Hasedera Temple (Kamakura)
The Flower Temple of Kamakura
Hasedera Temple was founded in 736 CE according to temple tradition, making it one of Kamakura's oldest temples. Legend states that two identical 11-headed Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) statues were carved from a single camphor tree in 721. One was enshrined at Hasedera in Nara, while the other was set adrift in the ocean with prayers. This second statue washed ashore at Kamakura's Nagai Beach 15 years later and became the principal object of worship at Kamakura Hasedera.
The temple's 9.18-meter tall gilded wooden Kannon statue is one of Japan's largest wooden Buddhist sculptures. Throughout the Kamakura period (1185-1333), when Kamakura served as Japan's de facto capital, Hasedera attracted devotees seeking Kannon's compassion and protection. The temple's hillside location above the sea provided both spiritual elevation and practical views over the coastline, making it strategically and religiously significant.
Today, Hasedera is beloved as Kamakura's 'flower temple' (hana-dera), with grounds transformed seasonally by hydrangeas, peonies, camellias, and other plantings. The temple successfully balances ancient religious functions with horticultural beauty, attracting both devout worshippers and tourists seeking seasonal photography opportunities. The thousands of small Jizo statues honoring deceased children create one of Kamakura's most moving spiritual sites, representing continuing Buddhist practices alongside aesthetic appreciation.
Key Highlights
- 9.18-meter gilded wooden Kannon statue (National Treasure)
- Thousands of Jizo statues on hillside terraces
- Spectacular seasonal flowers, especially June hydrangeas
- Ocean views over Sagami Bay from upper grounds
- Museum housing temple treasures and artifacts
- Cave (Benten-kutsu) with carved Buddhist figures
Access Information
Location
3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Hase Station (Enoden Line) - 5 min walk
- • Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line) - 15 min walk or 5 min by Enoden
Opening Hours
March-September: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (last entry 5:00 PM). October-February: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). Open daily year-round including holidays.
Admission Fee
Adults: ¥400, Children: ¥200. Includes temple grounds, museum, and Benten-kutsu cave. No additional fees for viewing main hall or gardens.
How to Get There
From Tokyo/Shinjuku
Take JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line or Yokosuka Line to Kamakura (60-75 minutes, ¥930 from Tokyo). Transfer to Enoden Line to Hase (5 minutes, ¥200). Walk 5 minutes uphill to temple. Classic Kamakura day trip route.
1.5 hours
From Yokohama
Take JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura (25 minutes, ¥340), then Enoden to Hase (5 minutes, ¥200). Easy half-day trip from Yokohama. Combine with other Kamakura temples.
40 minutes
From Enoshima
Take Enoden Line from Enoshima to Hase (10 minutes, ¥260). Perfect combination: island morning, temple afternoon. The vintage Enoden tram adds nostalgic charm to journey.
15 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
The Great Kannon
The Kannon-do hall enshrines the 9.18-meter eleven-headed Kannon statue - breathtaking in scale and artistry. Photography prohibited inside to preserve the sacred atmosphere. The statue's size becomes apparent when viewing from floor level. The hall itself showcases Kamakura-period architecture. Allow quiet contemplation - this is an active place of worship, not just tourist attraction. Many visitors pray for safety and compassion.
Jizo Statues
Thousands of small Jizo statues line hillside terraces, each representing prayers for deceased children or unborn souls. Many statues wear knitted caps and bibs placed by grieving parents. This moving sight represents ongoing Buddhist memorial practices. Respectful silence appropriate in this area. The colorful clothing creates visually striking scenes but represents deep personal grief - photograph sensitively.
Seasonal Flowers
June: 2,500+ hydrangeas bloom throughout grounds - temple's most famous season, very crowded weekends. May-June: Peonies. February-March: Plum blossoms. April: Cherry blossoms (limited numbers). November-December: Autumn foliage. January-February: Winter camellias. Year-round seasonal displays make any visit colorful. Hydrangea season requires patience with crowds but rewards with spectacular colors.
Ocean Views
Upper terraces and Kannon-do provide panoramic views over Kamakura's coastline and Sagami Bay. Clear days reveal Izu Peninsula across the bay. The elevated position explains temple's strategic founding location. Viewing deck (Miharashi-dai) offers best vantage points. Sunset visits during extended summer hours create golden-hour photography opportunities. The combination of temple architecture, flowers, and sea views uniquely beautiful.
Temple Museum & Benten Cave
Museum displays temple treasures, Buddhist statues, and historical artifacts (included in admission). Benten-kutsu cave carved into hillside contains numerous stone carvings of Benzaiten (goddess of art and wealth) and attendants, illuminated by candles - atmospheric and slightly mysterious. Both worth visiting but secondary to main grounds. Museum explanations mostly Japanese but visual exhibits engaging.
Temple Restaurant Terrace
Temple restaurant (Teienbō) serves simple vegetarian meals, sweets, and drinks with ocean views (¥1,000-2,000). Outdoor terrace perfect for rest during visit. Try amazake (sweet rice drink) or matcha with wagashi. Open 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Popular during lunch (11 AM-1 PM) - visit earlier or later to avoid waits. The view-dining combination worth premium prices.
