This would be one of my top lists of the temples in Kamakura. It’s so peaceful and clean surrounded with trees and moss.
I recommend going there the early morning. I went there at like 8am when they were just open. It was less crowds so you could enjoy the good vibes. I could feel the good energy just walking around the temple. There are some steps walking up the temple. So the strollers are not allowed to the top. It might be a little challenging for a baby to go up the hill. Other than that, it’s very beautiful. There are hydrangeas starting to bloom.
I definitely recommend this place if you are visiting Kamakura
Hasedera Temple is one of those places that feels calm, meaningful, and quietly powerful the moment you arrive. It is beautifully set on the hillside with gardens that change with the seasons, giving you soft ocean views mixed with peaceful nature.
The temple grounds are especially memorable for the walking paths, the hydrangeas in bloom if you visit at the right time, and the way everything feels layered and serene without being overwhelming. There is also a gentle rhythm to exploring it, from the main hall to the viewpoints, that makes you slow down without even realizing it.
What makes it stand out is the balance between spiritual atmosphere and natural beauty. It feels reflective without being heavy, and it leaves you with a sense of stillness that stays with you even after you leave.
Beautiful and well-known temple in Kamakura, located near the Great Buddha area.
The entrance fee is 400 yen (credit card or electronic payment possible) as of April 2026. The temple grounds are built on a hillside with several terraces, gardens, and walking paths.
Hasedera is famous for its large wooden statue of the eleven-headed Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), which is about 9 meters tall and considered one of the largest wooden Buddhist statues in Japan.
The temple is also known for its seasonal flowers and for the beautiful view over Kamakura and the sea from the upper observation area.
Overall, a very pleasant temple to visit when exploring Kamakura.
Hase Temple is a really beautiful temple grounds if you’re looking for something peaceful and easy to enjoy, even if you’re not big into temples. It’s got a relaxed vibe, with pretty walking paths, small gardens, and great views of the ocean. There is also a small cave located on the grounds.
Overall, Hase Temple is a great stop if you want something simple, beautiful, and relaxing without feeling like you need to know a lot about history to appreciate it. It can get busy and recommend to get there early. It is also great because of it’s proximity to another popular location.
Easily the highlight of our Kamakura day trip. Hase Temple is a beautifully layered complex built into the hillside, home to a stunning 9-metre gilded Kannon statue — one of the largest wooden Buddhist sculptures in Japan. The grounds feel surprisingly spacious, with a koi pond, a cave dedicated to Benzaiten, and hundreds of small Jizō statues that give the place a unique, almost eerie atmosphere.
The observation deck offers a lovely panoramic view over Kamakura and the coastline — a perfect spot to slow down and take it all in. If you’re visiting Kamakura, this is the one temple not to miss.
More about Hasedera Temple, Kamakura from our blog
