Hasedera Temple: A Seaside Sanctuary of Mercy and History

Discover Kamakura's Hasedera Temple: Home to a giant Kannon statue, serene gardens, and panoramic ocean views. A journey through history and beauty.

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Hasedera

Hasedera Temple in Kamakura is a Jodo sect Buddhist temple famed for its massive, eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Founded in the 8th century, the temple offers stunning views of Kamakura's coastline, a serene garden, and a network of caves adorned with Buddhist statues. It's a must-see destination blending natural beauty with cultural and spiritual significance.

A brief summary to Hasedera

3 Chome-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, 3 Chome Hase, Kanagawa, 248-0016, JP
+81467-22-6300
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Monday 8 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 8 am-4:30 pm
Friday 8 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 8 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 8 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

Visit during the hydrangea season (June-July) for a spectacular display of colorful blooms.
Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Wear comfortable shoes, as there are many stairs and slopes to navigate within the temple grounds.
Take time to explore Benten-kutsu Cave, a unique and spiritual experience.
Check out the Ryo-en Jizo statues, which visitors can find in three different locations within the Temple.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Kamakura Station, take the Enoden Railway to Hase Station. The ride costs ¥200 and takes about 5 minutes. From Hase Station, Hasedera Temple is a 5-minute walk. Follow the signs from the station through the charming streets of Kamakura. A day pass for the Enoden line costs ¥650.
Walking

From the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), Hasedera Temple is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. The route is well-marked and offers scenic views of the town. Be prepared for some slopes and stairs along the way.
Driving

Hasedera Temple is accessible by car, but parking is limited, especially during peak season. Parking is available near the temple for ¥350 per 30 minutes. Consider using public transportation to avoid potential parking difficulties.

Discover more about Hasedera

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Kamakura, Hasedera Temple offers visitors a captivating blend of history, art, and natural beauty. Founded in 736 AD, the temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, and houses one of Japan's largest wooden statues of her, standing at an impressive 9.18 meters. Legend says that the monk Tokudo Shonin carved two Kannon statues from a single camphor tree in 721 AD; one was enshrined in Nara, and the other was cast into the sea, eventually washing ashore near Kamakura. The temple grounds are artfully designed, featuring a welcoming garden with a pond, the Benten-do Hall dedicated to the goddess of music and wisdom, and the Benten-kutsu Cave, filled with carved statues of Buddhist figures. A long, covered corridor with almost 400 steps leads to the main hall, passing various other buildings and offering breathtaking views, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Inside the Kannon-do Hall, visitors can view the magnificent eleven-headed Kannon statue. Adjacent to the main hall is the Kannon Museum, which displays temple treasures and information about Kannon (additional fee required). Scattered throughout the temple grounds are thousands of small Jizo statues, dedicated to children lost through miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. Hasedera is also known as the "flower temple," with seasonal blooms like hydrangeas, peonies, cherry blossoms and colorful autumn foliage.