Combined Kamakura Touring
Hasedera pairs naturally with: Great Buddha (10-min walk, must-see), Kamakura Daibutsu hiking trail (starts nearby), Enoshima Island (15 min by Enoden), Komachi-dori shopping street near Kamakura Station. Allow 60-90 minutes for thorough Hasedera visit. Full Kamakura day combines 3-4 major temples/sites. The compact area makes temple-hopping efficient.
Practical Tips
Arrive early (8-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-5 PM) to avoid peak crowds, especially during hydrangea season. Hillside location means some stairs - take your time. English pamphlets available at entrance. Coin lockers for bags (¥300). Wear comfortable shoes for uneven stone paths. Temple can be toured in 45 minutes but deserves leisurely 90-minute exploration including rest at restaurant. Combined with Great Buddha makes perfect half-day Kamakura experience.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Hasedera Temple?
Allow 1-2 hours to fully explore the temple grounds, gardens, and multiple levels. Quick visits focusing on the main Kannon statue take 45-60 minutes. Photography enthusiasts may spend longer capturing the gardens and seasonal flowers. During hydrangea season, add 30 minutes for crowds. The peaceful atmosphere invites leisurely contemplation, so don't rush. Many visitors combine Hasedera with nearby Kotokuin (Great Buddha) in a half-day Kamakura itinerary.
What is the giant Kannon statue?
The main hall houses a massive 9.18-meter (30-foot) tall eleven-headed Kannon statue, one of Japan's largest wooden Buddhist sculptures. Carved from a single camphor tree in 721 CE according to legend, it's gilded in gold and designated an Important Cultural Property. The Kannon's eleven faces represent different aspects of compassion. Visitors can view it from multiple angles in the hall. The statue's size and artistry create a powerful spiritual presence.
When is the best time to visit Hasedera Temple?
Late June features spectacular hydrangea blooms (40+ varieties, 2,500 plants) on the slope paths - the most popular season but very crowded. Autumn (late November) brings beautiful maple foliage. Spring (March-April) offers plum and cherry blossoms. Summer evenings in August have special illumination events. Winter (December-February) sees fewer crowds and peaceful atmosphere. Early morning any season (8-9am opening) provides the most tranquil experience before tour groups arrive.
How much does admission to Hasedera cost?
Adult admission is ¥400, elementary school students ¥200. The Hasedera Museum inside requires an additional ¥300 for adults, ¥150 for elementary students. Combined tickets are not available, but the prices are reasonable. Special seasonal events may have supplemental fees. The temple garden and grounds alone justify the modest entrance fee. Children under elementary school age enter free. Payment is cash only at the entrance gate.
What are the famous Jizo statues at Hasedera?
The temple grounds feature thousands of small Jizo statues, protective deities of children and travelers. Many are dedicated to mizuko (unborn children), dressed in red bibs and hats by grieving parents. The Jizo-do hall and surrounding areas display these touching tributes creating a solemn, reflective atmosphere. Walking among them is a moving cultural experience. Visitors often find the Jizo statues emotionally powerful, representing hopes and prayers across generations.
Can I see the ocean from Hasedera Temple?
Yes, the elevated position provides beautiful views of Yuigahama Beach and Sagami Bay from the observation deck (Miharashi-dai). The coastal vistas framed by temple architecture and gardens create stunning photo opportunities. On clear days, you can see Izu Peninsula. The ocean view platform is accessible via stairs or an elevator. Sunset views from the deck are particularly beautiful, combining sea, sky, and temple elements.
Is Hasedera wheelchair accessible?
Partially accessible. An elevator connects the lower and upper levels, allowing wheelchair users to reach the main Kannon hall and observation deck. However, some gardens and the hydrangea paths have stairs and uneven terrain. The Benten-kutsu cave is not accessible. Accessible restrooms are available. The temple has made efforts to improve accessibility while preserving historic structures. Contact the temple office for specific assistance needs or recommendations.
What is the Benten-kutsu cave?
A natural cave shrine dedicated to Benzaiten (goddess of water, music, and eloquence) located in the temple's lower level. The cave walls are carved with hundreds of small Buddhist images creating an atmospheric, otherworldly space. Candles illuminate the dim interior. Visitors can enter and walk through the winding passages. It's somewhat cramped and requires ducking in places. The cave provides a unique spiritual and visual experience unlike typical temple spaces.
Can I take photos at Hasedera Temple?
Yes, photography is generally permitted in outdoor areas and gardens for personal use. However, photography is prohibited inside the main Kannon hall where the statue is housed. The Benten cave also restricts photography. No flash photography anywhere. Tripods and commercial photography require permission. The gardens, Jizo statues, and ocean views are all photo-friendly. Respect signage and worshippers when photographing. The seasonal flowers make Hasedera incredibly photogenic.
