Hasedera, Bungo Travel Guide

4.4 (13360)

Discover a serene Buddhist temple in Kamakura with a giant Kannon statue, beautiful gardens, and panoramic ocean views. A must-see cultural experience!

Hasedera Temple in Kamakura is a captivating hillside temple renowned for its massive wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. With stunning views of Sagami Bay, beautiful gardens, and a fascinating cave, it offers a rich cultural and spiritual experience.

A brief summary to Hasedera

3 Chome-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, 3 Chome Hase, Kanagawa, 248-0016, JP
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hasedera.

Visit during hydrangea season (June-July) for stunning floral displays, but be prepared for crowds.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple, which is a short walk away.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing stairs within the temple grounds.
Check the opening hours in advance, as they vary slightly depending on the season.
Take time to explore the Benten-kutsu Cave and discover the statues of Benzaiten, the goddess of music and wealth.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Yokohama Chinatown

Umi Jigoku

Kotoku-in

Yokohama Landmark Tower

Explore Hasedera on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Hasedera, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Kamakura Station, take the Enoden Line to Hase Station, which is the third station. The ride costs approximately 200 yen. From Hase Station, Hasedera Temple is a 5-minute walk. Follow the signs from the station to the temple.
Walking

From Kamakura Station, it is approximately a 25-minute walk to Hasedera Temple. Alternatively, if you are visiting the Great Buddha (Kotoku-in Temple), Hasedera Temple is only a 3-minute walk away. Follow the main road and signs.
Parking

If driving, parking is available at Hasedera Temple for 350 yen per 30 minutes. There are limited spaces (30 spaces). Be aware that parking may be difficult during peak seasons.

Discover more about Hasedera

Hasedera Temple, also known as Hase-kannon, is a must-see destination in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. This Jodo sect Buddhist temple is famous for its impressive 9.18-meter tall, eleven-headed statue of Kannon, one of the largest wooden sculptures in Japan. Legend says that the statue was carved in 721 by a monk named Tokudo Shonin from the same camphor tree as the Kannon statue in Nara's Hasedera Temple. The upper half was thrown into the sea and washed up on the Miura Peninsula in 736, leading to the establishment of Hasedera in Kamakura.Visitors can explore the temple's artfully crafted grounds, which blend traditional temple architecture with lush natural scenery. The welcoming garden features a pond, the Benten-do Hall dedicated to the goddess of music and wisdom, and the Benten-kutsu Cave with carved statues of Buddhist figures.The temple is built on two levels, offering excellent views of Kamakura's townscape and Sagami Bay. The grounds are home to thousands of small Jizo statues, dedicated to children lost in miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. Hasedera is also known as the "temple of flowers", with seasonal blooms throughout the year. The hydrangea path is especially beautiful in early summer.Other notable features include the Kannon Museum, which houses ancient scrolls and statues related to the temple's history. The Amida-do Hall features a golden statue of Amida Buddha. The temple bell, cast in 1624, is one of the oldest in the Kanto region and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Don't miss the opportunity to find the Ryo-en Jizo, a group of three little Jizo statues in different locations within the temple.