[Activity Report] Otera Shokudo @ Ankokuron-ji Temple (Kannon-do)

Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 To kick off Fair Trade Month, our first activity was participating in "Otera Shokudo," a community kitchen that brings local residents together.

Hosted monthly by Reverend Hirai of Ankokuron-ji Temple and the "Flat Cafe Kamakura" team, this kitchen serves as a vital hub for regional connection. This time, Kamakura Ethical Lab was honored to be involved in every step—from menu planning and cooking to the final cleanup.

A Soul-Soothing Start at Ankokuron-ji

The moment we stepped into the temple grounds, we were enveloped in a divine, refreshing energy. With every step, a sense of mental clarity took hold. After purifying ourselves at the "Hana-chozu" (a water basin beautifully decorated with floating flowers) and offering a prayer at the Main Hall, we headed to the kitchen.

Ten members from the Lab participated, including mothers from our Education Membership. The kitchen was filled with warmth and laughter, and while there were a few "Will we make it in time?" heart-pounding moments, we managed to have everything ready to serve within three hours.

A Menu Crafted with Care and Ethics

The meal featured fresh, local vegetables donated by the temple’s parishioners and organic produce grown at "Harema," a local after-school childcare facility. We paired these with various Fair Trade ingredients to create a unique menu:

Signature Fair Trade Curries

We served a rich, savory curry using multiple Fair Trade spices and a spicy vegan curry. As a secret ingredient, we added Kamakura Roasted Coffee (Fair Trade Kamakura Blend) to provide a deep, complex umami.

Satoimo (Taro) Dengaku

Our side dish of glazed taro was topped with aromatic Fair Trade sesame seeds.

Gonan Omusubi & Local Treats

We also featured "Gonan Omusubi" (traditional local rice balls) handmade by the children of Harema. For dessert/souvenirs, we had nostalgic and delicious local favorites from Kamakura Bakery.

Smiles and Shared Values

It was a joy to see guests lining up for seconds—the room was truly overflowing with happiness. During the meal, we were invited to give a short five-minute talk. We took the opportunity to explain Fair Trade, Ethical Consumption, and Kamakura’s status as a Fair Trade Town in a way that was easy for everyone to understand.

We were touched when several guests told us, "Please come back next year!" We definitely look forward to participating again next May.

Ankokuron-ji is a stunning temple, rich with greenery. If you are visiting Kamakura, we highly recommend taking the time to visit this peaceful sanctuary.

Access to Ankokuron-ji

By Foot: A scenic 17-minute stroll from Kamakura Station (East Exit). Leaving the bustling station behind, the path leads you through the historic Omachi area, where the charm of old Kamakura still lingers. The route is flat and easy, making it the perfect walk to soak in the quiet, local atmosphere before arriving at the lush, green temple grounds.

By Bus: If you are in a hurry or prefer to save your energy, the bus is a convenient option. Take the Keikyu Bus from the East Exit:

• Route Kama 30 (via Nagoe, bound for Zushi Station)

• Route Kama 31 (bound for Midorigoka-iriguchi) Disembark at the "Nagoe" bus stop. From there, it is just a 3-minute walk to the temple.