How do I get to Hasedera from Tokyo?
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station (1 hour, ¥920). From Kamakura Station, either walk 20-25 minutes through town, or take the Enoden train to Hase Station (3 minutes, ¥200), then walk 5 minutes. The Enoden train is charming, running between houses and shops. Alternatively, buses from Kamakura Station reach Hasedera in 10 minutes. Most visitors walk, enjoying Kamakura's street atmosphere en route.
What are the temple's opening hours?
Hasedera is open daily year-round from 8:00am to 5:00pm (April-September) and 8:00am to 4:30pm (October-March). Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Special evening illuminations during hydrangea season and summer extend hours until 6-7pm. The temple is never closed, even on holidays. Morning visits immediately at opening offer the most peaceful experience. Verify current hours on the official website as seasonal events may adjust timing.
Is Hasedera suitable for children?
Yes, but the experience appeals more to older children interested in culture and gardens. The Jizo statues fascinate some children while the spiritual aspect may puzzle others. The gardens and ocean views provide visual interest. Stairs throughout require children to be steady walkers. The elevator helps families with young children or strollers. The temple shop sells cute charms and trinkets children enjoy. It's educational but may not hold very young children's attention for long.
What seasonal flowers bloom at Hasedera?
Hydrangeas (late June-early July) are the most famous with 2,500 plants creating blue and purple hillsides. Plum blossoms (February-March) appear in early spring. Cherry blossoms (late March-early April) provide classic hanami scenery. Autumn leaves (late November-December) turn gardens golden and red. Summer brings lotus flowers in the pond. Year-round, the temple maintains beautiful gardens with seasonal plantings ensuring visual beauty in every season.
What is the Hasedera Museum?
The Treasure Museum (Hasedera Museum) displays Buddhist artifacts, temple treasures, and religious art collected over centuries. Exhibits include ancient sutras, ceremonial objects, paintings, and historical documents. The museum provides context for Hasedera's 1,300-year history. English explanations are limited but the visual displays are interesting. The separate ¥300 admission is worthwhile for those interested in Buddhist art and temple history. The collection rotates seasonally, so repeat visits offer new items.
Can I combine Hasedera with other Kamakura temples?
Absolutely recommended. Kotokuin Temple with the Great Buddha is just 5-7 minutes walk away. The Enoden train connects to numerous temples and shrines along the coast. Komachi-dori shopping street is walkable from Hasedera via Kamakura Station. Many visitors create full-day or multi-day Kamakura temple circuits. The compact city layout makes temple-hopping efficient. Popular combinations include Hasedera, Great Buddha, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, and Hokokuji bamboo temple.
Are there English explanations at the temple?
Basic English signage exists at major points including the main hall and notable statues. English pamphlets are available at the entrance. However, detailed historical and religious explanations are primarily in Japanese. The temple's website has English information you can read beforehand. Audio guides are not available. Despite language limitations, the visual and spiritual experience transcends language barriers. Many international visitors enjoy Hasedera without extensive English support.
What souvenirs can I buy at Hasedera?
The temple shop sells traditional omamori (protective charms) for various purposes - health, luck, relationships. Goshuincho (temple stamp books) and goshuin stamps are popular with collectors. Postcards featuring the Kannon statue, hydrangeas, and temple views are available. Small Jizo statues and Buddhist items make meaningful souvenirs. Seasonal items reflect current blooms (hydrangea goods in June, autumn leaf items in November). Prices range from ¥300-5,000 depending on item type.
How crowded does Hasedera get during hydrangea season?
Extremely crowded, especially weekends in late June. Entry may require waiting 30-60 minutes during peak times. The temple sometimes implements timed entry tickets for the hydrangea path. Weekday mornings (8-9am) are least crowded even during peak season. The crowds reflect the spectacular floral display - 2,500 hydrangea bushes create breathtaking hillside gardens. If you can't handle crowds, visit during other seasons for peaceful experiences. The beauty justifies the crowds for many visitors.
What makes Hasedera different from other Kamakura temples?
Hasedera uniquely combines multiple attractions: the massive wooden Kannon statue, extensive gardens, thousands of Jizo statues, cave shrine, ocean views, and seasonal flowers. It's more garden-focused than austere Zen temples like Kenchoji. The hill-slope layout creates varied elevation experiences. The seaside location provides views not found at inland temples. The emotional resonance of Jizo statues adds depth. It offers comprehensive temple experience - spiritual, artistic, natural, and scenic - in one location.
Are there food options near Hasedera Temple?
Yes, the area around Hasedera and Hase Station has numerous restaurants and cafes. Traditional options include soba noodle shops, Japanese sweets cafes, and small restaurants serving Kamakura specialties. Modern cafes offer lunch sets and desserts. The walk between Hasedera and Kamakura Station passes many dining options. Temple grounds don't have restaurants, but vending machines sell drinks. Budget ¥800-2,000 for meals at nearby establishments. Some places get crowded during lunch hours (12-1:30pm).
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
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Sankeien Garden
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