Meigetsuin Temple
Information
MAP
Basic information
Please note that the information and photos provided here might be outdated, so always confirm before your visit.
| Address | 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa-ken 247-0062, Japan |
| Access | 10 minutes on foot from JR Kitakamakura Station |
| Phone | TEL 0467-24-3437 |
| Recommended flowers | Hydrangeas: Early June to early July |
| Highlights | About an hour by train from central Tokyo is the city of Kamakura, where many traditional Japanese temples and shrines remain. Meigetsuin Temple is one of the most popular and beautiful temples in Kamakura. Here, every June, a very large number of hydrangea flowers bloom. |
Photos
Guide to Enjoyment
Located in the heart of the historical city of Kamakura, Meigetsu-in, often referred to as “The Hydrangea Temple,” is a sanctuary of peace and color during the rainy season.
Introduction to Meigetsu-in’s Hydrangeas
Dating back to the Kamakura period, Meigetsu-in is a Zen temple under the Rinzai sect. Beyond its spiritual offerings, the temple is especially celebrated for its vibrant display of blue hydrangeas during June.
The Seasonal Spectacle
Hydrangeas
– Come June, the temple grounds are awash with a sea of blue hydrangeas. These flowers, known as ‘ajisai’ in Japanese, bloom during the rainy season, creating an enchanting contrast against the temple’s ancient structures.
Temple Highlights with Hydrangeas
The Garden Path
– The walking path, surrounded by hydrangeas on both sides, offers a picturesque walk, making visitors feel as though they are walking through a blue-hued dream.
Circular Window
– The main hall of the temple features a unique circular window. Viewing the garden through this window, with the backdrop of hydrangeas, provides a magical and meditative experience.
Visitor’s Guide
Reaching Meigetsu-in
Meigetsu-in is a short distance from Kamakura Station. A leisurely walk through Kamakura’s historic streets will lead visitors straight to this hydrangea paradise.
Nearby Attractions
Other Kamakura Temples
– Besides Meigetsu-in, Kamakura boasts numerous other historic temples and shrines, each with its own story and charm.
Local Eateries
– After enjoying the hydrangeas, visitors can indulge in local delicacies in the nearby cafes and restaurants, many of which offer views of the temple grounds.
