Meigetsu-in, Sagami Travel Guide

4.3 (4514)

Discover tranquility at Kamakura's Meigetsu-in Temple, famed for its breathtaking blue hydrangeas and serene Zen gardens. A historical and natural escape.

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Meigetsu-in

Meigetsu-in, a Rinzai Zen temple in Kamakura, is famed as 'Hydrangea Temple' (Ajisaidera) for its stunning blue hydrangeas that bloom in June. Founded in 1160, it offers a serene escape with seasonal beauty and historical significance.

A brief summary to Meigetsu-in

189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Yamanouchi, Kanagawa, 247-0062, JP
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Monday 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit early in the morning, especially during hydrangea season, to avoid crowds.
Don't miss the inner garden, open in June for irises and late November/early December for autumn colors.
Look for rabbit motifs throughout the temple grounds, a nod to the temple's connection to the moon.
Take a moment to appreciate the view from the circular 'Window of Enlightenment' in the main hall.

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Explore Meigetsu-in on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line, Meigetsu-in Temple is a 10-minute walk. Exit the station and follow the signs. The path leads through a quiet residential area alongside a narrow river. The temple entrance will be on your right.
Public Transport

From Kamakura Station, take a bus bound for Kita-Kamakura from platform 6 outside the east exit. Alight at the 'Meigetsuin-mae' bus stop; the temple is a short walk from there. Bus fares around Kamakura typically cost around ¥200-300.

Discover more about Meigetsu-in

Meigetsu-in, nestled in Kamakura, is a captivating Rinzai Zen temple with a rich history dating back to 1160. Originally founded by Yamanouchi Tsunetoshi, it served as a memorial to his father. The temple later became part of the larger Zenkoji Temple complex before emerging as an individual temple after the Meiji Restoration.Meigetsu-in is best known as Ajisaidera, or the 'Hydrangea Temple'. During the rainy season in June, over 2,500 Hime Ajisai, or Princess Hydrangea, bushes explode in a sea of vivid blue. This mesmerizing sight draws visitors from all over.Beyond the hydrangeas, the temple offers a tranquil experience throughout the year. The main hall features a circular window, the 'Window of Enlightenment' (Satori no Mado), framing the inner garden. This garden is open to the public during the iris blooming season in June and during late November/early December for autumn colors.Visitors can also explore the Founder's Hall (Soyudo), a thatched-roof building enshrining the temple's founder, and a large yagura cave, an ancient tomb carved into the hillside. Rabbits, associated with the moon in Japanese folklore, are another charming feature of Meigetsu-in, with rabbit designs throughout the temple and live rabbits on the grounds.