What other travelers are saying about Hasedera Temple, Kamakura
Hasedera Temple is a very beautiful and peaceful temple in Kamakura. The atmosphere here feels calm and relaxing, a nice break from busy places.
The temple is located on a higher place, so you can see beautiful sea scenery from above. The view is really nice and refreshing, especially on a clear day.
Inside the temple area, you will also find a beautiful garden/park with many Buddhist statues. Walking around this area feels very peaceful and spiritual, and it’s nice to take your time here, not rushing.
They also have unique souvenirs, much better compared to many other temples. Not just typical items. I bought a nice bracelet here, simple but meaningful.
If you visit Kamakura, Hasedera Temple is a place worth stopping by. Calm, scenic, and very memorable.
Hasedera Temple is known for housing one of the largest wooden statues in Japan, the eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, which stands at approximately 9.18 meters tall.
Hasedera Temple is located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is situated on a hillside overlooking the coastal city, providing visitors with scenic views.
Unique features of Hasedera Temple include its beautiful gardens, a cave with Buddhist carvings known as Benten-kutsu Cave, and the Amida-do Hall which houses an impressive golden statue of Amida Buddha.
Hasedera Temple was founded in the Nara period around the year 736 AD. It has a long history and has been an important site for pilgrimage and worship over the centuries.
Hasedera Temple is renowned for its seasonal attractions, especially its hydrangea garden which attracts many visitors during the rainy season in June. The temple grounds are also adorned with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.
This was a trip in early December when we wanted to see autumn leaves during a day trip from Tokyo. Hasedera Temple was a really enjoyable visit with different things to see - a Buddhist temple cave with wall carved statues and many small relics figures. You can walk through the low and small tunnel of caves for a unique experience.
There was also a viewing area of the Kamakura coast and town and spacious garden to walk around with areas to pray.
From the train station you can take a 45 minute walk towards the coast to enjoy a seaside walk then towards Hasedera temple.
Beautiful place with an observation deck overlooking the coastline. It is important to be quiet and be respectful of your surroundings as it is a shrine where locals come to pray. You have to buy a ticket to enter that, as of now, is priced at ¥400. There are ticket machines with English translations at the entrance and you get a paper ticket that can be kept as a souvenir. There are also information pamphlets in English for visitors to get to know the shrine. Best visited in the morning when there isn’t as many people so you can stroll in a calming atmosphere.
Largest and widespread beautiful temple complex in Kamakura. The many little buildings all carry different deities and are each worth a visit. The central 11 headed Buddha is a must see (no photographs!) as is drifted several years in the see before arriving here. The gardens with all the Jizzos are so nicely arranged and ponds with Kois of different sizes are everywhere. The views from the top of the hill over the town are also gorgeous. Don't miss the Benzaiten grotto with all here helpers where you can donate a statue for well wishes. Mind your head, the grotto has a low ceiling.
If you are in the area, stop by. It's a lovely temple and grounds. We made a day trip from tokyo to see the temple and the big Buddha and preferred the temple way more than the statue. The grounds are beautiful. There's enough space that you dont feel like you are tripping over others. Take cash.
