Hasedera（長谷寺）
Hydrangeas, Kannon, and Ocean Views in Kamakura
Nestled in the hills of Kamakura, Hasedera Temple—also known as Hase Kannon—combines sacred history with natural beauty. It is said to be the second oldest temple in the city and serves as the fourth stop on the Kantō thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage. Visitors come not only for spiritual reasons but also to enjoy the garden’s seasonal displays, especially the famous hydrangea path in early summer.
The temple is best known for its impressive eleven-headed Kannon statue, which stands over 9 metres tall. Carved from camphor wood, this figure represents the Goddess of Mercy and attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Hasedera belongs to the Jōdo school of Buddhism and was originally founded in 736, making it a cornerstone of Kamakura’s spiritual heritage.
Just past the main gate, visitors will find the Hasedera garden and the tranquil Hōjō-ike Pond, surrounded by manicured greenery and subtle stonework. For those willing to make the climb, a path leads up the hillside to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Yuigahama coastline. In clear weather, the sweeping ocean view is well worth the effort.
Meanwhile, the modern dry landscape garden, located near the temple’s upper levels, offers a place for quiet contemplation. Together, these elements make Hasedera a perfect blend of history, faith, and scenic charm.
Read more in our eBook!
Hasedera Garden Guide
This eBook introduces Hasedera, one of Kamakura’s oldest temples. Known for its eleven-headed Kannon statue, it also features a modern dry landscape garden and seasonal hydrangeas.
Perfect for pilgrims, garden lovers, and anyone planning a visit to Kamakura.
Learn more before your visit—or revisit from home.
Read more in our Blog:
Gallery
Directions
How to get to the garden
You can take a bus or the train from Kamakura station to get to Hase.
Kamakura bus number 4 (鎌４) takes you to the Hase-Kannon (長谷観音) bus stop in 7 minutes.
If you prefer to go by train, take Enoshima-Dentetsu line and get off at the third stop Hase station (長谷). It should take only 5 minutes.
If you are visiting the Great Buddha (Daibutsu, at Kotoku-in) in Hase, the temple is just a 10 minute walk away.
Address
- EN: 11-2, Hase 3-chome, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016
- JP: 〒248-0016 神奈川県鎌倉市長谷３丁目１１−２
Opening times
- 8:00 – 17:00 (last entry: 16:30)
- April - June: 8:00 – 17:30 (last entry: 17:00)
Admission fee
- Adults: 400 yen
- Elementary School Students: 200 yen
Facilities & Accessibility
- Restaurant: Kaiko-an 10:00 - 16:00
- Cafe: Tera-ya 10:00 - 16:00
- Kannon Museum 9:00 - 16:30, Adults 300 yen, Elementary School Children 150 yen
- Shop
- Sutra Copying (Shakyo)
- Sutra Copying
- Tracing a Buddha figure (Shabutsu)
- Wi-Fi
- Coin Lockers
- Multi purpose restrooms
- The temple is partly barrier-free (the area behind the entrance).
Best time to visit
- Flowers are blooming the whole year.
- It is especially beautiful in June when the hydrangea are flowering.
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