakushin is also referred to as Hotto Enmyo Kokushi (lit. “perfectly awakened national teacher of the Dharma lamp”), a title granted posthumously by Emperor Godaigo (r. 1318–1339). The Founder’s Hall houses a wooden statue of Kakushin and is built over the Zen master’s burial site. The current structure dates from 1823.

The Meditation Hall and Founder’s Hall are closed to the public, and the Main Hall is only open during temple events. Visitors can look inside the Main Hall through the slatted panels of the main door and may view the exteriors of all three halls on a walk around the temple grounds.