What other travelers are saying about Hase-dera Temple
Hasedera is such a beautiful temple! I really enjoyed the traditional architecture and serene gardens. It was a very peaceful and memorable visit, definitely worth experiencing for yourself. You can enjoy great views of the beaches in Kamakura from above here!
We visited Hasedera in Kamakura during a weekday, and it was a bit crowded, with many local students on school trips exploring the grounds. Even so, the temple was peaceful and incredibly beautiful. The garden paths, statues, and stunning coastal views made the visit worthwhile. It’s a lovely place to wander, reflect, and take photos.
BEAUTIFUL and HUGE temple! This temple is famous for the 11 headed Kannon statue. There are a lot of statues including Ryo-en Jizo (group of three little jizo) There are 3 different locations within the Temple. There are beautiful gardens, even Kamakura viewing platform. (Kamakura Shichifukujin Pilgrimage site for Daikokuten- God of Wealth)
I had a great time wandering around the temple in May this year. This was totally worth your time to nourish your mind and body with the beautiful zen garden, stunning Japanese architecture, and as a Buddhist, I am stunned by the large Buddha statue sitting in the main temple. I used to practice meditation but somehow lately have not been actively doing so, but there I could feel the steadiness and peace in the air flowing through my mind. Highly recommend this temple if you are going to Kamakura.
This temple overall was a very nice place with gorgeous views. I was happy that they took credit card to gain entrance into the temple (note many places in Kamakura take only cash). I was a bit disappointed that there were so many places/vendors charging for everything once you entered. I never thought I’d have to pay for a prayer or blessing. It was nice to visit and experience.
Hase-dera Temple is in Kamakura, near Hase Station on the Enoden railway line. It is close to other famous Kamakura attractions like the Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu) and Yuigahama Beach, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring the area.
Yes, Hase-dera Temple has ramps and handrails to help visitors with mobility issues. However, since it is built on a hillside, some areas may still be challenging to access.
Photography is allowed in most areas of Hase-dera Temple, but taking pictures inside the Kannon Hall is prohibited out of respect for the sacred statue. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere rather than just focusing on photos.
While Hase-dera is not a Zen temple, visitors can still find quiet spots for self-reflection and meditation. Some special events offer sutra copying (shakyo), a peaceful activity where people write Buddhist scriptures to focus their minds.
