Kamakura, a charming seaside town near Tokyo, is renowned for its stunning temples and beautiful hydrangeas (ajisai). The rainy season in June is the perfect time to visit and enjoy the vibrant colors of these flowers. Here are the top three temples in Kamakura to experience the hydrangeas in full bloom:
1. Tokei-ji Temple
Location: 1367 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A four-minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station
Entry Fee: Free
Operating Hours: 9am-4pm
Highlights:
Beautifully landscaped walkways with Buddha statues and stone lanterns.
An on-site tea house offering green tea and views of the adjoining iris garden.
Historical significance as a sanctuary for women seeking refuge from abusive marriages, established in 1285 by nun Kakusan Shido-ni.
2. Jochi-ji Temple
Location: 1402 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Close to Kita-Kamakura Station
Entry Fee: ¥300 (adults), ¥100 (junior high school students and younger children)
Operating Hours: 9am-4:30pm
Highlights:
The picturesque wooden shoro-mon, a two-storey gate and belfry with a 700-year-old bell.
Lush surroundings with hydrangeas outside the temple grounds, offering a serene and photogenic environment.
Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1283 by the Hojo clan, with current structures reconstructed after the Great Kanto earthquake of 1923.
3. Meigetsu-in Temple
Location: 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from Kita-Kamakura Station
Entry Fee: Varies by season; typically around ¥500
Operating Hours: 9am-4pm
Highlights:
Known as Ajisai-dera (Hydrangea Temple) for its extensive hydrangea gardens with over 2,500 pastel blue flowers.
Scenic pathways lined with hydrangeas, Buddha statues, little shrines, and wooden ema plaques adorned with hydrangea motifs.
Established in 1383 by Uesugi Norikata, originally part of a larger temple complex abolished during the Meiji Restoration. The temple name ‘Meigetsu’ (bright moon) and its association with moon-related folklore are reflected in the adorable bunny statues found on the grounds.
These temples provide a serene and visually stunning experience, especially during the hydrangea bloom in June. Each temple offers a unique blend of historical significance, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making them must-visit destinations in Kamakura.
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