Hasedera Temple in Kamakura City is known for its year-round natural beauty and spiritual healing. Called the "Temple of Flowers," it attracts many visitors and worshippers.
During the hydrangea season, numbered tickets are distributed, and date-specific tickets can be purchased online.
When I found out about the advance reservations, my preferred time slot was already sold out. It's very popular!
To avoid the crowds, I arrived at Hasedera Temple at 8:30 a.m. There was still plenty of space in the parking lot, which can accommodate 30 cars.
The private parking lot near the entrance of Hasedera Temple is spacious, so it can be used during busy times.
And you'll almost always be directed to park there. To use the Hasedera Temple parking lot, you need to bypass the attendants at the private parking lot and the large "Hasedera Parking" sign by the traffic light. You can drive right up to the front of the temple gate.
Purchase an admission ticket from the vending machine and enter the temple grounds.
The Ajisai Path, which we're aiming for this time, is located on the scenic walking trail in the upper left corner of the map.
Enmusubi Jizo (Good Fortune Jizo)
Immediately upon entering, the Enmusubi Jizo welcomed me. Its serene presence under the trees was deeply comforting.
Hydrangea Path
Full bloom today! Awesome!
I bought my admission ticket just before the Hydrangea Path entrance without having to wait in line.
The statue holding hydrangeas is quite heartwarming.
The Hydrangea Path continues along the slope. The weather is lovely! 🌞
Bamboo groves, hydrangeas, and the sutra repository, with the backdrop of Sagami Bay or the sky—it's a breathtaking view, no matter what!
The view from the sutra repository looks something like this.
The combination of bamboo groves and hydrangeas looks refreshing! Though in reality, it was a sweaty summer day! 💦
I thoroughly enjoyed the full bloom of hydrangeas for a while.
By the time we finished enjoying the spectacular view and left, they had already imposed entry restrictions.
In the main hall, there's a 9.18-meter-tall statue of Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva, one of Japan's largest. Despite the no-photography rule, its impressive size and aura suggest it holds great spiritual significance.
Kannon Museum
Next to the main hall, towards the back of the souvenir shop, there's an entrance to the Kannon Museum. Purchase your admission ticket from the vending machine, and the staff at the shop will invite you to enter.
The Thirty-three Manifestations of Kannon Bodhisattva Standing Statues. Designated as cultural assets by Kamakura City.
Here, photography is allowed! I managed to capture some stunning photos!
The Eleven-faced Kannon Hanging Sculpture is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, known as "kakebotoke," made by casting or carving Buddha images onto round metal plates.
Benten-kutsu
There is a mysterious cave said to have been used by Kobo Daishi for prayer and meditation.
Passing through the torii gate, you enter the cave.
Inside, it's dim and cool. The walls are adorned with directly carved deities and small Benzaiten statues dedicated for prayers. My photo attempt failed... but the atmosphere felt something like this. 💦
Exiting the cave, you encounter moss-covered stone walls. It's somehow stylish!
Sentai Jizo
The Sentai Jizo statues are dedicated for the memorial services of ancestors and children lost in infancy. Anyone can apply for dedication. It's truly impressive.
Manji Ike
Manji Ike is also adorned with potted hydrangeas, adding a vibrant touch. The swastika symbol (卍) represents good fortune.
Summary
Visited Hasedera Temple in Kamakura during hydrangea season, arriving at 8:30 am and enjoying a relaxed, crowd-free visit.
We had a fulfilling time exploring the highlights of Hasedera Temple! The enticing aroma of curry adds to the memorable experience. Definitely worth trying on our next visit!
Duration of stay here: 80 minutes
