Meigetsuin Temple in Kamakura is also known as Ajisaidera ("Hydrangea Temple") because hydrangea bloom in abundance on the temple grounds around June every year. The Zen temple with lush grounds has a beautiful inner garden. In this article, we will explain the history and highlights of Meigetsuin Temple and information about viewing hydrangeas.
About Meigetsuin Temlple
Meigetsuin Temple, a Zen temple in Kita-kamakura, is located at a narrow Yato (valley) where the atmosphere is a calm and quiet. Its origin is the "Meigetsu-an" founded in 1160. After that, Hojo Tokimune, eighth shikken (regent) of the Kamakura shogunate founded Zenkoji Temple following Daikaku Zenji's Kaisan. Samurai Uesugi Norikata was commenced to expand Zenkoji Temple In 1380 and Meigetsu-an was renamed to Meigetsu-in. After that, Zenkoji Temple was abolished in the first year of Meiji (1868) and only Meigetsuin Temple remains till this day at its glory. There is a tomb of Uesugi Norikata on site which tells the past tale.
Highlights of Meigetsuin Temple
The highlight is the "main hall" with two gardens: karesansui (dry landscape) garden and garden inside. Only the circular Satori no Mado (Window of Enlightenment) in the primary room can view the inner garden. It is said that this circular window symbolizes illumination and reality. Moreover, approximately 7 m wide, 6 m deep and 3 m high, "Meigetsuin Yagura" is Kamakura's biggest cave tomb (Yagura) with its inner wall sculpted with Buddha images, etc. in a quiet atmosphere. Also consecrated is Hokyointo (Japanese pagoda), which for Uesugi Norikata is deemed a memorial tower.
In addition, there is a teahouse "Gesshoken" located near the entrance of the temple. You can sit on an outdoor bench with a scarlet rug to enjoy Matcha and Japanese sweets (700 yen, 10:00~15:00).
The flowers of Meigetsuin Temple
Hydrangea which blooms on both sides of the route from the Somon Gate to the Sanmon Gate around June. As summer comes at Kamakura, the amount of flowers exceeds about 2500. Hime Ajisai ("Princess Hydrangea"), the ancient Japanese species, colors the site with a pale blue color known as "Megetsuin blue." Every year in mid-June they achieve complete bloom. Apart from hydrangea, it is also a must-see for iris that flowers from mid-May to early June. The primary hall's inner garden will be packed with glossy white and purple flowers. During the flowering season of iris and autumn leaves, the inner garden will be accessible to the public on unique occasions.
Access to Meigetsuin Temple
After getting off at JR Kita-kamakura Station, walk towards Kamakura Station on the left-side road for about 400m. Turn left in front of the railroad crossing of Kamakura Kaido and JR Yokosuka line. Walk along the road from there for about 300m and you will arrive at Meigetsuin Temple. It is about a 10-minute walk from JR Kita-kamakura Station in total.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Meigetsuin Temple
- Street Address: 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture 247-0062
- Ticket: 500 yen; Iris garden special admission: 500 yen
- Opening hours: 9:00~16:00 (June: 8:30~17:00)
- Closing days: None
(2021 Information) The temple will be open in 2021.
Opening Hours：10:00～15:00
Special Admission Fee：500 JPY
※Will open between the end of May and the beginning of June.
※ The official closing time of the area is 10 pm, however, depending on the flowers, and how busy the location is, there are many times in which the temple closes at either 9 or 9:30 pm.
※ To help in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, you are unable to visit the circular window where you can look out onto the garden, however, this doesn't affect the ability for you to see and appreciate the Japanese iris flowers within the fall season.
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