Kenchō (建長) was a Japanese era name (年号,, nengō,; lit. "year name") after Hōji and before Kōgen. This period started in March 1249 and ended in October 1256. The reigning emperor was Go-Fukakusa-tennō (後深草天皇).

| Kenchō | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1249 | 1250 | 1251 | 1252 | 1253 | 1254 | 1255 | 1256 |
| Preceded by: Hōji |
Era or nengō: Kenchō |
Succeeded by: Kōgen |