Meigetsu-in Temple (Ajisai-dera)

Meigetsu-in Temple is a Rinzai sect Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, founded in 1160 during the late Heian period. Established as a hermitage by Yamanouchi Tsunetoshi, a Uesugi clan retainer, the temple was later converted to a full temple. Known as "Ajisai-dera" (Hydrangea Temple) for its hydrangea gardens, the grounds occupy the former site of Zenkoji, a larger temple destroyed during the medieval period. Meigetsu-in preserves Kamakura's Zen Buddhism heritage from the Kamakura period (1185-1333).

The temple features Zen garden design, traditional architecture, and is a premier Kamakura hydrangea site. The grounds contain approximately 2,500 hydrangea plants, primarily Hime-ajisai (Princess Hydrangea) with blue flowers blooming in June. The main hall contains a wooden Sho Kannon (Sacred Goddess of Mercy) statue, an Important Cultural Property. The circular window, known as the "Window of Enlightenment" or Satori-no-mado, frames rear garden views changing seasonally—green in spring, lush summer, autumn colors, snow-covered winter. The temple embodies Zen aesthetics.

Visitors walk garden paths lined with hydrangeas during June. The main hall allows viewing of the circular window composition with framed garden views and the Sho Kannon statue. The rear garden, accessible during limited periods, features rock arrangements, ponds, moss, and seasonal plantings. The grounds include tea ceremony spaces. Photography of the circular window and hydrangeas is primary. Off-season offers autumn foliage, greenery, and winter beauty with fewer crowds.

Meigetsu-in Temple is located in Kita-Kamakura area of Kamakura City, approximately 10 minutes walking from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line. From Tokyo, take the JR Yokosuka Line from major stations to Kita-Kamakura in approximately 60 minutes. The temple is part of Kita-Kamakura's temple cluster, easily combined with visits to nearby Engaku-ji and Kencho-ji temples.